Hunter Hill

Known best for their Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, Hunter Hill Winery makes rich flavorful red wines from their winery located in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Perched on the side of a hill in rural Santa Cruz County, northeast of Soquel, lies the boutique winemaking operation of Christine and Vann Slatter. This duo first started growing grapes on their family’s fruit ranch in 1990. Soon the self-taught winemakers were making wine – first as a hobby – and then later, commercially, winning awards for their hard work along the way.

Today they take great pride in growing quality fruit and in meticulously crafting a limited amount of very clean, fruity and drinkable wines. The Merlot and Syrah are from their estate vineyard, the Pinot Noir is from Sonoma vineyards, and the Old-Vine Zin grapes are sourced from vineyards in Lodi. A traditional five-grape port is produced using pure grain alcohol for fortification.

From the redwood bar in the tasting room you can sip your wine and enjoy a panoramic view of the winery gardens and the Nicene Marks Redwood Forest beyond. Take a picnic to the hilltop gazebo and enjoy a distant view of Monterey Bay. It is a quiet spot from which to watch several species of hawks, as well as coveys of quail and dove. On every label is the portrait of the winery’s namesake, Hunter, the great winery dog who passed on some years back.