Overlooking the renowned Silicon Valley, The Santa Cruz Mountains is the first California appellation defined by its high-altitude vineyards and unique location at the convergence of coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay. The region offers an array of individual microclimates, warm days and cool nights, marine influences, high elevations, distinctive soils and fruit from less than 800 acres, all contributing to the distinct flavor profiles of Pinot Noir unlike any other. Guests will enjoy an afternoon with the boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA pouring new releases alongside rare and older vintages to compare and contrast wines as they age. Shaped by its unique terrain and a maverick mindset, the Santa Cruz Mountains is a wine region for independent spirits with a taste for the extraordinary. These wines are rarely found outside of the cellar door – this is your chance to try hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Moderator: Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast and Santa Barbara Independent
Featured Talent, Wineries and Wines:
- John Benedetti, Owner and Winemaker, Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
- 2019 Sante Arcangeli “Split Rail” Pinot Noir
- 2021 Sante Arcangeli “Lester Family Vineyards” Pinot Noir
- Cole Thomas, Winemaker, Madson Wines
- 2019 Madson Wines “Ascona" Pinot Noir
- 2022 Madson Wines “Ascona" Pinot Noir
- Bradley Brown, Founder/Proprietor Big Basin Vineyards
- 2018 Big Basin Vineyards "Lester Family Vineyards" Pinot Noir
- 2021 Big Basin Vineyards "Old Corral” Estate Pinot Noir
- Sophie Patterson Sharabi, Director of Hospitality, Mount Eden Vineyards
- 2016 Mount Eden Pinot Noir
- 2020 Mount Eden Pinot Noir
- Nathan Kandler, Winegrower, Thomas Fogarty Winery
- 2014 Thomas Fogarty Winery "Rapley Trail" Pinot Noir
- 2021 Thomas Fogarty Winery "Rapley Trail" Pinot Noir
- Shalini Shekar, Winemaker, Neely Wine
- 2021 Neely "Picnic Block” Pinot Noir
- 2018 Neely "Hidden Block” Pinot Noir
- Steve Johnson, Wine Ambassador, Lester Estate Wines
- 2016 Lester Estate Wines “Domingo” Pinot Noir
- 2021 Lester Estate Wines “Traviso” Pinot Noir
- Ed Muns, Winemaker, Muns Vineyard
- 2018 Muns Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir
- 2012 Muns Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir
- David Goldfarb, M.Sc., Winegrower, Clos de la Tech
- 2008 Domaine Lois Louise
- 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains Estates
- Ryan Beauregard, Winemaker, Beauregard
- 2017 Pinot Noir Coast Grade
- 2021 Pinot Noir Coast Grade
- Jeff Brinkman, Winemaker, Rhys
- 2014 Rhys Swan Terrace Pinot Noir
- 2021 Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir
Location: Angel Oak restaurant
