Two local wineries have made their wine tasting rooms in the Pinnacle Pass Shopping Center in Scotts Valley and much to the delight of locals and wine connoisseurs from afar, they have designed and built a couple of excellent facilities that bring music and community to their venues.
Let’s dive in and find out more about these two outstanding wine makers.
Kissed by an Angel
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Kissed by an Angel is truly a labor of love for owners Larry and Lisa Olivo. Hailing from three generations of winemakers, Larry decided to change careers several years ago. But when his daughter became ill with kidney disease, the parents focused on Amanda, doing whatever they could to make her feel better and cope with her illness.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation discovered that the young woman wanted to be a comedian. Wish granted. The non-profit paid for the family to travel to New York and attend a taping of the Rosie O’Donnell show. Rosie even took the time to visit with Amanda. Sadly, at 22, the young girl passed. At that time, Larry and Lisa decided to start the winery as a labor of love.
Because Amanda had an extensive collection of ceramic angels, they named their effort Kissed by an Angel, with a part of the proceeds gifted to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year they donated more than $12,000.
“This organization brought great happiness and joy to Amanda during her struggles. This is our way of giving back to a fabulous foundation that helps thousands of chronically ill children every year,” says Larry.
Their first winery site was located at their home in Felton. They now have additional vines in Zayante and have developed 400 Pino vines and 500 chardonnays. They also source grapes from vineyards in Northern and Central California. The result is 3,600 bottles of fine Italian wine annually.
“Our wines are full-bodied and have a nice mouthfeel and smooth, lingering flavors,” says Larry, who offers 24 varieties of wine. Peruse the selection of wine here.
About 300 people belong to the Kissed by an Angel Wine Club, receiving deep discounts on wine, private tasting events, and access to limited-production wines. It’s free to sign up.
Kissed by an Angel maintains a tasting in the Pinnacle Pass shopping center.
75 Mount Hermon Road, Suite E
Phone: 831-234-6253
Fridays 2:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturdays 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Sundays 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Monday – Thursday: By appointment
For Reservations, email [email protected]
Inversion Wines
After many years managing Coastal Range Vineyards — creating new vineyard installations, vineyard management, and custom crush winemaking for private wine labels — Cody and Taylor Muhly expanded their talent and opened Inversion Wines in the Santa Cruz mountains in 2019.
The winery’s name comes from the steep terrain and dense coastal fog that covers the region overnight, known as an inversion layer. This is when the warm air below the cold layer is reversed, so there are warm days and cool evenings. The grapes love it and develop complex and elegant flavors.
This is not a hands-off; let someone else do the work operation. All their wines are produced from lovingly grown vineyards to ensure the highest possible quality. “We are involved with our grapes from day one,” says Cody. “That means designing the vineyards, full-time pruning, and the harvest. We’re intimate with all aspects of the growing process.”
Because the manicured vineyards are smaller, the annual yield isn’t as extensive as larger wineries. Each season Inversion creates about 288 barrels, or 700 cases (12 bottles per case).
Check out their selection of wines here.
Skilled winemaker Peter Kirchner has made a name for himself, crafting ultra-premium small lot wines from estate vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. He also participates in every part of the growing process to ensure that high-quality grapes reach their full potential.
The team is rounded out with Tasting Room Manager Christina, the oldest grandchild of the historic Bargetto winemaking family of Soquel. She’s an expert in wine tasting and helps visitors to the tasting room understand the subtleties of the creations.
About 200 members belong to Inversion’s wine club. The three-tiered club has levels for novice wine drinkers to connoisseurs of the grapes. Members receive discounts on wines, complimentary tastings, and private events.
Inversion Wines maintains its tasting room at the Pinnacle Pass Center.
75 Mount Hermon Road, Suite C
Phone: 831-201-4892
Summer hours are:
Thursday 5 pm – 8 pm
Friday 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday 1 pm – 7 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm
During fall, hours change to:
Friday 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday 1 pm – 7 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm
Live music can be enjoyed every weekend.
For more information, email them at: [email protected]