Birichino

Why visit Birichino when you are in Santa Cruz?

There are wineries that are all about innovation or sustainability, and then there are wineries that are all about stellar wines from stellar grapes. Birichino winery is of the last category. Situated in Santa Cruz, they buy from local wineries that can take advantage of the warm afternoons and sea breezes of the local climate. Their grape dealers are Antle, Bechthold, Besso, Duarte, Lilo, San Bernabe,  and St Georges.

These grapes they then ferment in a neutral, stainless vat and are raked as little as possible. They interfere with these grapes as little as possible in general, even keeping filtering to a minimum. The result is inspiring wines from many varietals. In fact, it was their first wine, the Malvasia Bianca, that inspired the name: Birichino means ‘naughty’ in Italian, and they felt that the red was slightly racy. They make their wine from a great range of varietals. They don’t appear constrained by any old world limitations. You can find Rhone varietals, Pinot Noir, Italian grapes and just about any other fun and obscure grape they can get their hands. This is a great place to visit if you are an adventurous wine drinker. And if you aren’t an adventurous wine drinker, you just might be after a visit to this Santa Cruz wine tasting spot.

Their new tasting room is in a high-ceilinged mid-century building in the downtown area of Santa Cruz. In keeping with the ambiance of the building, they have a zinc covered tasting bar with period lighting. The whole scene is very welcoming. Make sure you give them a call if you plan to visit with a group of six or more. The tastings will run you $10 or you can order wine by the glass.

Address: 204 Church St, Santa Cruz