Loma Prieta Winery - Los Gatos

But the real highlight here is the wine. While white wine enthusiasts may find the selection somewhat limited, the Chardonnay and Viognier are quite impressive. The real stars are the red wines, with standout offerings including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Pinot Noir. Their Amalgamation red blend is definitely worth trying as well. What truly sets this winery apart is its innovative approach to producing Pinotage. They are the leading producer of Pinotage in North America. My love for this rich, full-bodied red varietal began in South Africa, where it was first developed in 1925 and quickly became their hallmark grape. Upon returning to the U.S., I searched high and low for it. Thankfully, a few pioneering California wineries began cultivating it, and the wine world is all the better for it. Loma Prieta's Pinotage selections include vineyard designates from the Amorosa vineyard (Lodi), Karma vineyard (Lodi), and their own estate vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They also offer Bodo's Blend, which combines Pinotage from various vineyards, and a delightful sparkling version known as Blanc de Noir Sparkling Pinotage. Whether you are a long-time fan of Pinotage or looking to discover this rare red, Loma Prieta Winery is a fantastic destination to explore and enjoy the experience.

The winery itself is small, so depending on luck, you might find a great spot, but no matter what, you're bound to enjoy your time here. If you appreciate a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with breathtaking scenery while sipping a glass of wine, this is definitely the place for you! While wine quality is subjective, I'm confident you'll enjoy whatever you decide to taste. Just a heads-up: they don’t serve cheese or any food, so if you're planning to spend a few hours enjoying the wines, be sure to bring your own snacks, fruits, desserts, or anything else that will enhance your winery experience!

The staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. One team member, in particular, made us feel right at home and assisted us in selecting our wine flights. There was plenty of hand sanitizer available, and the staff consistently cleaned the tables while we were there. The bathrooms were impeccably clean and adorned with fun decorations. Finally, the wine itself was delicious, and when paired with the breathtaking views, it created an unforgettable experience. We will definitely be returning!

It's a beautiful location well worth the trek up the curvy mountain road. When we were there, the guitarist was a lovely addition to our day. Nice people took care of us and they're totally ok with you bringing food of your own.

This Vineyard is a hidden gem and I'm so glad we finally went this beautiful place. The views are amazing and very relaxing. Good wines and definitely will come back. I highly recommend this Vineyard.