We had a beautiful experience at our friends Birthday Party. We had inside and outdoor seating, wine tasting, a selection of wines and beer free to the party. We also had a setup of appetizers and of course pie and cake from our host. It was a super venue for a group of forty people. I had the sparkling rosé wine, which was average. On a bigger note, our server provided a choice of four beers! We all had a great time and some people purchased bottles as well. I will keep this in mind as something we may consider in the future. We did not order pizza from next door as many have noted in their reviews. We had our own food, on a day Odonata is normally closed. A great time was had by all.
Amanda N.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Jose, CA
I came in this afternoon for wine tasting. It is a super cute place. We were welcomed right away! The woman serving us was incredibly friendly and helpful. She taught us a lot about the wine and where each of them came from, etc. The Grenache was my favorite. She also gave really great details about the wine club without trying to sell it to us. I will definitely be going back! If I hadn’t had to walk afterwards I would have bought a few bottles. Also, the wine club sounds like a great deal.
Elizabeth H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Merced, CA
We had a great time here on a Tuesday evening eating Companion’s pizza and trying Odonata’s flight. Will definitely return! The woman with short blonde hair was nice and knowledgable.
Jamie S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Penn Valley, CA
Honestly my group was incredibly impressed by this winery and the woman tht severed us. I’m pretty sure her name was Riki and she was so so helpful and very knowledgeable on all the wines. I will never go to another wine bar an I love the Beyoncé in the background while I’m sipping my Malbec. Cheers
Cammy J.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Fremont, CA
Rating applies to the wines only. Our group was not impressed.
Larry F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Ramon, CA
Thoroughly enjoyed the tasting with owner and winemaker Dennis. All the wines we tasted were good and price points are excellent. Worth a stop. Nice tasting room located along HWY1 in Santa Cruz.
Alice H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
I highly recommend the 2011 Syrah Dessert Wine. It is delicious and one of a kind. I have never been to the winery itself, but was introduced to their wine at another local bay area wine bar. I wanted to order a few bottles as a Christmas gift and Denis was great with helping me to place my order. Everything arrived on time and intact and the gift was very much appreciated.
Heather J.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Portland, OR
I can’t believe I haven’t written a review for Odonata yet! I became a wine club member here several years ago, when Dennis was still giving tastings just once a month at a table next to Santa Cruz Mountain wines. From the very first sip I had, I knew these wines were special, and they’ve only gotten better. His single varietal wines provide a clarity in flavour that results in something that just tastes… beautiful. I am so happy to see the winemaker finding success because it is so well deserved. The new space is great and allows for even more people to get to experience the best that Santa Cruz wine has to offer. I dare you to taste and the walk away without buying a bottle. I bet you can’t.
Renee H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
The wine is fantastic. Probably best and most original wine coming out of the Santa Cruz area. The tasting room is spacious and they always have great art on the wall. Dennis is always a gracious host and loves to talk wine. This is a true gem. Don’t pass it up.
Lara F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Gatos, CA
Beautiful tasting room with exceptional wines. I’ve been a member for more years than I can remember and was thrilled when Denis finally opened up his own place. My husband loves to see the art on the walls. It’s in a nice strip mall with easy parking.
Ferol G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
Stopped in on a whim on our way home to SF. Denis was up front and very engaging, telling us some background about himself and his wines. Out of the 7 or so we tasted, we really liked 4, loved 2, and weren’t too crazy about 1. The Grenache was too good to pass up, so we joined the wine club in order to get a bottle. For a smallish wine maker, we were impressed by the tastiness of the varietals. Tastings are only $ 5, so you might as well stop in for a sip or two!
John b.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Santa Cruz, CA
Very good wines especially given how reasonable the prices. They have a lovely sparkling wine on their secondary label. We joined the wine club so we get a nice discount on the wines. Pizza night: Tuesday evenings only. We’ve enjoyed ordering gourmet pizza at Companion Bakery nextdoor and sharing a bottle of Odonata wine. The pizza makers bring it over to you when it’s ready. So you can just sit and enjoy your wine in the recently redone sipping/eating area. They’ve also started Sunday brunch in conjunction with Companion Bakery but we haven’t tried it. Will do a follow up after we have.
Yvette B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Capitola, CA
The place was somewhat run of the mill wine tasting room. The wine on the other hand was unique and tasty. As I enjoyed a flight(bought a cruzon daily deal) I heard many great things about the owner. The woman pouring was extremelly knowledgable and insighful about the area and other winerys. I am not sure I would go back but if I was notified of upcoming events especially in the Swift Street area, I probably would revisit.
J h.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Santa Cruz, CA
Great wines. Cool tasting room. Could use a *bit* more generous pour given what you’re paying…
Pillowsblanket S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Santa Cruz, CA
Hands down, the best wine in Santa Cruz. The vintiner knows what he is doing. He is creative, smart, thoughtful, and personable and all of these qualities come out in the wine. It is well worth the visit. You will leave with many bottles of wine to share with your family and friends. Superb.
Cindi M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Jose, CA
So this was our third stop on January Passport weekend, but we weren’t stopping for passport. We were stopping because we are actual members of this winery. Right away Dennis waves to us, comes out from behind the table and shakes hands with the men and hugs us ladies. He sets us up right away with a glass and some wine. Now this is what I call hospitality. Dennis has a way of making you feel like family. So after drinking all his delicious wine, we pick up our wine from our wine club membership and off we go. Although, we could just hang out here all day long.
Cruzah H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Santa Cruz, CA
I had the pleasure of meeting Denis, owner, winemaker, and founder of Odonata Wines of Santa Cruz. He is passionate about his wines and so willing to talk about his process. The wine is outstanding. The Chardonnay has such an individual flavor it can stand alone with any dinner. It’s a compliment to a meal instead of being«just the wine»…The Durif is unforgettable. Please lets help keep this young winemaker in Santa Cruz.