Santa Cruz & Bay is part of California's Central Coast, with appellations including Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, Santa Clara Valley, Livermore Valley, Contra Costa and Ben Lomond Mountain. Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards range from 400 to 2,600 feet and often sit above the fog line. Its Pinot Noir can develop with age. Chardonnay is crisp, clean, mineral-flavoured and moderately oaked.
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Elsewhere in California · Central Coast
- Monterey & San Benito2 producersMonterey & San Benito includes Gabilan Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley among its appellations. Wines from the Gabilan Mountains are described as complex, fruity and mineral-driven.
- San Luis Obispo7 producersOften called SLO, San Luis Obispo is associated with Rhône blends, heritage Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its listed appellations include Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande Valley.
- Santa Barbara8 producersMarine fog moves through Santa Barbara's east-west valleys. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grow in the cooler west, while bolder Rhône and Bordeaux varieties grow farther east. Santa Maria Valley is associated with intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that retain acidity.