Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Wines & Tasting Experiences in Saratoga & Gilroy
Cinnabar Winery has been crafting distinctive wines since 1983, blending scientific precision with the natural magic of California's diverse terroirs. Founded by Tom Mudd in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery has evolved through decades of dedication to quality and innovation. Under the leadership of Winemaker Alejandro Aldama, who has guided our cellar for over 30 years, we partner with artisan growers across California's premier wine regions to source exceptional fruit. Our philosophy embraces both tradition and modern techniques, ensuring each bottle reflects the unique character of its origin. From vineyard selection to meticulous fermentation processes, we prioritize quality at every stage.Our Saratoga and Gilroy tasting rooms offer immersive experiences where guests can sample limited-production wines and enjoy educational tastings. As a family-owned business, we remain committed to sustainable practices and community engagement. Our Alchemist Wine Society provides members with exclusive access to pre-released vintages and special events. With a legacy of award-winning blends like Mercury Rising, we continue to push boundaries while honoring our roots. Every bottle embodies our passion for creating approachable yet sophisticated wines that captivate the senses.
Services
Wine Tasting
Wine Club Membership
Growler Sales
Private Events
Wine Production
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Family-owned winery with 40+ years of California winemaking heritage
- Award-winning blends like Mercury Rising recognized nationally since 1983
- Winemaker with 30+ years of expertise crafting terroir-specific wines
- Exclusive Alchemist Wine Society with member-only releases and events
- Sustainable partnerships with artisan growers across California's premier regions
Services
Wine Tasting
Our tasting rooms offer curated experiences with professional staff guiding guests through current releases. Weather permitting, enjoy outdoor tastings amidst vineyard settings with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Limited production wines are exclusively available at our tasting locations.
Alchemist Wine Society
This exclusive membership program provides quarterly wine shipments with personalized selection options. Members receive discounts, complimentary tastings, private event access, and special release parties. Three tiered membership levels accommodate different consumption preferences and group sizes.
Growler Sales
Take home our signature Mercury Rising blend in 2.5-bottle capacity growlers. First-time purchases include a keepsake container while refills offer cost savings. This convenient option works well for gatherings, weddings, or personal enjoyment with easy transportability.
Private Events
Host intimate gatherings in our vineyard settings with capacity options from 10 to 30 guests. Available at both Gilroy and Saratoga locations, these spaces combine natural beauty with wine-centric hospitality. Complimentary use included with wine club membership after six months.
Wine Production
Crafting small-lot, terroir-driven wines from premier California regions including Paso Robles, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Alexander Valley. Utilizing both traditional techniques and modern innovations, our 30-year winemaker creates balanced, expressive blends and single-varietal offerings.
People
Alejandro Aldama
Winemaker
With over 30 years of winemaking experience, Alejandro Aldama crafts balanced, expressive wines through meticulous attention to vineyard selection and fermentation processes. His expertise spans California's diverse wine regions.
Ron Mosley
Owner
As original vineyard manager turned owner since 2019, Ron Mosley continues Cinnabar's legacy while guiding its future. His deep industry knowledge ensures continuity in quality and innovation across all operations.
Questions
What are your current tasting room hours?
Open Friday-Sunday 12-6pm. Reservations required for groups of 10+. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Can I bring outside food or alcohol to the tasting room?
Outside food allowed with purchase of charcuterie trays. No outside alcohol permitted except Cinnabar-purchased wines consumed on premises.
What wine club membership benefits are available?
Three tiers offer 20-30% discounts, quarterly wine shipments, exclusive tastings, private events, and venue access. No membership fees with flexible exchange options.
Are pets allowed at the winery?
Leashed pets permitted in outdoor areas only. Owners must maintain control and clean up after their animals at all times.
How can I schedule a private event?
Contact our Gilroy tasting room at (408) 512-4993 to reserve space for 10-30 guests. Complimentary use available to wine club members after six months.
Do you offer winemaker-led tastings?
Yes, by appointment. Schedule at least 24 hours in advance through our Gilroy tasting room for personalized experiences with our winemaking team.
Reviews (5)
Katie C.
Dec 04, 2021
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In town for Thanksgiving and staying with family nearby, my boyfriend and I decided to pop by the tasting room the day before Thanksgiving, about 39 minutes before closing. We loved a few of the wines, to our surprise, but were even more impressed with our by-chance chat and time with Ron, the owner and vintner. He was down to earth, engaging, and gave us a smokin deal on a few bottles (which we bought having not tried them). We know our wine and what we like. After trying a bottle and being happily floored, we planned to go back and considered getting a few mixed cases of the '18 SLH Pinot
Suzan Sander
Dec 04, 2021
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Such a nice wine tasting room. The staff is very friendly and really adds to the tasting experience. Great wines too. Plus a large outside area where you can enjoy a glass of wine with your dog if you like.
John Huan V.
Nov 22, 2021
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If you found my review helpful, please like it . I will confess that the wines and atmosphere caused me to give them 5/5 stars. I love wine and their wines are overall good. There are some "okay" wines but not any were horrible. I especially love their Syrah wine because it was delicious! Caution - they are usually packed so come early if you can.
Amanda B.
Oct 30, 2021
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The poorest wine tasting experience I've ever had. Despite the tasting room not being busy at all, we were not given ANY information about the wines. One of thEe wines on the list did not tell the wine style in the name, and when the lady poured it, she didn't even bother to tell me what the blend was. The 2 women working there stood about and chatted and made no effort to talk about the wines we were tasting, and seemed unknowledgeable or didn't care. The glasses they use for tasting are small, thick walled glasses and felt really cheap, not the nice glasses with their logo on it
Scotty J. Retro Geek
Aug 14, 2021
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Cinnabar is a fantastic place to go to experience great wine with experienced and friendly staff. Saratoga is a wonderful place to visit but while you're there Cinnabar is a must for winding down with a nice glass of wine before or after dining.
