About Martin Ranch Winery
Martin Ranch Winery is a family winery on Redwood Retreat Road west of Gilroy, in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. For close to three decades it has made estate wines and small-lot releases under three labels, J.D. Hurley, Soulmate and Thérèse Vineyards, drawing on the Santa Clara Valley and other coastal regions. The ranch has estate vineyards, gardens, a pond, open space and shaded seating.
The tasting room keeps an unusual schedule: it opens only on the first and third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month, from noon to 5. The last tasting reservation is at 3, and the winery closes promptly at 5. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome, and groups of six or more should book ahead or contact the winery. The tasting fee is credited toward a purchase of two or more bottles, and wine is also poured by the glass or bottle. On weekdays, Wednesday through Friday from 10 to 2, club members and buyers can pick up wine by appointment.
Bringing a picnic is welcome, as long as you pack out everything you bring; outside alcohol is not allowed. Tasting hosts guide a seasonal tasting menu, and small snacks are for sale. All guests must be 21 or older, and only service animals are allowed, so leave dogs and kids at home for this one.
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm, a family lavender farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains that distills its own oil and sells its soaps and salves online and through local shops, is the nearest lavender grower in our listings, about an hour west.
What to do
- Taste J.D. Hurley, Soulmate and Thérèse Vineyards wines on an open weekend
- Bring a picnic to the shaded seating by the gardens and pond
- Buy a glass or bottle to enjoy on the grounds
- Pick up wine on a weekday by appointment
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open the first and third Friday–Sunday of every month, year-round
- Hours
- 2026: first and third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month, 12–5; last tasting reservation 3 p.m.
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Service animals only
- Reservations
- Recommended; walk-ins welcome; required for groups of six or more
Tips for your visit
- Check the calendar before you go; it is only open two weekends a month
- Arrive by 3 p.m. for the last tasting
- Pack out all picnic trash and leave outside alcohol at home
- Everyone in your party must be 21 or older, so plan a designated driver who is too
Pair it with a lavender farm
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm · about 60 minutes away
Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm is about an hour west in the Santa Cruz Mountains and sells mainly online and through local shops, so check before planning a stop.
Getting there
Questions
When is Martin Ranch open?
The first and third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month, noon to 5 p.m.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes. Outside food and picnics are welcome, but outside alcohol is not, and you must pack out what you bring.
Are kids or dogs allowed?
No. Guests must be 21 or older, and only service animals are allowed.
🗺️ 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
