Wineries in California: Founded in 1983 by Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard always seems to be ahead of the curve. The winery made its mark on the world with pioneering work in the exploration of Rhône varieties, innovative production techniques, imaginative marketing, and its very unconventional leader.

Bonny Doon’s flagship vintage, the 1984 Le Cigare Volant (The Flying Cigar) paid homage to the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and firmly put Randall at the front of the pack of Rhône Rangers in the United States. In 2001, he led the industry charge, converting all Bonny Doon wines to screw-cap closures (after staging a funeral for corks in New York City). In 2004 and 2005, Biodynamic farming practices were adopted in the vineyard. And since 2008, the wines feature full-disclosure ingredient labeling. Now, the journey of Bonny Doon Vineyard has taken yet another exciting turn—leading wine and food lovers to downtown Santa Cruz.

It’s here in Bonny Doon’s tasting room that they’ll find Randall’s newest brainchild, developed with the help of Iron Chef David Kinch: The Cellar Door Café. Under the expert direction of David’s protégé, Chef Charlie Parker, the restaurant demonstrates a passion for local terroir, Biodynamic farming, and local community. The inventive, seasonally driven organic dishes are based on what’s fresh, best, and local. With each succulent offering, a Bonny Doon wine is recommended to complement the meal. Snacks, small plates, and a prix fixe menu are offered in the evenings from Wednesday through Sunday. Randall created this opportunity for guests to savor brilliant cuisine along with his wines in the hopes that they might fully realize the vitality and sense of place in each glass.

The tasting room provides other options, including a flight sampling at one of the tasting bars, a private wine tasting, and a wine and food pairing guided by one of Bonny Doon’s wine ambassadors. For those seeking a deeper understanding of terroir, and those simply seeking wonderful wines, Bonny Doon Vineyard is a necessary port of call.

WHAT TO BUY

‘06 Le Cigare Volant Black cherry, sassafras, pomegranate $32

‘08 Le Cigare Blanc Asian pear, quince, honeydew, lime blossom, cardamom, lilac $22

’07 Bien Nacido Syrah Complex black fruits, wild game, spice $40

CONTACT
831.425.4518; 888.819.6789
bonnydoonvineyard.com
328 Ingalls St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tasting Room Open Daily 12–6 (summer), Wed–Sun 12–6 (winter) Café Open (dinner) Wed–Sun 5:30–Close, (lunch) Sat–Sun 12–3

GETTING THERE
Directions can be found on the website or by calling the winery or café.

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