The best wine. The friendliest, most amazing people. A must visit anytime you’re in Santa Cruz.
Bianca R.
My bookclub was having its first meeting and after reading reviews and looking at the pictures this seemed like the coziest spot to delve into literature. I called a week earlier to reserve a table for 8 and was quickly accommodated. Not to mention whoever answered and took my reservation was kind, friendly and had great phone etiquette. When I walked in our reservation was clearly marked and the woman pouring wine and acting as hostess was amazing. She was quick to get our tastings together and made sure to ask if we needed anything and was just so pleasant all around. We all mentioned how we wished we new about this soot sooner. Wine was nice and I ended up buying 2 bottles. Looking forward to my next visit.
Loredo Group Realty
This cute wine tasting room in downtown Santa Cruz is comfortable and excellent. We loved that it’s overflowing with plants. ?
Stan J
Just a wonderful time popping into this pleasant cozy establishment and enjoying some sips. It is a “tasting room” setup, specializing in “flights”, but can accommodate a little off the main fare if the tasting selection is not to your preference. But again, it is a tasting setup, not a wine bar, so the amount is limited & bottles available for purchase (at a reasonable price I might add) cannot be consumed on premises. So if you find yourself shopping downtown and want to get off you feet for a little while and enjoy a nice selection of wine for tasting, walk a couple blocks over from Pacific on Church and I’m sure you’ll enjoy their selection and the friendly staff.
K Takahara
Great in-house wines, friendly service, interesting (in the best way) owner, and crosswords on Sundays!
Kate L
This tiny bohemian tasting room is comfortable, unpretentious, and cute. It’s overflowing with green plants, sunlight, and interesting textiles. The atmosphere is casual and intimate and even on a week day afternoon, it’s full of chatter.The people who work there are friendly. Tastings are only $15 for three pours. You can choose between rose, white, or reds. I went with the red and they were all unique, pleasant, and easy drinking. It makes a really nice day out to grab lunch in downtown Santa Cruz, chat with a friend over a tasting, then take a walk on the beach. I would definitely go back!
Jennifer Watson
Best tasting room in town! Great wine and great staff.
Michelle M.
Service was a bit slow-paced but this very charming tasting room in downtown is worth a visit. Very interesting wines (not a lot of places offer pet nats for example). I did the white flight but my husband did the red flight and I tasted a couple of the red blends; they were very good. I would definitely go back to sample some of their other wines. This was probably the best tasting room we visited all weekend.
Victor V.
What a place. What a lovely, joyful, cozy place. I'm still having a hard time coming to terms that I am no longer in Santa Cruz.. and this place has a lot to do with that.We walked in on a Friday afternoon in a group of four, no reservation. We were greeted by a kind man with long flowing hair who was watering the indoor carnivorous plants on the windowsill while Celia Cruz was playing (RIGHT!?). A few more seconds, and you take in what seems like that typical cozy shop you wish you were at when you're looking for ambient music on YouTube. To set the scene like that, who wouldn't want to spend some time there!? Anywho, John introduces himself, and he gives us a rundown of the lineups and the fun begins. It was also at that point where I learned John wasn't any ordinary tasting room associate. There was something mysterious, but inspiring about the guy- he carries himself with such humility, but is easily one of the most seasoned, intellectual and well rounded people in the winosphere I've come across. We're getting settled in and John swings by with the first wines. For me that was Cinsault Blanc de Noir. A perfect introduction to the innovation and daring philosophy of this place- a wonderfully confusing wine with characteristics you'd find in a red wine but with that juiciness you crave in a cold white, but the richness of great champagne. Just wonky, classy and riveting wine. Next up was the Semillon and that thing was WOW. That glass went from a handful of sliced limes to this bundled up melange of apricots and guava. Then came the outstanding Chardonnay that showcased this lovely stony, briney almost reminiscent of a green apple soaked in lemon juice with maybe a zing of mint note. After that I came back to the Semillon to find the most lovely cotton candy-like but key lime pie tasting creamy white. My god. 3/3 was not the finale though---- oh no. Our group asked John about Chenin Blanc from Jurassic Park Vineyard and the way his face lit up was something that I'll never forget- and at that moment, without him even having to say anything, I just *knew* John was no ordinary tasting room associate: this was his passion and his project. He was THE GUY. He brought out an example of a Chenin Blanc that he pulled from somewhere and as soon as the scents of gardenia, honey, rocks and wax hit me (obviously with a taste to confirm), I just remember thinking "I've come across the Domaine Huet of my side of the world." I'd say something between the Sec version of a chilly vintage for Haut Lieu or Clos du Bourg for you wine geeks. It's incredibly hard to summarize that Chenin John poured into just four words, but trust me, that is a *MAGICAL* wine that I'll never forget. As if that mind blowing wine wasn't enough, John comes back with another bottle of Chenin Blanc and drops the word "botrytis" and I nearly fainted. Equally delicious (just like all Huet wines) but with that funky ginger/overripe pear note. The vintages? I know what they are but I'm not telling. Just know any given vintage of this Chenin will age just as well as any Huet. You're thinking, "okay John is great blah blah blah" and I'd agree with the first four words, but then John brings out two wines from the same vineyard- a Pinot Noir and a Mourvèdre. Side by side. For any of you who don't understand the fun word of "terroir", I think these two wines will summarize it well- both wines were unique (and mighty tasty) BUT they both had this elegance, this freshness, this compounding and equalizing feel- evidence of not only the vineyard, but the gentle and transparent hand that Birichino uses on ALL of their wines.By this point, I'm just in awe and shock at being at a winery, being guided on this what felt like a multigenerational tour of international grapes that have made their home in California and were carefully guided into bottle by John and Co.. I've been to a lot of wineries, tons of great ones, but few that don't feel
Michael Fergione
Good wine and an even better grilled cheese. I had a great tasting here, definitely stop in here for a nice relaxing evening.
Just opened up the Hic Sunt Dracones 2021and am already regretting not ordering more. Best rosé ever. Just ineffably delicious with pizza. These fellas hit it out of the park with wine that just is a joy to have with food!
Emma Bones
Amazing wines and a fantastic vibe. Highly recommend!
Rachel H.
Exceptional, relaxed tasting experience at Birichino, specializing in local wines (Central Coast and unique Bay Area locals) including unique whites (Malvasia), pinots and Old-vine versions of carignan and other French varietals.The winery originally launched in in the early 2000s to make Malvasia, a group of wine grape varieties of ancient origin, most likely originating in Greece. Malvesia Bianca is the most well known and widely grown of the Malvasia family of grapes grown throughout the world, including locally in the San Joaquin Valley, and in Italy, Greece and Rioja in Spain. The Birichino Malvasia Biancha is grown on a rocky site in Monterey County. They can offer a side by side tasting with three expressions of this wine, including traditional, an orange version and a sparkling sour expression. Wonderful!We loved the tasting room here, both from a hospitality and an education perspective. It was homey, relaxed, fun and they played great music. The flights are a first-rate experience, and a two bottle purchase will wave $15 tasting fees. The wine labels are artistic and eclectic. Don't miss a tasting at Birichino if you are in town.
Stephanie G.
Amazing wines, cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect wine tasting for date night or girl's night. Tonight they were offering three different tasting flights. We tried all three! Highly recommend if you are looking for a local wine tasting experience!
Taylor Mezman
Super knowledgeable staff. Fun wine tastings. Got some sparkling wine and pet nats for our small wedding party. Yummy surprise gazpacho too, with homegrown edible flower garnish! Loved the small attention to details.
The best wine. The friendliest, most amazing people. A must visit anytime you’re in Santa Cruz.
My bookclub was having its first meeting and after reading reviews and looking at the pictures this seemed like the coziest spot to delve into literature. I called a week earlier to reserve a table for 8 and was quickly accommodated. Not to mention whoever answered and took my reservation was kind, friendly and had great phone etiquette. When I walked in our reservation was clearly marked and the woman pouring wine and acting as hostess was amazing. She was quick to get our tastings together and made sure to ask if we needed anything and was just so pleasant all around. We all mentioned how we wished we new about this soot sooner. Wine was nice and I ended up buying 2 bottles. Looking forward to my next visit.
This cute wine tasting room in downtown Santa Cruz is comfortable and excellent. We loved that it’s overflowing with plants. ?
Just a wonderful time popping into this pleasant cozy establishment and enjoying some sips. It is a “tasting room” setup, specializing in “flights”, but can accommodate a little off the main fare if the tasting selection is not to your preference. But again, it is a tasting setup, not a wine bar, so the amount is limited & bottles available for purchase (at a reasonable price I might add) cannot be consumed on premises. So if you find yourself shopping downtown and want to get off you feet for a little while and enjoy a nice selection of wine for tasting, walk a couple blocks over from Pacific on Church and I’m sure you’ll enjoy their selection and the friendly staff.
Great in-house wines, friendly service, interesting (in the best way) owner, and crosswords on Sundays!
This tiny bohemian tasting room is comfortable, unpretentious, and cute. It’s overflowing with green plants, sunlight, and interesting textiles. The atmosphere is casual and intimate and even on a week day afternoon, it’s full of chatter.The people who work there are friendly. Tastings are only $15 for three pours. You can choose between rose, white, or reds. I went with the red and they were all unique, pleasant, and easy drinking. It makes a really nice day out to grab lunch in downtown Santa Cruz, chat with a friend over a tasting, then take a walk on the beach. I would definitely go back!
Best tasting room in town! Great wine and great staff.
Service was a bit slow-paced but this very charming tasting room in downtown is worth a visit. Very interesting wines (not a lot of places offer pet nats for example). I did the white flight but my husband did the red flight and I tasted a couple of the red blends; they were very good. I would definitely go back to sample some of their other wines. This was probably the best tasting room we visited all weekend.
What a place. What a lovely, joyful, cozy place. I'm still having a hard time coming to terms that I am no longer in Santa Cruz.. and this place has a lot to do with that.We walked in on a Friday afternoon in a group of four, no reservation. We were greeted by a kind man with long flowing hair who was watering the indoor carnivorous plants on the windowsill while Celia Cruz was playing (RIGHT!?). A few more seconds, and you take in what seems like that typical cozy shop you wish you were at when you're looking for ambient music on YouTube. To set the scene like that, who wouldn't want to spend some time there!? Anywho, John introduces himself, and he gives us a rundown of the lineups and the fun begins. It was also at that point where I learned John wasn't any ordinary tasting room associate. There was something mysterious, but inspiring about the guy- he carries himself with such humility, but is easily one of the most seasoned, intellectual and well rounded people in the winosphere I've come across. We're getting settled in and John swings by with the first wines. For me that was Cinsault Blanc de Noir. A perfect introduction to the innovation and daring philosophy of this place- a wonderfully confusing wine with characteristics you'd find in a red wine but with that juiciness you crave in a cold white, but the richness of great champagne. Just wonky, classy and riveting wine. Next up was the Semillon and that thing was WOW. That glass went from a handful of sliced limes to this bundled up melange of apricots and guava. Then came the outstanding Chardonnay that showcased this lovely stony, briney almost reminiscent of a green apple soaked in lemon juice with maybe a zing of mint note. After that I came back to the Semillon to find the most lovely cotton candy-like but key lime pie tasting creamy white. My god. 3/3 was not the finale though---- oh no. Our group asked John about Chenin Blanc from Jurassic Park Vineyard and the way his face lit up was something that I'll never forget- and at that moment, without him even having to say anything, I just *knew* John was no ordinary tasting room associate: this was his passion and his project. He was THE GUY. He brought out an example of a Chenin Blanc that he pulled from somewhere and as soon as the scents of gardenia, honey, rocks and wax hit me (obviously with a taste to confirm), I just remember thinking "I've come across the Domaine Huet of my side of the world." I'd say something between the Sec version of a chilly vintage for Haut Lieu or Clos du Bourg for you wine geeks. It's incredibly hard to summarize that Chenin John poured into just four words, but trust me, that is a *MAGICAL* wine that I'll never forget. As if that mind blowing wine wasn't enough, John comes back with another bottle of Chenin Blanc and drops the word "botrytis" and I nearly fainted. Equally delicious (just like all Huet wines) but with that funky ginger/overripe pear note. The vintages? I know what they are but I'm not telling. Just know any given vintage of this Chenin will age just as well as any Huet. You're thinking, "okay John is great blah blah blah" and I'd agree with the first four words, but then John brings out two wines from the same vineyard- a Pinot Noir and a Mourvèdre. Side by side. For any of you who don't understand the fun word of "terroir", I think these two wines will summarize it well- both wines were unique (and mighty tasty) BUT they both had this elegance, this freshness, this compounding and equalizing feel- evidence of not only the vineyard, but the gentle and transparent hand that Birichino uses on ALL of their wines.By this point, I'm just in awe and shock at being at a winery, being guided on this what felt like a multigenerational tour of international grapes that have made their home in California and were carefully guided into bottle by John and Co.. I've been to a lot of wineries, tons of great ones, but few that don't feel
Good wine and an even better grilled cheese. I had a great tasting here, definitely stop in here for a nice relaxing evening.
Restaurantji Recommends
Just opened up the Hic Sunt Dracones 2021and am already regretting not ordering more. Best rosé ever. Just ineffably delicious with pizza. These fellas hit it out of the park with wine that just is a joy to have with food!
Amazing wines and a fantastic vibe. Highly recommend!
Exceptional, relaxed tasting experience at Birichino, specializing in local wines (Central Coast and unique Bay Area locals) including unique whites (Malvasia), pinots and Old-vine versions of carignan and other French varietals.The winery originally launched in in the early 2000s to make Malvasia, a group of wine grape varieties of ancient origin, most likely originating in Greece. Malvesia Bianca is the most well known and widely grown of the Malvasia family of grapes grown throughout the world, including locally in the San Joaquin Valley, and in Italy, Greece and Rioja in Spain. The Birichino Malvasia Biancha is grown on a rocky site in Monterey County. They can offer a side by side tasting with three expressions of this wine, including traditional, an orange version and a sparkling sour expression. Wonderful!We loved the tasting room here, both from a hospitality and an education perspective. It was homey, relaxed, fun and they played great music. The flights are a first-rate experience, and a two bottle purchase will wave $15 tasting fees. The wine labels are artistic and eclectic. Don't miss a tasting at Birichino if you are in town.
Amazing wines, cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect wine tasting for date night or girl's night. Tonight they were offering three different tasting flights. We tried all three! Highly recommend if you are looking for a local wine tasting experience!
Super knowledgeable staff. Fun wine tastings. Got some sparkling wine and pet nats for our small wedding party. Yummy surprise gazpacho too, with homegrown edible flower garnish! Loved the small attention to details.