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The Best Wineries In Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek, California, is known for producing some of the best wines – not only in the country, but on the world market.

The Best Wineries In Boulder Creek

Located along the Pacific Coast, which receives some of the best rains in the state, Boulder Creek has managed time and time again to navigate the harshness of California’s natural landscape, to produce some of the world’s finest French and Italian wines. 

But what exactly are the best wineries in Boulder Creek, and what sets them apart from the competition? 

Where Is Boulder Creek? 

Boulder Creek is located in Santa Cruz County and nestled in the view of the overlooking Santa Cruz mountains. 

This town, as well as many of the surrounding areas (such as Los Gatos and Santa Cruz itself), have become famed for their vineyards – with the ones on this list being some of the best in the country. 

What Makes Boulder Creek So Special? 

When it comes to Boulder Creek, and Californian wines in general, there are a few things that make it special and unique on the global market. 

Ample Sunlight

First and foremost, the climate of California is perfect when it comes to growing grapes for winemaking, and while much of the state might be arid and dry, there are many regions – including Boulder Creek and the wider Santa Cruz area – that are green, lush, and receive enough rainfall to make magic happen. 

Soil

When it comes to winemaking, having the right soil type is everything. To the untrained eye, some might consider soil to simply be soil, however, there needs to be the right consistency and chemical composition to make successful growth occur. 

Californian soil has the right combination of heat retention, drainage, fertility, and minerality to make it one of the best (and most reliable) locations for winemaking in the world. 

Boulder Creek’s Best Wineries

As you can imagine, Boulder Creek is home to numerous wineries, some old, some new, but each with distinct character and flair.

Despite this, there are several that stand out from the crowd, making their name as some of the best wineries in the region. 

Villa Del Monte Winery

Coming in as one of the best wineries in the region is the Villa Del Monte winery. While not technically in Boulder Creek, Villa Del Monte can be found 30 minutes away in the town of Los Gatos – located in Santa Clara County. 

With a large Spanish community, it is no surprise that Los Gatos has produced such a fantastic winery, and one that has consistently won praise, reverence, and awards within the region. 

The family owned boutique winery offers numerous local events and tours, allowing wine enthusiasts to visit their grounds, sample their wares, and even take away a bottle or two for later. 

(23076 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA) 

Byington Vineyard & Winery

Next on the list is the Byington Vineyard & Winery located on Bear Creek Road in Los Gatos, California.

Just another 30 minute drive from Boulder Creek, this winery is nestled on 95 mountainous acres, and surrounded by redwood forests. 

Blessed with a view of Monterey Bay, this winery is especially known for their pinot noir – which has won numerous awards over the years.

They are also known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, and various other Chardonnay wines that are synonymous with Northern California (see also “Settembre Cellars Winery Review“). 

(21850 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos, CA)

Beauregard Vineyards

In third place on our list is Beauregard Vineyards, located just 15 minutes north of Santa Cruz near the striking, historic Pacific Coast Highway. 

This winery prides itself on being a mountain wine experience, and it offers many such activities to their various members and guests, including wine clubs and sunset sails along the Pacific Coast. 

Started in 1945 by retired Sheriff Deputy Amos Beauregard, Beauregard Vineyards was formerly a working vineyard that had been managed on the site since 1880 – taking ownership of 157 acres, including 13 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and an old type of grape known as Charbono

(10 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060)

Hallcrest Vineyards

Located in Felton, California, Hallcrest Vineyards take the number 4 spot on our list. 

Nestled under the Santa Cruz mountain range, Hallcrest Vineyards have been owned and operated by the Hall family since the late 1880s – where the site acted as a retreat for the family to escape to, until 1941 when wine obsessed Chauffee Hall developed the land into a winery. 

Known for its organic wine works, Hallcrest has continued to thrive in the modern industry, despite their long history. 

(379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA, 95018)

Big Basin Vineyards

Last on our list, but by no means least, Big Basin Vineyards is based in Boulder Creek, CA, and has developed a great reputation for their expertly produced products – products they have produced in those hills since the vineyards were founded by French immigrants over 100 years ago. 

With organic farming practices, and a minimal intervention policy, Big Basin prides themselves in creating timeless, ‘ethereal’ wines that continue to gain reverence and celebration amongst locals and wine enthusiasts alike. 

(830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek, CA, 95006)

Final Thoughts

And there we have it, everything you need to know about Boulder Creek, California, and the best wineries located in the area. 

It’s true that California produces some of the best wine in the world, and Boulder Creek is known the world over for being a hotspot for winemaking talent. 

So if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of Boulder Creek, CA, then why not check out some of these wineries? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!-

Justin Roberts