Trying to plan a trip later this year, but completely unfamiliar with the terrain.

Where would be the most convenient area to stay for visits to Santa Cruz Mountain winemakers.....San Jose, Santa Cruz, somewhere else?

Thanks and cheers,

dr bob

Hmmm, I would probably look in Boulder Creek first, seems a bit more central. It's a pretty small town, you'll have to do a search for lodging.

Restaurants would be limited too.

Scotts Valley and Saratoga are a bit further away but are closer to restaurants.

On the other hand, Boulder Creek is fairly close to the city of Santa Cruz and if you like hiking, there are some great places to see around there.

Thanks, Brad, very much. I definitely want to visit Windy Oaks and Mt Eden. Any "don't miss" suggestions, whether WR or NWR would be more than welcome from those familiar with the area.

Cheers, Bob

I have always liked the Ahlgren wines.

They still make Bates Ranch cab and I have always felt that this was solid fruit.

Big Basin Vineyards is making some great wines. You would probably need to call them first.

Kathryn Kennedy up in Saratoga is solid.

Ridge has a facility somewhere up there, but I have never seen it.

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards

Storrs Winery

Ahhh, Testarossa is in Los Gatos!

Big Basin Park is a great park to go for a hike in.

I would try to spend a day in Santa Cruz if you can. Great place to visit. I did my undergrad work there.

Storrs in Santa Cruz is a don't miss. It's not far of Rt. 1 north of town, I think. Ridge is a definite. Although they don't normally allow visitors Kathryn Kennedy is an excellent choice. Give them a call. IMHO, making some of the best Cabernets in CA.
BD

I would suggest staying in Santa Cruz or Los Gatos/Saratoga. Boulder Creek is Geographically in the middle of the appellation but I think your lodging and dining options are more limited. Good info on many of the wineries can be found at http://scmwa.com/. If you are visiting Windy Oaks I would check out Alfaro Family Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards as they are in the same neck of the woods. In Santa Cruz Storrs is a must stop-very under-rated. For other wineries in Santa Cruz proper check out http://surfcityvintners.com/. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards and Equinox Champagne Cellars are right down the street from each other and good stops. Also in the area are Pelican Ranch and Odanata Wines (Assist. winemaker of Santa Cruz Mtn., probobley need an appointment). Big Basin is opening a tasting room in Saratoga in August and is close to Mount Eden. I would also recommend Cooper-Garrod while visiting Mount Eden as it is 1/4 mile from drive way to Mount Eden. If you can get an appointment at Katheryn Kennedy that is also in the immediate area. Testa Rosa is fairly close by in Los Gatos. Keep in mind that while wineries may look close on a map many of the roads are narrow and winding so plan extra time getting from one winery to the next in the mountains.

Thanks you guys. Some good stuff here.