Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA)
The Santa Cruz Mountains has been recognized as a premier wine region since the late 1800s. It was also arguably the first region during California’s vinous renaissance of the 1970s to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a flavor, character and textural profile reminiscent of Burgundy.

In 1981 the Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Appellation became federally recognized as one of the first American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The appellation encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountain range from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south. The east and west boundaries are defined by elevation, extending down to 800 feet in the east and 400 feet in the west.

Today, the appellation is home to some of California’s best structured, most intensely flavored Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.