16 Best Wine Bars near Aptos

“First time there … loved the vibe will be back“

“I appreciated the fully separate vegan menu that had many options and that it made it so easy to order. We got the vegan yellow lentil and the vegan tofu dish with the “special sauce” description (sorry I can’t remember what it was called haha), both were so good!! Way better than I expected honestly. We got the vegan paratha which was also delicious and something I’ve never tried before. Staff accommodated us coming in on the later side (we didn’t know they closed so early!) which I also appreciated.“

“Armitage wines offers a truly outstanding experience. It is not just the great history of the estate which was formerly owned by Alfred Hitchcock, but the delicious and high quality wines that you can sample in this amazing setting. The current owners are very welcoming and attentive and especially dedicated to creating a great tasting experience for their guests. We spend a whole afternoon trying the different wines and I have to say it is rarely the case that I am as pleased with the sampling as I was at Armitage. Next to this, the vineyard offers amazing views. Tucked away in the redwood trees you can see for miles while overlooking the grapes from the top of the estate. When the sun sets in the afternoon, it makes for an amazing play of light and shadows. We truly loved visiting this place and will definitely come back. It is well worth a trip. If this does not convince you, please see the attached photos. I am in no way affiliated to this place, but was simply amazed by our afternoon here.“

“Hosted my daughter’s birthday at this great venue. Cathy was an attentive and organized one woman show— doing food and wine orders. All of us relaxed and enjoyed ourselves for a few hours. Cork and Fork is an oasis that feels very private and intimate. Thank you, Cathy, for all you did to make that party a success.“

“Everything about this place has us planning our next visit. Decor inside, gas fireplaces outside and amazing wines and food. You do not want to miss Juan’s empanadas. We had the Syrah and the Viognier which were both excellent. Sean is also such an asset to the entire vibe. His hospitality is enough to return weekly. Thanks for the amazing date night setting.

Vegetarian options: Empanadas, salad, bruschetta

Parking: Parking along Pacific Avenue in metered spots

Kid-friendliness: More of a date night or adult gathering spot

Wheelchair accessibility: Accessible inside and out.“

“This wine bar is like coming home and hanging out with close friends, having great conversations, delicious food paired up with your wine, live music or play some records. This is the spot to be in Capitola. The owners, Doug and Ann Marie, are stellar hosts.“

“Had a wonderful impromptu evening here. A lone female traveller popping in for a glass of wine… stayed for the evening and had a fabulous time with the team and customers alike. Great wine and great bar food, made to feel extremely welcome. Would highly recommend!“

“I can’t say enough good things about Brad, Linda, and staff. They are wonderful to be around and everyone really cares about the food. There is something on the menu for the vast majority of eaters. The garden on site is walkable and absolutely gorgeous. For food: beef cheeks, fried chicken, and any pasta you care for. Wine: a broad selection of interesting bottles Non-alcoholic: lemonade 😋“

“As a family that truly loves Italian cuisine, we’ve visited countless Italian restaurants in various regions. Buzzo Wood Fired Pizza immediately impressed us with its modern, stylish interior and its open kitchen — a design choice that suggested both culinary transparency and a commitment to cleanliness. It set the stage for high expectations.

Yet, upon entering, there was an inexplicable sense of unease. It’s hard to pinpoint whether it stemmed from the service itself or the overall atmosphere, but the warmth and friendliness we often appreciate in a dining experience felt somewhat absent.

For our mains, we ordered The Charlie Pizza and The Jenkins Pizza. The Charlie Pizza was, unfortunately, far too salty. A touch of saltiness can enhance flavor, but in this case, it overpowered the dish and made it difficult to enjoy. The Jenkins Pizza, featuring jalapeños for a bit of spice, was fine but lacked any particularly memorable or distinctive character.

The highlight of the meal, however, came in the form of the appetizer: Arancini. These crispy, golden risotto balls, served with a parmesan sauce and leek oil, were exceptional. The contrast of the crunchy exterior and creamy risotto center, paired with the rich and aromatic sauces, was superb — easily redeeming the shortcomings of the pizzas we ordered.

In the end, Buzzo Wood Fired Pizza shows great potential, with a stylish setting and certain dishes that shine. A warmer, more welcoming service experience and better balance in the pizza seasoning could elevate it into a truly outstanding destination.“

“Just happened on this place by doing map search for restaurants while in Watsonville. It was magical! Beautiful buildings & gardens. We are on the heated patio & just loved it. Excellent food: ribeye, & steak & lobster. Delish wedge salad too. Took the dessert home & enjoyed that too; the accompanying ice cream was the best. Very lovely experience.“

“I've only been there once but I'll be back! GREAT variety of beverages and the best service. Really enjoyed my visit!“

“Wonderful coffee!! We will be back for more!!“

“Best service and food in Santa Cruz county!!!!!!“

“#bookshop #santacruz #hardcovers #softcovers #goodreads #mustreads“

“food, fantastic, service, fantastic, quality, fantastic, you need to experience this place to truly understand how great this place is. thanks Alfredo!!!!“

“The food was fantastic and the service was on point!“