🍷 Best Wine Bars in Santa Cruz
Wine tasting, local vintners & intimate settings
Santa Cruz Wine Scene
Santa Cruz offers excellent wine experiences, from intimate downtown wine bars to local winery tasting rooms. The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA produces world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and many local establishments showcase these exceptional wines.
Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a casual wine tasting with friends, or an educational experience with knowledgeable sommeliers, Santa Cruz's wine bars provide the perfect setting.
Top Wine Bars
1. Vino Cruz
Focuses on local Santa Cruz Mountains wines. Small plates and downtown location. Great for discovering local vintners.
2. Oswald
Farm-to-table restaurant with excellent wine program. Seasonal menu and curated wine list. Sophisticated dining.
3. Shadowbrook
Fine dining with extensive wine cellar. Romantic creek-side setting. Perfect for special occasions.
4. Laili Restaurant
Afghan cuisine with excellent wine pairings. Beautiful patio and unique wine selections. Romantic atmosphere.
5. Bargetto Winery
Local winery tasting room with beautiful grounds. Santa Cruz Mountains wines. Perfect for afternoon tastings.
Wine by Type
🍷 Santa Cruz Mountains
Local Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and unique varietals from mountain vineyards.
Vino Cruz, Bargetto Winery
🌍 International Selections
Curated wines from France, Italy, Spain, and around the world.
Vino Cruz, Oswald
🍾 Natural & Biodynamic
Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines with minimal intervention.
Oswald, Vino Cruz
🥂 Premium & Rare
Extensive cellars with premium and hard-to-find bottles.
Shadowbrook, Oswald
🍷 Wine Bar Pro Tips
- 🍷Wine Flights: Order a flight to sample multiple wines. Great way to explore different regions and styles!
- 📅Reservations: Oswald and Shadowbrook can fill up on weekends. Make reservations for prime times.
- 🧀Cheese Pairings: Most wine bars offer excellent cheese and charcuterie boards. Perfect pairing!
- 🚗Transportation: Plan ahead for safe transportation. Use ride-share or designate a driver.
- 🗣️Ask Questions: Staff at wine bars are knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best wine bar in Santa Cruz?
Vino Cruz is excellent for local Santa Cruz Mountains wines. Oswald offers an exceptional wine program paired with farm-to-table dining.
Where can I taste Santa Cruz Mountains wines?
Vino Cruz specializes in local Santa Cruz Mountains wines. Bargetto Winery in Soquel offers tastings of their estate wines.
What's the most romantic wine bar for a date?
Shadowbrook offers the most romantic experience with creek-side dining and an extensive wine cellar. Oswald and Laili are also excellent intimate choices.
Do wine bars serve food?
Yes! Most wine bars offer small plates, cheese boards, and charcuterie. Oswald, Shadowbrook, and Laili have full restaurant menus.
Can I visit wineries in Santa Cruz?
Yes! Bargetto Winery in Soquel has a tasting room. The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA has many wineries, though most require appointments.