About

Wine unites us. Aptos Vineyard connects family and friends over a local, family-owned wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Aptos Vineyard was established in 1974 by the Marlo family in Aptos, CA. Judge John and Patti Marlo noticed that a portion of their Aptos property was designated to be a vineyard so they thought Why not? And dove into cultivating a vineyard on their small property.

Tending to the vineyard and harvesting grapes was a family affair, yielding precious memories for the Marlo family. While a source of joy for the Marlo’s the vineyard was also a lot of work. After a slow start to yield enough grapes to become wine, they enlisted the help of various winemakers to craft the original Aptos Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They enjoyed decades of bountiful fruit yielded on their property. Aptos Vineyard became a source of joy and family connection.

Sadly, when The Judge fell sick in the mid-2000s, the vineyard lost its spark and the wine label fell dormant for many years. After The Judge’s passing, close friend James Baker and his family purchased the wine label and sought to revive Aptos Vineyard.

Over the years, Aptos Vineyard has established itself as a micro-négoces, producing high-quality wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains, relying on expert winemakers and exceptional vineyards. Aptos Vineyard has reemerged as a family label, revitalized.

Currently, Aptos Vineyard produces six varietals from five vineyards with four winemakers. Our tasting room is located at 105C Post Office Drive in Aptos, CA. Visit us today.

A Brief History

The original Aptos Vineyard sign
2018
James Baker, a good friend of the late Judge, buys the label and the Baker family begins to revitalize the winemaking legacy of Aptos Vineyard.
1974
Aptos Vineyard is established by Judge John and Patty Marlo, using fruit from their quaint vineyard in Aptos, CA.
Tina Cacace and James Baker, co-owners of Aptos Vineyard
1974
Aptos Vineyard is established by Judge John and Patty Marlo, using fruit from their quaint vineyard in Aptos, CA.
2018
James Baker, a good friend of the late Judge, buys the label and the Baker family begins to revitalize the winemaking legacy of Aptos Vineyard.
2020
Aptos Vineyard begins online sales and wine is sold throughout various locations in Santa Cruz County.
2021
Aptos Vineyard hosts our first pop up event at Sante Arcangeli Tasting Room
2021
Aptos Vineyard launches their first ever Wine Club