Kathryn Kennedy Winery
A Pioneer of California Cabernet in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Kathryn Kennedy Winery is a legendary estate rooted in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, known for producing age‑worthy, terroir‑driven Cabernet Sauvignon that has earned acclaim from collectors and connoisseurs alike. Founded by Kathryn Kennedy, one of the earliest female winery owners in California, the estate remains a testament to her vision, resilience, and devotion to quality winemaking.
A Visionary Beginning
Born in 1927, Kathryn Kennedy planted her vineyard in Saratoga in the early 1970s, inspired by a passion for fine wine and an adventurous spirit during what became known as the “Wine Boom” in California. After studying viticulture at the University of California at Davis, she planted Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings sourced from David Bruce Vineyards on her own roots in 1973, with the help of family and friends. The first estate Cabernet was produced in 1979, making her one of the first women in the U.S. to establish a winery under her own name.
Estate Farming & Organic Commitment
The vineyard sits on gentle slopes in Saratoga with a climate influenced by Pacific breezes — conditions that lend depth, acidity, and balance to the grapes. Over decades, the estate has been farmed with great care and intention. Under the leadership of Kathryn’s son, Marty Mathis, the vineyard was certified organic in 2007, emphasizing sustainable practices like cover cropping, composting, and biodiversity plantings.
Winemaking Legacy
For over 35 years, Kathryn’s Estate Cabernet — marked by its distinctive silver label bearing her signature — set a high bar for Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. Limited in production and built for longevity, these wines express exceptional structure and complexity. Marty Mathis, who took over as winemaker in 1981, expanded the portfolio to include elegant Sauvignon Blanc, the Bordeaux‑style Lateral wines, and small‑lot reds while continuing the focus on site expression and refined winemaking.
Signature Style & Approach
Kathryn Kennedy wines are known for:
- Estate‑focused Cabernet Sauvignon with age‑worthy structure
- Balanced, food‑friendly whites and blends
- Small‑lot production and meticulous attention to detail
- Sustainable, organic farming practices
Each vintage reflects the interplay of cool mountain influence, thoughtful farming, and a legacy of craftsmanship that has endured for decades.
Where They Are Today
While the vineyard acreage has changed over time, the commitment to quality remains at the core of the winery’s identity. The estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals continue to be produced with the same dedication Kathryn envisioned — wines that reward patience and thoughtful enjoyment.
Why Kathryn Kennedy Matters
Kathryn Kennedy Winery stands as a cornerstone of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine community — a pioneering brand carried forward by family, passion, and care. From its beginnings as a bold experiment in Saratoga to its place among California’s respected boutique estates, its wines continue to reflect personality, place, and purpose.
