Perched at 1,600 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Burrell School Vineyards benefits from a southwest-facing site shaped by loam and shale soils influenced by the nearby San Andreas Fault. Warm days and cool nights from the Monterey Bay create a unique microclimate ideal for long, slow ripening of cool-climate grapes.
Originally planted in 1992 with Chardonnay and Merlot, and later expanded to Pinot Noir in 2002, our estate is farmed with a deep respect for tradition. Pruning, seasonal vineyard work, and harvesting are done by hand, while cultivation and organic spraying are carried out using heritage Cletrac tractors. From vineyard to bottle, our focus remains on producing distinctive, mountain-driven wines that express concentration, balance, and a true sense of place.
Winemaking is guided by a hands-on, small-lot approach. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, fermented with select yeast strains, and aged slowly for 12 to 18 months in French and American oak. Our wines are unfined and unfiltered, then bottle-aged for an additional six to twelve months before release. Estate varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with our award-winning Bordeaux-style blend, Valedictorian
We invite you to visit Burrell School Vineyards & Winery to experience our rich heritage and award-winning wines firsthand. Our Tasting Room, located on the site of the original Teacher’s Carriage House, offers an intimate setting dedicated to showcasing our premium estate wines. The outdoor veranda overlooks our vineyard with sweeping views of the canyons and ridgelines of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The winery is open for tastings Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Guests can also enjoy exclusive offerings through our Wine Sippers Club, which includes previews of new releases, Sipping Sessions, barrel tastings, and special “Back to School” wine dinners.
In addition, Burrell School hosts small private and corporate events, with memorable settings available in the historic schoolhouse or the Gazebo Garden—perfect for gatherings that celebrate great wine, scenery, and community.
