Storrs Winery and Vineyards

Finding Storrs Winery is the first step on a journey to wine heaven. On a busy side street in Santa Cruz hides a little red building. It sports a yellow sign saying Storrs Winery. Inside, the walls and bar are made of a matching oak. On the walls hang posters with art-decco animals and wine glasses. It looks very much like a red barn in the Old Sash Mill. It is a cozy little space, and you might have to call ahead to make sure you can get in. This is the hidden gem of Santa Cruz’s wine tours.

It might take some time to find, but it is well worth the hunt. Stephen Storrs and Pamela Bianchini-Storrs started the winery in 1988, and it remains a classic, with a naturally high acidity and a touch of sugar in their Riesling grape. They have turned the cool weather and favorable terroir of the central coast of California into classy Zinfindels, Merlots and other varietals. Their Chardonnay is particularly a taste treat. It is an excellent introduction to the wines that Santa Cruz grapes make, and you get 5 samples for the tasting fee.  The Storrs have a place in Santa Cruz tradition that you will want to be a part of.

The Storr’s family didn’t come to winemaking late in life as is so often the case. Both husband and wife are graduates the University of California at Davis. This is the premier winemaking program in California. The Storr’s already had a strong background working at local wineries before they struck out on their own. This allowed them to establish and grow their winery quickly.

The Storr’s also own and manage their own estate vineyard. The vineyard is planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The Santa Cruz mountains are perfect for these varietals.

Address: 303 Potrero Street #35, Santa Cruz

Phone: (831) 458-5030

Tasting Room Hours: Every Day 12:00 pm through 5:00 pm by appointment

Tasting Fee: $7