Scotts Valley’s Vine Hill pinot thrives

Vine Hill Winery is home to some of the top-notch pinot noir that the Santa Cruz region has to offer. Located off Jarvis Road, the Vine Hill area has been producing outstanding grapes for more than a century. Recently, this local Scotts Valley gem has been getting excellent press in top-rated wine magazines — and for good reason.
Vine Hill produces two different labels: Gatos Locos and the higher-end Cumbre of Vine Hill. The Gatos Locos wines are in the $20 to $30 range, while the Cumbre wines are much closer to $50.
Vine Hill does a few other varietals, such as chardonnay and zinfandel, but the grape on which the winemakers concentrate, certainly in terms of the Cumbre label, is pinot noir.
With a well-respected winemaker and instructor like Sal Godinez at the helm, it isn’t any surprise that the Vine Hill pinots are receiving fame. The three prominent pinot noirs are the 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2006 Raffaelli Vineyard and the 2006 Hicks Family Vineyard. All three received 90-plus points from Wine Enthusiast and excellent points from Connoisseurs’ Guide, as well. The Hicks family actually got an astounding 94 from Wine Enthusiast.
It is exciting to see yet another Santa Cruz pinot noir-producing winery excel in major magazines with high ratings. Not only is the wine terrific, but the winery itself and the views are to die for.
With The Santa Cruz Experience Wine Tours, I bring groups to Vine Hill quite often, and it is always a favorite of our guests. The staff is more than friendly, and the picnic area overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay is unforgettable. It is quite a pleasure to enjoy lunch on a mountaintop while surrounded by world-class pinot.
Vine Hill is not open regularly, but you can visit on any Passport day or during the Vintner’s Festival.
The folks at the winery will also open privately on some occasions, but make sure to call ahead. It’s worth taking the chance to enjoy 90-plus-point pinot in our own backyard. Cheers!
Austin Twohig is a certified sommelier and partner in The Santa Cruz Experience, which conducts winery tours in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Contact him at au****@th********************.com.