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Rexford Winery: A Westside Santa Cruz Gem

Discover handcrafted, small-lot wines reflecting the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Rexford Winery, a family-owned gem in the heart of Santa Cruz's vibrant Westside.

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Rexford Winery, nestled in Santa Cruz's vibrant Westside, offers a unique and intimate wine-tasting experience. Founded by Joe Miller, a UC Santa Cruz astronomy professor emeritus, the winery handcrafts small-lot wines using grapes from select local vineyards. Rexford specializes in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties, reflecting the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The tasting room, located in a modest industrial building, provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can often meet the winemakers themselves. Rexford is part of the Surf City Vintners, a collective of boutique wineries contributing to Santa Cruz's urban wine scene. Open Friday through Sunday, Rexford invites wine enthusiasts to discover its distinctive, handcrafted wines.

A brief summary to Rexford Winery

  • Friday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Rexford Winery website or call ahead to confirm opening hours, as they can vary.
  • Explore other wineries in the Surf City Vintners collective for a diverse tasting experience within walking distance.
  • Engage with the winemakers, Joe and Sam Miller, to learn about their winemaking philosophy and the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Swift Street Courtyard, a hub of activity on the Westside, Rexford Winery is a short walk across Ingalls Street. Look for the unassuming cinderblock building at 429 Ingalls Street. It's located behind Java Bob's. The winery is easily accessible from other nearby tasting rooms like Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard and Sones Cellars.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus stop is on Mission Street at Swift Street, served by Santa Cruz Metro buses. From the bus stop, walk south on Swift Street, then turn left onto Ingalls Street. Rexford Winery will be on your right. A single ride on Santa Cruz Metro costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Santa Cruz to Rexford Winery will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Direct your driver to 429 Ingalls Street on the Westside.

  • Driving

    From Highway 1, take the Swift Street exit and head north. Turn left onto Ingalls Street. Rexford Winery will be on your right. Limited street parking is available on Ingalls Street. Be mindful of parking restrictions. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Rexford Winery

Rexford Winery, a hidden gem on the Westside of Santa Cruz, offers a distinctive wine-tasting experience that blends the art of winemaking with a touch of astrophysics. Founded in 2008 by Joe Miller, a Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, Rexford Winery handcrafts small-lot wines that capture the essence of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Joe's passion for wine began in the 1970s, and he even taught courses on enology and wine appreciation at UCSC, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with countless students. Rexford Winery stands out for its commitment to producing single-vineyard wines, showcasing the unique characteristics of the local terroir. The winery focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties, sourcing grapes from select vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Chalone appellation. Each wine reflects the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the unique microclimates and soils of the vineyards from which they come. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through. The tasting room, located at 429 Ingalls Street, is a welcoming space where visitors can sample Rexford's handcrafted wines. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, reflecting the down-to-earth nature of the winemakers. Joe and his son, Sam Miller, the associate winemaker, are often on hand to pour wines and share their knowledge and passion with visitors. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday, offering a relaxed and intimate setting to discover Rexford's offerings. Rexford Winery is part of the Surf City Vintners, a collective of boutique wineries that have transformed the Westside of Santa Cruz into a vibrant urban wine scene. The wineries are located in close proximity to each other, creating a walkable wine-tasting experience. Visitors can easily hop from one tasting room to another, sampling a diverse range of wines and meeting the winemakers behind them. The Surf City Vintners have played a significant role in the urban renewal of the area, turning former warehouse spaces into hip and trendy destinations. Joe Miller's background in astronomy and astrophysics adds a unique dimension to the Rexford Winery experience. His understanding of the universe and its complexities informs his approach to winemaking, emphasizing the importance of place and space. Just as astronomers explore the vastness of the cosmos, Joe and Sam Miller explore the nuances of the Santa Cruz Mountains terroir, crafting wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each vineyard. Visiting Rexford Winery is more than just a wine-tasting experience; it's an opportunity to connect with the winemakers, learn about the local terroir, and discover the passion that goes into crafting each bottle. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Rexford Winery offers a warm welcome and a memorable tasting experience. The winery's commitment to quality, its focus on single-vineyard wines, and its connection to the local community make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers in Santa Cruz. Rexford Winery is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of the land. Joe and Sam Miller have created a winery that not only produces exceptional wines but also embodies the spirit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their commitment to quality, their connection to the local community, and their unique approach to winemaking make Rexford Winery a true gem of the Westside.

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