MJA Vineyards Westside Tasting Room & Cellar

328 Ingalls St.
Santa Cruz, California 95060
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Local Phone: (831) 421-9380

The story of MJA Vineyards brings you on an adventure. The founder, Marin John Artukovich – the “MJA,” comes from a long line of Croatian tradesmen and farmers, steeped in the culture of winemaking.

The Santa Cruz Mountains, with cool coastal weather and high elevation, are known for beautiful Pinot Noirs. But what makes MJA so unique is our selection of Napa Cabernets. We grow our Cabernet grapes at our Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Napa Vineyards, known to produce the best Cabernets in the country. The best part about it is we offer our wonderful Napa wines at Santa Cruz prices.

We also partner with other quality California vineyards to procure the perfect fruit to handcraft a wide selection of wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, dessert wines, Bordeaux blends and many Mediterranean varietals as well. To be sure, we have something for everyone.

Please check winery website for days and hours of operation. Dogs welcome everywhere!

Dog Access:

Dogs allowed everywhere

Where to Cruz With Your Pup

Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery <br/> Photo Credit: @rubytuesday96

Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery
Photo Credit: @rubytuesday96

If you don’t live in Santa Cruz County, you probably know this gorgeous stretch of the California coast for its beaches, its stellar university and the namesake town that proudly embraces its somewhat eccentric reputation. But Santa Cruz County is also known for its mountains, its redwood forests and its wines, particularly the pinot noir and chardonnay that thrive in the fog-kissed climate. Wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled throughout the county, and dogs get a warm welcome at many of them. more »

Cruise Control in Santa Cruz Wine Country

Wine dog in action. Photo Credit: SkyWideDesign (CC)

The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, known primarily for producing pinot noir and chardonnay, is one of the oldest in the state. Close to 100 wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled in nooks and crannies throughout Santa Cruz County, and dogs are welcome at many of them. DogTrekker.com has created a designated wine trail as you drive in on Highway 1 from the north. more »

Santa Cruz: As Much About Wine As Beaches

Puppy riding in bike basket in Santa Cruz

Photo credit: Richard Masoner/Cyclelicious (CC)

For many visitors, Santa Cruz County is as much about wine as it is about beaches. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, known for a cool climate that produces superior pinot noir, is one of the oldest in the state. More than 70 wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled through the county’s hills and towns, and dogs are welcome at dozens of them.

The foothills outside Soquel are a good place to center a visit. At Hunter Hill, high above town, you’ll sip wine at a redwood bar while enjoying views overlooking the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. With Poetic Cellars, on 33 redwood-studded acres, comes a romantic theme supplemented by ocean views.

Near the coastal enclave of Aptos, Nicholson Vineyards is relaxed, dog-friendly and unusual in that the rustic tasting room is right in the middle of the vineyard. Alfaro Family Vineyards, in the Corralitos area, likewise has a super-relaxed vibe—plus it’s not far from Corralitos Market and Sausage Company, a regionally famous deli and great spot for lunch. more »

F&B For You And Your Pup

Photo credit: Jill Chen (CC)

There are so many dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Cruz and vicinity that you could eat at a different one every day and not repeat the rotation for months.

The dine-with-your-dog classic is Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant, overlooking a marina where boats, kayakers and paddle-boarders drift in and out. For sampling craft beer, try 99 Bottles of Beer On the Wall, Seabright Brewery, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing or Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House, all of which offer dog-friendly seating. For breakfast, select from some 20 types of burritos at Chill Out Café or as many styles of bagels at the Bagelry, a popular spot for more than 30 years. Walnut Avenue Café, Woodstock’s Pizza and Café Limelight are other in-town eateries that welcome DogTrekkers on their patios.

South of Santa Cruz, Aptos and Capitola are a pair of captivating and very dog-welcoming oceanside communities with a casual, wind-in-the-hair ambiance. Dog-friendly restaurants in the area include Betty Burgers and Margaritaville in Capitola, and Palapas and Café Rio in Aptos. more »

MJA Vineyards Westside Tasting Room & Cellar

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