Wine Lover: Vintner’s Fest returns to Santa Cruz Mountains

For Vintner’s Fest, an annual event in the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, many wineries throw open their doors. In that way, it’s similar to the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association’s Passport Day, but Vintner’s Fest separates the celebration into two weekends.
The west side of the mountains will be celebrating on June 4 and 5, while the east side (Saratoga/Santa Clara) will celebrate June 11 and 12. A ticket is good for all four days and costs $35. If you can make it out for even two of the four days, it is quite a good deal.
One of the nice things about Vintner’s Fest is that it isn’t quite as crowded as Passport Day, and the festival is spread out over two weekends. That means fewer people and a more personal wine-tasting experience.
Vintner’s Fest is a great chance to visit some wineries off the beaten path. If you haven’t been to Heart O’ the Mountain, Poetic Cellars, Vine Hill Winery or Zayante Vineyards, now is your chance.
I have mentioned Heart O’ the Mountain in past columns, and I will continue to mention it, because this winery is doing some amazing things with its pinot noir.
This is one of the rare Santa Cruz wineries that makes pinot noir exclusively from the vineyards that surround its famous Hitchcock Estate.
Poetic Cellars is gaining traction after its grand opening a couple of years ago. Proprietor Katy Lovell is always on site and excited to show people her latest wine projects. One of my favorites is her stellar Mourvedre, a grape made notable by the Rhone region in France. Poetic Cellars will also have live music, poetry, and a local art exhibit.
Vine Hill Winery produces pinot noir on the same level as Heart O’ the Mountain — amazing. Not only that, but the view and picnic area are impeccable. Vine Hill will also have live bluegrass music to enjoy while you taste. The winery is truly off the beaten path, so make sure your directions are right before you head into the mountains.
Zayante is a winery that I have visited only a couple of times and need to get back to. The beautiful country setting is easy to settle into. They are rarely open, and this weekend is an excellent chance to experience some San Lorenzo Valley estate wine.
Anyone looking for route suggestions or specific wineries to visit, feel free to e-mail me at au****@SC***.com. 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.