Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Wines & Tasting Experience in Santa Cruz
At MJA Vineyards, we embody a legacy of craftsmanship rooted in generations of winemaking tradition. Founded by Marin John Artukovich, our journey began in Hawaii with award-winning Kona coffee before expanding into viticulture with estates in Napa and Santa Cruz. Our dual winemaking operationsSerene Cellars in Napa and DaVine Cellars in Santa Cruzcombine coastal terroir and mountain elegance to produce distinctive wines. With accolades from Wine Enthusiast and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, we prioritize quality through small-lot, handcrafted techniques.Our Santa Cruz tasting room offers an immersive experience blending wine, coffee, and local culture. Marins Croatian heritage and entrepreneurial spirit infuse every bottle, reflecting a commitment to excellence recognized by Forbes and the Pacific Coast Coffee Association. We invite guests to explore our story through curated tastings, where the Aloha spirit meets Californias finest vineyards.
Services
Wine Tasting
Kona Coffee Sales
Wine Club Membership
Vineyard Tours
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We handcraft wines recognized by Wine Enthusiast and Forbes Magazine.
- Our dual Napa and Santa Cruz operations offer diverse terroir profiles.
- Founder Marin Artukovich brings decades of agricultural and entrepreneurial expertise.
- We grow 100% Kona coffee, voted America's Best by Forbes in 2001.
- Pet-friendly tasting room with coastal mountain ambiance.
What people say
Exquisite Cabernet Sauvignons
Friendly, engaging staff
Pet-friendly outdoor seating
Rich Kona coffee flavors
Scenic tasting views
Services
Wine Tasting
Experience curated wine tastings featuring our Napa Cabernets and Santa Cruz Pinot Noirs. Our knowledgeable staff guides guests through flavor profiles while sharing the history of Marin Artukovich's journey from Hawaii to California vineyards. The pet-friendly setting combines coastal charm with award-winning vintages.
Kona Coffee Sales
Purchase 100% Kona coffee grown on Hawaii's Big Island, roasted locally in Santa Cruz. Marin's decades-old cultivation techniques produce beans with rich, complex flavors that earned Forbes' America's Best Coffee title. Available in tasting room and online.
Wine Club Membership
Join the Kahuna Wine Club for exclusive releases, member pricing, and event invitations. Benefits include early access to limited vintages and curated shipments featuring both Napa and Santa Cruz terroirs, reflecting our dual-region expertise.
Vineyard Tours
Explore our Napa and Santa Cruz vineyards to witness sustainable farming practices and barrel-aging processes. Tours include behind-the-scenes access to winemaking facilities in Howell Mountain and the Westside Cellar, highlighting Marin's agricultural legacy.
Event Hosting
Host private events in our Santa Cruz tasting room with ocean views and rustic ambiance. The space accommodates wine-paired dinners, corporate gatherings, and celebrations, complemented by artisanal coffee service and local cultural touches.
People
Marin John Artukovich
Founder & Proprietor
Third-generation Croatian-American entrepreneur with 20+ years in agriculture. Transformed family work ethic into award-winning ventures across Hawaii and California. Recognized for pioneering Kona coffee excellence and sustainable viticulture practices.
Rob Lloyd
Winemaker
Crafts Serene Cellars wines in Napa using traditional techniques. Brings decades of experience in mountain viticulture to MJA's Cabernet Sauvignon program, focusing on terroir expression and balanced aging potential.
David Middleton
Winemaker
Oversees DaVine Cellars production in Santa Cruz. Specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir, leveraging coastal breezes to create nuanced, aromatic profiles that complement the estate's mountain fruit.
Questions
What makes MJA Vineyards unique?
We combine Napa Valley Cabernets with Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noirs, plus award-winning Kona coffee grown in Hawaii since the 1980s.
Can I taste wines from both locations onsite?
Yes! Our Santa Cruz tasting room offers curated flights featuring both Napa and Santa Cruz estate vintages daily.
Does MJA offer food pairing options?
We provide artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards to complement wine tastings in our coastal tasting room.
Are vineyard tours available?
Private tours of our Napa and Santa Cruz estates can be arranged by contacting our hospitality team.
What awards have MJA wines won?
Our wines have received accolades from Wine Enthusiast, Los Angeles International, and Monterey International competitions since 2007.
Reviews (7)
Audrey S.
Jan 10, 2022
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Honestly, what a tragedy to grow up in a town with such good wine, unable to drink it for 18 years. Love returning to SC and discovering gems like MJA when I visit home. We stopped in for a flight on a rainy Saturday and were quickly seated. They clearly did their best spacing out the semi-indoor warehouse style space, but still a lil crowded for our liking during a covid surge. They also have a patio out front so we opted for this. Strangely, they had space heaters inside but not out when we were there. My sister had a more assorted flight while I tried their reds. We both enjoyed every single
David Swortsfigure
Jan 03, 2022
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Amazing place great service, great wine! If you like friendly atmosphere and attentive servers this is your place also a cute dog hangs out on a roof across the street which is a must see. You may have to come multiple times but the photos alone are worth the wine trips
Halley P.
Dec 24, 2021
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The hospitality from Nicole and Natalie is unsurpassed!! Found them on a Monday, our 40th Anniversary, and they not only let us in late for a tasting, after 5, but served an outstanding champagne and walked us thru a great tasting experience. We've tasted at wineries from here to Sonoma and Marin's winemaker is outstanding. Every single wine is very good to outstanding. Even varieties my wife and I don't typically like. After all that we turned our 1st purchase into joining the wine club. Best experience my wife & I have had in 11 years living here.
Michele O.
Aug 29, 2021
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I came here this past Saturday with a group of friends. The place was clean, well kept and had a good friendly atmosphere. Upon learning that everyone in the party was Deaf they got out a note pad and pen in order to communicate with us. They were so sweet, friendly, and accommodating to our needs. Thank you for the wonderful service. I would definitely recommend this place. Two thumbs up!
Tany D.
Aug 29, 2021
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LOVEEE the owners! Very very welcoming n warm. Had a great conversation with the one of the workers. Her spunky spirit hyped us. Kept telling her I loved her purple lipstick! Honestly will come back, however this time I'm bringing my 4 daredevils and dog because I KNOW I will have a tremendous time here again.
Alessio M.
Aug 29, 2021
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MJA vineyards, I'm not so big on drinking wine. I went there with several people. (They all are deaf). The workers there were so friendly! They were very accommodating with us. We loved every moment while we were there. Absolutely would recommend the place to anyone!
Tom Jewell
Jul 31, 2021
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This winery tasting room is a long time favorite. Every time I come, I know I'll have a relaxed time tasting wine and hanging out with companions. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly attentive without being intrusive.
