Paul Bargetto
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the wine industry, I have always felt a profound connection to the land and the craft of winemaking. Our family’s journey began in the early 1900s in California, where my grandfather Giovanni, my uncle Larry, and my father Ralph dedicated their lives to managing Bargetto Winery. From a young age, I was eager to learn everything I could about this art form, immersing myself in the production process and absorbing the wisdom passed down through generations.
After years of hands-on experience at Bargetto Winery, I sought to broaden my horizons and gained valuable insights during my time at Fetzer Winery. However, the call of my roots was strong, and I returned to Santa Cruz with a dream of starting my own brand and becoming my own boss.
In partnership with my twin brother, Peter, and our friend Jon Morgan, we embarked on an exciting journey to establish Soquel Vineyards. For twelve years, we rented a space on Glen Haven Road, honing our skills and preparing for the next step. Fate smiled upon us when we found a motivated seller for a parcel of land that held special significance for me—it was once owned by my great-grandfather before he sold it at the end of World War II. In 1999, we purchased this cherished land, which had been planted with sporadic fruit trees, and I was so excited at the prospect of transforming it into a thriving winery, tasting room, and vineyard.
My passion for winemaking runs deep. Having spent most of my career working in the cellars, I find immense joy in crafting exceptional wines. The hard work we’ve put into our winery has been incredibly rewarding. Each vintage brings new challenges and opportunities, and I eagerly anticipate how the industry will continue to evolve.
Outside of winemaking, I enjoy spending time with my kids and grandkids in beautiful places like Lake Tahoe and Hawaii.