Santa Cruz Mountains (AVA)
 

The Santa Cruz Mountains:
San Francisco’s Heart, High On A Hill It Calls...

by Clark Smith
October 3, 2008

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is a myriad of mountain glens and mudstone hilltops with chilly enclaves tucked in between. Within each of these, the variability in soil type, exposure, fog influence, and diurnal temperature swings manifests so uniquely that each ten-acre plot can experience a climate all its own. Indeed, this is terroir diversity that boggles the mind; diversity that is well represented in a multiplicity of styles found the in the region’s best Chardonnays.

[>] see full story

Related Stories...
Meet SCM vineyardist Prudy Foxx
Michael Martella of Thomas Fogarty
Love Affair of Martin Ranch
SCM's Best-of-Appellation Chardonnays


Astonishingly, given the hardships of viticulture in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this appellation hosts some of North America’s elite wineries. Rugged mountains, thin soils, high land prices and Pierce’s disease (not to mention, earthquakes!) are among the challenges which grape growers face. Yet more than fifty wineries operate here, producing wines that include well-regarded Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation is large, crossing the borders of three counties (Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo). However, with less than 1500 acres under vine, the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA is small compared to similarly recognized appellations. Microclimates are particularly important here, as the climate can change substantially depending on which side of the range and at what elevation vineyards lay. The coolest climates are at the lower elevations on the Pacific side. In this environment, vineyards which can be as low as 800 feet (most are closer to 2,000 feet) are greatly affected by ocean winds and fog, making varietal selection critical. Low-lying inland vineyards are generally the warmest in the appellation, but still benefit from the moderating effects of San Francisco Bay.

Current Feature


Appellation Features

[>] see all Santa Cruz Mountains features (23)

Related Features


 

Best of Appellation

See the best wines of Santa Cruz Mountains

See the best wines of
Santa Cruz Mountains

Alive & Well here


Pinot Noir: You're beautiful...a goddess...but so exasperating! Loving you is like worshiping an unfaithful temptress!  [>] continue

Correspondent

Laura Ness
is the Regional Correspondent for Santa Cruz Mountains.

Recommendations

Quick Finds

Appellation Honor Role

Search the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine List

 
select wine style:
select grape:
 

Featured Wines

Alfaro Family Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay - Lindsay Paige Vineyard A big full bore Chardonnay that is ultra rich and incredibly deep and focused with lovely flavors and a long lush finish.
buy wine $25.00


Bargetto Winery 2004 Reserve Merlot The 2004 Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Merlot is a big, dark red wine from Regan Estate Vineyards.
buy wine $35.00

Buy Santa Cruz Mountains wines
directly from these wineries

Advertisement



Advertisement

Winery Sponsors



 

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.