ABOUT US
Our Family
As a family-owned and operated vineyard, we care deeply for the land we live on. We try our best to work as partners with the land – staying humble and practicing regenerative farming for our commitment to future generations.
There are three generations of our family living on the farm, working together to steward the land and continue to learn.
Our Family
As a family-owned and operated vineyard, we care deeply for the land we live on. We try our best to work as partners with the land – staying humble and practicing regenerative farming for our commitment to future generations.
There are three generations of our family living on the farm, working together to steward the land and continue to learn.
IN THE 80’s
Cathleen and Terry moved to the land that is nowadays Toyon Vineyard in the early 1980s when it was still an active logging site.
They raised their children and lots of pets here throughout the years, and have loved every day of it.
They’ve always tended a small garden, often had chickens or rabbits, and would occasionally harvest bumper crops of potatoes, tomatoes, or other goodies that they would sell at local markets or trade for meals at their favorite restaurants.
IN THE 80’s
Cathleen and Terry moved to the land that is nowadays Toyon Vineyard in the early 1980s when it was still an active logging site.
They raised their children and lots of pets here throughout the years, and have loved every day of it.
They’ve always tended a small garden, often had chickens or rabbits, and would occasionally harvest bumper crops of potatoes, tomatoes, or other goodies that they would sell at local markets or trade for meals at their favorite restaurants.
THE BIRTH OF A VINEYARD
When Terry retired from being a high school science teacher, his mother convinced him to plant a vineyard to keep him busy and to have a nice view when coming up the driveway.
So in 2008, two and a half acres of Pinot Noir and half an acre of Chardonnay were planted on a steep, sun-drenched hillside.
Terry quickly learned that managing a vineyard is arguably more work than teaching, so he quickly enlisted some help.
THE BIRTH OF A VINEYARD
When Terry retired from being a high school science teacher, his mother convinced him to plant a vineyard to keep him busy and to have a nice view when coming up the driveway.
So in 2008, two and a half acres of Pinot Noir and half an acre of Chardonnay were planted on a steep, sun-drenched hillside.
Terry quickly learned that managing a vineyard is arguably more work than teaching, so he quickly enlisted some help.
MEET THE TOYON VINEYARD FAMILY
We all work together striving to farm the highest quality grapes while taking the utmost care of the land and the people on it. We have all learned so much from the vineyard, and continue to improve each year.
Dede
Dede went to Cal Poly and graduated with a degree in Winemaking.
After a few years of working in wineries, bouncing around the world from California to New Zealand to South Africa, she settled back in Santa Cruz and started to help Terry manage the Vineyard.
MEET THE TOYON VINEYARD FAMILY
DEDE
Dede went to Cal Poly and graduated with a degree in Winemaking.
After a few years of working in wineries, bouncing around the world from California to New Zealand to South Africa, she settled back in Santa Cruz and started to help Terry manage the Vineyard.
Neftali
Born in a coastal town in El Salvador, Neftali moved to California to escape the civil unrest in his home country almost 40 years ago.
We were lucky enough to meet Neftali when we hired him to help build our house more than 20 years ago.
We quickly realized how skilled he was, not only with construction but also caring for land, plants, and animals.
He now lives on the land with us, and is the true vine whisperer and green thumb around here.
Neftali
Born in a coastal town in El Salvador, Neftali moved to California to escape the civil unrest in his home country almost 40 years ago.
We were lucky enough to meet Neftali when we hired him to help build our house more than 20 years ago.
We quickly realized how skilled he was, not only with construction but also caring for land, plants, and animals.
He now lives on the land with us, and is the true vine whisperer and green thumb around here.
Kenny and Cole
These guys are quite the dynamic duo, with Kenny teaching us so much about vineyard care and management, and Cole making phenomenal wines from our grapes.
We are stoked to have a partnership with these two who have a wealth of knowledge, echo our values, and put lots of hours into the vineyard.
Kenny and Cole
These guys are quite the dynamic duo, with Kenny teaching us so much about vineyard care and management, and Cole making phenomenal wines from our grapes.
We are stoked to have a partnership with these two who have a wealth of knowledge, echo our values, and put lots of hours into the vineyard.
Mimi, Nate, and Remi
Mimi and Nate aren’t afraid of the dirty work and bring quite a diverse skill set to the farm with lots of experience stewarding land.
Mimi tends the gardens and designs and implements conservation/permaculture plans while Nate tends the animals and helps out whoever needs an extra set of hands.
Remi is the third generation now living on the farm, and his specialties are digging, weeding, and eating.
Get in Touch
Get in contact with the family to learn more about our philosophy, the land, our farming techniques, or even to purchase one of our special bottles of wine.
Mimi, Nate, and Remi
Mimi and Nate aren’t afraid of the dirty work and bring quite a diverse skill set to the farm with lots of experience stewarding land.
Mimi tends the gardens and designs and implements conservation/permaculture plans while Nate tends the animals and helps out whoever needs an extra set of hands.
Remi is the third generation now living on the farm, and his specialties are digging, weeding, and eating.
We all work together striving to farm the highest quality grapes while taking the upmost care of the land and the people on it. We have all learned so much from the vineyard, and continue to improve each year.
Get in Touch
Get in contact with the family to learn more about our philosophy, the land, our farming techniques or even to purchase one of our special bottles of wine.