Vine Hill sits in one of the most historic settings in Scotts Valley, home to vineyards since the mid 1800s. Formerly the site of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Vine Hill came to life in 2004 when Nick Guerrero and business partners decided to replant the existing vineyard and build a new winery facility. Winemaker Sal Godinez, of Saintsbury fame, brings a skilled hand at crafting Pinot Noir, and delights in letting the unique terroir of the mountains express itself in his earthy and often elegant, offerings.

The winery’s flagship brand, Cumbre, seeks to be “The Pinnacle of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir,” sourcing fruit from several local vineyards, including Raffaelli and Hicks Family, to make bold, richly textured wines with inherent mountain spice. Barrel 31 is replete with cranberry and cherry, and pays tribute to the barrel from which Nick’s dad kept taking samples when the winery first opened. The Miller Hill Chardonnay is nothing short of spectacular.

The Vine Hill label, introduced in 2008, represents the “Heart and Soul of the Santa Cruz Mountains,” and offers Pinot, Chardonnay and Syrah from the AVA, priced between $26 and $36.
The original Gatos Locos label, with the two crazy cats, reflects Nick’s philosophy: “Crazy about great wine!” These wines are sourced from various parts of California, and are affordably priced.

The organically farmed estate vineyards are lovingly tended by viticulturist Rachel Ormes, who has turned the property into a Garden of Eden, with splendid beneficial landscaping, including many fruit trees. The expansive view from the knoll above the vegetable garden looks down upon the glistening Monterey Bay. You truly feel as if you’ve been transported to your own piece of sunny paradise. The winery tasting room welcomes you every third weekend, and the barrel room location at Surf City Vintners in Santa Cruz is open Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.