What began as a pastime is today the Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyard, one of the most respected wineries in the historic Santa Cruz Mountains grape growing region. A Stanford Cardiovascular Surgeon and world-renowned inventor, Thomas Fogarty took up home winemaking in the early 1970's in a small cabin on the current winery site. He planted his first grapes in 1978 and, 3 years later, hired Michael Martella as winemaker to help him build a commercial winery. The 2 have been together ever since and, along with the rest of the Fogarty team, have elevated the reputation of the AVA along with that of their winery.

The Fogarty property, located directly west of Palo Alto and Stanford University, sits on Skyline Blvd. at a 2,000 foot elevation. Here, the long, cool growing season and excellent sun exposure provide an ideal climate for cultivating the 25 acres of Burgundian-style varietals – mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir -- which are planted on the 325 acre estate, along with small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese. These climactic conditions, combined with soils comprised of unusual sandstone, shale and marine deposits, promote low yields, great intensity, firm structure and a distinct impression of minerality in the grapes. This, in turn, results in wines that are complex, balanced, and absolutely delicious!