The history of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region is one of perseverance and innovation. With a storied past dating back to the 1880s, this mountainous AVA has defied the odds to become one of California’s most celebrated winemaking areas. Pioneering vignerons, led by Osea Perrone of Ridge Vineyards, braved the challenging terroir, setting the stage for the region’s viticultural legacy. Despite a setback during the Prohibition era, viticulture resurged in the 1940s, eventually leading to the AVA’s official recognition in 1981.
Situated between the scenic Monterey Bay and bustling San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA boasts a rugged landscape that challenges winemakers. Spanning across Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, the vineyards are mostly perched at higher elevations, on various aspects. This elevation plays a pivotal role in shaping the terroir, contributing to the individual and site-specific mesoclimates that define the region.
The climate and soil in the Santa Cruz Mountains further distinguish it as a unique winegrowing area. The influence of the Pacific Ocean brings cooling winds that impact vineyards differently depending on their orientation. Western slopes face the full force of the ocean winds, while east-facing slopes enjoy more shelter and warmth. These climatic nuances contribute to the region’s signature long, cool growing season.
The diverse soil profile is a testament to the region’s geological complexity. The presence of fault lines results in varying soil compositions, with clay and Franciscan shale layered over decomposing limestone bedrock. These soils, coupled with exposure to sunshine and wind, impose stress on the vines, yielding smaller, concentrated berries and lower yields.
While the Santa Cruz Mountains is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, it earns its reputation as the coldest Cabernet Sauvignon-producing region in California. The climate, particularly nearer to the coast, is better suited for Burgundy varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These grapes thrive in the cool environment, producing wines with rich varietal character and well-structured acidity.
In essence, the wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains embody the resilience of the winemakers and the unique terroir they’ve cultivated. Through a history marked by challenges and triumphs, this AVA has etched its place on the global wine map, crafting wines that speak to the region’s distinctive climate, soil, and elevation.
