Thomas Fogarty

Thomas Fogarty Winery: Mountain Precision, Heritage Preservation

Founding Vision: Medicine Meets the Mountains
Thomas Fogarty Winery was founded in the late 1970s by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a pioneering heart surgeon and inventor, along with winemaker Michael Martella. Drawn to the rugged beauty and cool-climate potential of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the two men envisioned a winery where scientific curiosity met agricultural tradition. By the early 1980s, they had established vineyards on a 350-acre ridgetop estate overlooking Silicon Valley, producing wines that reflected both place and precision.

Estate Stewardship: Organic Farming, Forest Preservation
Today, the nearly 30 acres under vine are farmed organically, with minimal to no irrigation—a nod to both sustainability and the rugged, low-yield nature of mountain viticulture. The estate remains protected under the Williamson Act, which preserves the surrounding 350 acres of old-growth oak and fir forest. This long-term commitment to conservation ensures a living, breathing ecosystem where vines grow in balance with the land.

Vineyards with Altitude: Complexity from the Mountains
Perched between 1,400 and 2,000 feet, the vineyards benefit from a rare combination of coastal influence and elevation. With steep slopes, varied exposures, and fractured sandstone soils, the Fogarty Estate is uniquely suited for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each small block—planted and farmed by hand—offers its own voice, contributing to the estate's reputation for nuanced, age-worthy wines with vibrant acidity and mineral precision.

Winemaking with Restraint: Letting the Vineyard Speak
Winemaking at Thomas Fogarty is a study in restraint. Indigenous yeast fermentations, neutral oak aging, and minimal intervention guide the wines from vine to bottle. Each bottling is a micro-expression of its vineyard block, crafted in small lots with transparency and focus. The goal is not to impress, but to express—highlighting the clarity, energy, and site-driven character that define the estate.