Born in Chicago, Tom Kruse moved to San Jose in the 1960s and began making wine at home. He opened a winemaking supply store and taught classes to local enthusiasts.

1971: Purchased a small house with an old barn on Hecker Pass Highway and founded the winery. Experimented with various varietals including obscure grapes like Grignolino and table grapes such as Thompson Seedless.

1997: Purchased 20-acre property in the foothills of east Gilroy, with 12 acres planted to traditional varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. All winery fruit came from estate vineyards.

Known for laid-back, cottage industry approach. Thomas and Karen Kruse lived and worked on their 20-acre farm property.

Closed.

Estate-grown:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Zinfandel
• Chardonnay

Experimental varietals:

• Grignolino
• Thompson Seedless

• Thomas Kruse Winery - Yelp