In 1863 John and George Jarvis bought 300 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains and planted vineyards. The area became known as Vine Hill; within a decade the brothers were making 33,000 gallons of wine annually and nine of the county's 16 winemakers were located in the area. The combination of good soil, climate and the mists from the Pacific provided an ideal climate for growing premium grapes.

In 1964David Brucebegan making wine in the mountains. He purchased the land, which was was then planted with old Zinfandel vines, and in 1969 decided to replant with Pinot Noir. However in 1974 it became neccessary for Bruce to sell the land.

The buyer was Ken Burnap, a businessman from Orange County with a passion for Pinot Noir. Ken founded theSanta Cruz Mountains Wineryin 1974 and his first vintage was the acclaimed 1975. He was joined in 1981 by Jeff Emery, a graduate of UCSC who had been helping out and working part time since 1979.

In 2003 Ken decided to retire from the business and sell the winery. Jeff was able to purchase the name, inventory and equipment; the Jarvis vineyard and the winery were sold to GATOS LOCOS OF VINE HILL

A far more detailed history, with photos, appears on the winery's web site.

In 2009 the winery launched a second label, Quinta Cruz, focusing on Iberian varietals.

Cabernet Sauvignon Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Harvest Moon Vineyard Durif McDowell Valley Vineyard Grenache McDowell Valley Vineyard Merlot Pinot Noir Jarvis Vineyard Pinot Noir Branchiforte Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir Bailey's Vineyard Pinot Noir Matteson/Ciardella Vineyard Syrah Meeker Vineyard Syrah Zayante Vineyard Tempranillo

Grenache

References

The Hard Luck Hillfrom The Valley Almanac, June 2005. The history of the Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyardunder Ken Burnap.