San Benito Wine Trail Vineyards, Wineries and Tasting Rooms Open to the Public
Numerous Monterey Bay area wineries, such Scheid Vineyards and Ser Winery,
grow grapes in San Benito County. The following wineries are listed because they
open themselves to public—in some cases regularly, and in others, just by
appointment or in conjunction with special events. Be sure to call before you go to
confirm that they will be open.
Aimee June Winery
A small, family-owned winery that makes hand-crafted wine in an all-natural, old-
world winemaking style without fining or filtration. Each bottle features hand-drawn
or hand-painted artwork.
106 3rd St., San Juan Bautista
Tastings 12–5pm Saturday and Sunday
408.739.1920 | californiabestwine.com
Alicats Winery
Alicats is the personal label of Alessio Carli, winemaker for Pietra Santa Winery. The
name comes from the first names of the family members: Alessio, wife Catherine and
their twin daughters, Alessia and Catia.
10 Nash Rd., Hollister.
Tastings during special events only.
831.636.7311
Bonny Doon Vineyard
Bonny Doon’s 280-acre Popelouchum in San Juan Bautista is a biodynamic polyculture
ranch where Grahm is seeking to hybridize 10,000 new vinifera grape varieties from
seed. The aim is to create a truly unique American Wine and produce grapes that are
particularly well suited to our region and its changing climate.
The vineyard may be visited during special events only; a weekend pop-up restaurant is planned.
bonnydoonvineyard.com
Calera Wine Company
Established in 1975, owner and winemaker Josh Jensen specializes in Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay, and Viognier. His Mount Harlan wines exhibit minerally characteristics of
their unique limestone-rich vineyards. The tasting room and nearby picnic tables offer
sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
11300 Cienega Road, Hollister
Tastings daily, 11am-4:30pm
831.637.9170 | calerawine.com
Casa de Fruta Winery
Growing since 1908, the Zanger Family produces unique fruit wines including apricot,
plum, raspberry, blackberry and pomegranate. Varietal wines include Zinfandel,
Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Merlot.
10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
Tastings daily, 9am – 7pm
408.842.7282 | casadefruta.com
Cetani Vineyards
This family-owned and operated winery was founded in 2008 and focuses on
handcrafted European-style red wines. Estate-grown Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and
Cabernet Sauvignon.
741 Riverside Rd., Hollister
Tastings by appointment
831.636.7590 | cetanivineyards.com
DeRose Vineyards
Established in 1988 on land supporting some of the oldest vines in California, this
family-owned winery sits directly on top of the San Andreas Fault. DeRose offers some
unusual, unique wines such as the Cabernet Pfeffer and Negrette.The vineyard also
opens its museum of vintage cars the first Saturday of each month.
9970 Cienega Road, Hollister
Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-4:00
p.m.
831.636.9143 | derosewine.com
Guerra Family Cellars
The vineyards of Guerra Family Cellars were planted in 2006 after the family
purchased the 600-acre Pepper Tree Ranch. Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Viognier
varietals are grown along with olive trees for oil. The vineyard also offers a summer
concert series in an outdoor offers a regular summer concert series called Hollister
Concerts in an outdoor amphitheater backed by spectacular views. The 2015 series
kicks off on July 11 with La Vation, a U2 tribute band. See Guerra website for full
details.
500 John Smith Road, Hollister
Tasting Room open April to November, weekends 12am-5pm
831.902.9106 | guerracellars.com
Leal Vineyards
Founded by Frank Leal, Leal Vineyards uses old-world winemaking techniques and
close monitoring of vines to produce award-winning wines.
300 Maranatha Drive, Hollister
Tastings open daily 10am-4pm, half days on holidays.
831.636.8925 | lealvineyards.com
Pietra Santa Winery
This winery dates back to the 1850s. Its name is Italian for “sacred stone,” a reference
to its remarkable soil, which is laced with granite and limestone. Pietra Santa also
produces organic and infused olive oils from its five varieties of trees, and offers picnic
tables next to its vineyards.
10034 Cienega Rd, Hollister
Open: Thursday – Sunday 11am to 5pm.
831.636.1991 | pietrasantawinery.com
Summerayne Vineyard
Focused mainly on Zinfandels, Summerayne was founded in 1998 and remains
family-owned.
1781 Limekiln Rd., Hollister
Open by appointment
831.902.5638
About the author
At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
