As I journey through the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, one thing is clear: small, family-owned wineries like Wrights Station are much more than producers of wine. They also serve as a driving force in strengthening our community. Wrights Station Winery is a welcoming, unpretentious, and scenic place for the community to gather. Here’s what to expect when visiting Wrights Station Winery, including the wine tasting experience, photos, and history.
The Story
It begins with a vision. When Dan Lokteff first laid eyes on the land that would become Wrights Station, it was a 1947 farmhouse with a barn, several garages, and 8 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But Lokteff, who had searched across the Bay Area, Napa, and Sonoma, knew that this was the perfect vineyard site.
Lokteff is truly an inspiration to speak to. He juggles his many responsibilities with a down-to-earth ease that belies the complexity of his role. Imagine starting a winery from scratch, replanting all its vines, making the wines, renovating the tasting room, and managing the hospitality and business of wine tastings and sales. That is Dan.
Today, with much hard work and care, Wrights Vineyard is both a scenic estate and a thriving community of aficionados.
Wine Tasting Experience
The Wrights Station vineyards glimmer a brilliant spring green, like a jewel amongst the towering redwoods. The house and tasting room overlooks this idyllic view, with a large patio providing ample space for friends and families to taste wines at their leisure. During our visit, I was delighted to see that guests had brought their own picnic fare, including cheese, fruit, and crackers with dips, to compliment their wines. It was both scenic and comfortable – possibly the best way to taste wine! In cooler weather, guests can enjoy wines in the airy tasting room with its lofty, exposed-beam ceilings and diverse art collection.
Danielle Fazzolari, the Assistant General Manager, hosted us with wonderfully warm hospitality, sharing the history of Wrights Station and passion for its terroir-driven wines. Their wine tasting is $20 per person, and includes four of their latest releases. You can also reserve charcuterie boxes in advance, order empanadas from the bar, or simply bring your own picnic to enjoy.
I also took the vineyard walking tour, and highly recommend it. This is a wonderful way to experience the terroir of the vineyards firsthand. First, you’ll meander through old vines dating back to the 1980s, whose deep roots require no irrigation and produce grapes with great concentration and flavor. Each block is planted to different clones, grafted on to the original vines.
Next, traverse the majestic redwood forest grove bordering the vineyards. These towering, centuries-old trees add shade and shelter, and also are a popular wedding venue.
Finally, delve into the Wright Station winery, where wines are cellared and made.
Wine tasting is an excellent way to discover the essence of Wrights Station Winery. But for a culinary journey, book a reservation for one of their events. From oyster nights to food truck empanadas and sushi, the winery’s events are a wonderful way to enjoy wines paired with fresh cuisine from local chefs and purveyors.
Wrights Station welcomes visitors on weekends, from 12-5 PM. While reservations are recommended, they’re not obligatory.
The Wines
In his humble perspective, Lokteff focuses on growing quality fruit, and likes to let the wine do its own thing in the cellar. But tasting his wines, we believe that the wonderful expressiveness and depth in his wines is not by nature alone – there is a high level of skill and craftsmanship involved.
I truly enjoyed tasting all the latest Wrights Station wines. Here are some tasting notes:
2020 Wrights Station Estate Cuveé Chardonnay
This delicate yet clearly-defined Chardonnay showcases the essence of cool-climate Santa Cruz Mountains fruit. its approachable Fuji apple, Bosc pear, and lemon zest flavors are delineated by clean, bright acidity. Free from new oak influence, it culminates in a light, clean, and invigorating finish.
2020 Wrights Station Chardonnay Reserve
This is a riper, rounder take on Santa Cruz Chardonnay. With 50% new oak influence, the Reserve Chardonnay offers a lush nose of apple pastry, pineapple, vanilla, and white blossoms, followed by more apple, lemon custard, and hazelnut on the palate. Bright, cool-climate acidity keeps the richer flavors in check, making it vibrant and refreshing.
2019 Wrights Station Arena Block Pinot Noir
This wine knows where it’s from! Bright, brambly red berry, Bing cherry, and raspberry dance alongside fragrant pine needle and sweet herbs. Its brilliant ruby hue shines through the glass, while gentle tannins interplay with clean acidity. This culminates in a fresh and balanced wine.
The Final Sip
I came away from Wrights Station Winery uniquely inspired. Through one winemaker’s hard work and dedication, the entire community now has a scenic place to gather and enjoy exceptional wines. Lokteff’s care and attention is evident in every facet of the winery, from its passionate, authentic staff to the beautifully-kept vineyards and gardens. Learn more about Wrights Station Winery or book a tasting here.