To connect with community over local, family-owned wine
To bring together family and friends over local, family-owned wine that is produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Aptos Vineyard was established in 1974 by the Marlo family in Aptos, CA. Judge John and Patti Marlo observed that a portion of their Aptos property looked like a vineyard so they thought Why not? and dove into growing fruit and winemaking with enthusiasm.
Tending to the vineyard and harvesting grapes was a family affair, creating precious memories for the Marlo family. While a source of joy for the Marlos, 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 eventually Chardonnay. They enjoyed decades of bountiful fruit harvested on their property and soon the label became a source of joy and family connection.
Sadly, when John 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.
To ensure success, they enlisted the winemaking expertise of John Benedetti of Sante Arcangeli Wines. With fruit grown and harvested in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Aptos Vineyard has reemerged as a family label, revitalized. Learn more about our current wines here.
