The foothills outside Soquel are a good place to center a visit. Poetic Cellars, on 33 redwood-studded acres, has a romantic theme supplemented by ocean views.
Near the coastal enclave of Aptos, Nicholson Vineyards is relaxed, dog-friendly and unusual in that the rustic tasting room is right in the middle of the vineyard. Alfaro Family Vineyards, in the Corralitos area, likewise has a super-relaxed vibe—plus it’s not far from Corralitos Market and Sausage Company, a regionally famous deli and great spot for lunch. While dogs (other than service dogs) are not allowed inside Corralitos Market, Aldridge Lane Park, just a short walk from the market, is a good spot for picnicking.
If approaching Santa Cruz from the north, pull off Highway 1 in Davenport and visit the Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room. It’s a lovely venue just across the road from dog-friendly Davenport Beach. In Santa Cruz, Surf City Vintners, near the famous Beach Boardwalk amusement park, is a micro-winery collective with a number of dog-friendly tasting rooms in a trendy retail complex that also includes several patio restaurants that welcome their customers’ four-legged sidekicks. At MJA Vineyards, your wine-tasting experience ends with a taste of Kona coffee.
