Few things bring people together in the summer like a festival- but if we were to name one other thing, it would probably be wine.
Scotts Valley rests about 8 miles north of the beachon the upland slope of the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains in California. There are many vineyards surrounding Scotts Valley and plenty of picturesque places that are perfect for art and wine festivals.
In the dry, hot summers in Scotts Valley, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset while sipping on local wine and listening to live music with friends and family. The wine and art scene is thriving in Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County- from festivals to art walks, to markets– here are four festivals you can’t miss this summer, especially if you love wine!
Scotts Valley Art Wine and Beer Festival
When: Sat, Aug 20, 10:00 a.m.–Sun, Aug 21, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Skypark 361 Kings Village Road Scotts Valley
Featuring over 100 artists and a dozen of the best wineries in the area, Scotts Valley Art Wine and Beer Festivalis an event the community looks forward to every year. Artists from all over Northern California showcase their art at the event- from mixed media to woodwork, to ceramics. And don’t even get us started on the jewelry vendors (there are almost thirty of them)!
The Scotts Valley Art Wine and Beer Festivalhas something fun for the whole family- while mom and dad are sipping their local brew and wine, the kids can enjoy the fun zone and kids' games. There is even a whole day just for the MVP of the family (your dog). Dog Day Sunday is a full day of contests where your fur child can show off their abilities and take home a prize.
TIP: Keep your beverage cool all day with a canteen or portable stemless cup. Fill it up with a nice glass of local cab or chardonnay and keep it cool for up to nine hours!
Bargetto Winery: Art and Wine Festival
When: Sat, Jul 23, 11:00 a.m.–Sun, Jul 24, 5:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Bargetto Soquel Tasting Room, Soquel
The mountainous, cool-climate region of Santa Cruz County produces wines of richness and intensity, offering many family-owned and operated wineries that have been in business for nearly 100 years. Take the Bargetto Winery, they’ve been making Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and several Italian varietals since 1933- and they celebrate these fine wines every year at the Art and Wine Festival held right at their wine tasting room inSoquel.
Enjoy free admission to the festival, and free samples of their wine when you purchase a $20 festival glass.
Get more acquainted with theGolden State's wine-growing regions with Wine Country Table, a book with stories and recipes that showcase some of California’s best wines and what foods to pair with them.
Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads - 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
When: Sat, Sept 17, 11:00 a.m.–Sun, Sept 18, 7:00 p.m. PDT
Santa Cruz Mountian Sol Festival takes place at the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton on September 17th and 18th, so it is truly the last hoorah of summer. It is a spectacular event thatwelcomes a variety of artists, multiple stages of live music, camping, and train rides. And of course, there will be plenty of craft beer and local wine to go around, accompanied by gourmet food vendors.
Situated in the most lovely location in the Santa Cruz mountains, this is one festival you don’t want to miss. Children from the ages of 2 to 9 get free admission, and youth ages 10 to 17 can get in at half price.
Unfortunately, there are no pets allowed at the festival, but guests are encouraged to pack a backpack with a reusable water bottle, a cotton towel or blanket, and a camera. Get all of these Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival essentials with one quick stop at Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley.
39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival
When: Sat, Sept 10, 10:00 a.m.–Sun, Sept 11, 6:00 p.m
Where: Capitola Village - Esplanade Park, Capitola
The Capitola Art & Wine Festivalis like a weekend in paradise with all the art, music, and wine you’ve always dreamt of in the charming Capitola Village overlooking Monterey Bay.
With wines from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, this is not an event wine connoisseurs want to miss! Shop the handmade crafts at the Local Artisans Marketplace and enjoy entertainment all weekend, including local dance and performing arts groups and live music.
Look your best for the weekend with the Aria Ring bag, or another stylish crossbody just big enough to fit all of your essentials (and plenty of festival drink tokens)!
So there you have it, four Scotts Valley festivals you don't want to miss this summer, especially if you're a wine-o!
For all of your festival season essentials, from crossbody purses to eclectic handmade jewelry, visit Zinnia's Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley, or shop our collections online.