About Testarossa Winery
Testarossa Winery has made wine since 1993 inside the historic Novitiate Winery on the hillside above downtown Los Gatos, a 19th-century property long tied to the Jesuits, with whom the winery has marked a 130th harvest. Founders Rob and Diana Jensen have worked with director of winemaking Bill Brosseau since 2000. The focus is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from well-known Central Coast vineyards such as Pisoni and Sierra Mar.
The tasting room is open daily from noon to 6 p.m., with the last tasting at 5, and reservations are required. The Single Vineyard Tasting is $25 and pours a mix of single-vineyard and appellation wines. You reach the indoor tasting room through a historic cave, and an outdoor tasting patio sits in front of the old building on what used to be a picnic area. Outside food and drinks, including picnics and cakes, are not allowed on the patio.
For a meal, 107 Bistro & Wine Bar on site serves seasonal dishes from executive chef Nadiv Geiger on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., with live music on some days. Ticketed harvest dinners are scheduled for October 30 and November 13, 2026, and the winery hosts weddings and private events in its historic spaces.
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm, a family lavender farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains that distills its own oil, is about 45 minutes over Highway 17. It sells mainly online and through local shops, so check before planning a farm stop.
What to do
- Taste single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the $25 Single Vineyard Tasting
- Walk through the historic cave to the indoor tasting room
- Sit on the outdoor tasting patio in front of the Novitiate building
- Have a seasonal meal at 107 Bistro & Wine Bar, Thursday through Sunday
- Book a ticketed harvest dinner in late October or mid-November
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting room open daily year-round; bistro Thursday through Sunday
- Hours
- Posted on their website (2026): tasting room daily noon–6 p.m., last tasting 5 p.m.; bistro Thursday 3–7 p.m., Friday–Sunday noon–7 p.m.
- Admission
- Single Vineyard Tasting $25 (as posted on their website, October 2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Required
Tips for your visit
- Book a tasting time ahead; reservations are required
- Leave picnics at home; outside food and drinks are not allowed on the patio
- The winery is in a residential neighborhood, so keep to 20 mph on the way in
- Plan a designated driver before you head out
Pair it with a lavender farm
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm · about 45 minutes away
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm is about 45 minutes away in the Santa Cruz Mountains and sells mostly online and through local shops, so confirm a visit before combining it with a Los Gatos tasting.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Testarossa?
Yes. Tastings are by reservation, daily from noon to 6 p.m.
Is there food at the winery?
Yes. 107 Bistro & Wine Bar serves seasonal food Thursday through Sunday.
Can I bring a picnic?
No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tasting patio.
What wines does Testarossa make?
Mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, many from single vineyards.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Santa Cruz & the Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
