Born from innovation, opportunity, and vision.
Twenty years after inventing the balloon embolectomy catheter, a device that revolutionized vascular surgery, Dr. Thomas Fogarty brought on winemaker Michael Martella, and together they founded the winery in 1981 on Fogarty’s estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today, the winery is recognized as one of the region’s most respected wine producers, dedicated to crafting single-vineyard wines that reflect the character of the beautiful and rugged land.
The Estate
Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyards offers a diverse selection of California-grown wines, our fruit is sourced from our estate vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
We are committed to organic and sustainable farming practices, and we believe in crafting wines that express a true sense of place. Guided by traditional winemaking techniques, our wines are a reflection of the land, the season, and the people who farm it.
Our History
In 1976 Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a practicing heart surgeon and noted inventor of medical devices decided that he would dedicate his approximately 350 acres in the north end of the Santa Cruz Mountains to open space. For inclusion in the “Williamson Act”, the property would need an active agricultural purpose. The idea appealed to Dr. Fogarty, but he was undecided as to what types of crops he would cultivate. Initially, Dr. Fogarty considered planting the entire property to Kiwi fruit, but thankfully he reconsidered after a few fellow Stanford physicians introduced him to the wines of Burgundy and local producers David Bruce, Mount Eden and Ridge.
Our Future
The almost thirty acres under vine are today farmed organically with minimal (if any) irrigation, and the property remains in the Williamson Act, which means that the entire Estate of 350 acres is preserved as Heritage Oak and Fir forest.
Now, we carry forth the vision of our founders, Dr. Thomas Fogarty and Michael Martella, hand-farming and raising these wines from the small mountain vineyards of our Estate. We hope you will enjoy and share the passion for these small lots of lovingly created wines.
