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THOMAS FOGARTY
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. Thomas Fogarty (1934-2025) |
| General Manager/Winemaker | Nathan Kandler (2013-present, GM 2025) |
| Former Winemaker | Michael Martella (1981-2019) |
| Address | 19501 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, CA 94062 |
| Phone | (650) 851-6777 |
| Website | https://www.fogartywinery.com |
| info@fogartywinery.com | |
| First Vintage | 1981 |
| Estate Size | 325 acres (25 acres planted on 8 sites) |
| Elevation | 2,000 feet |
| AVA | Santa Cruz Mountains |
Founded in 1981 by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, pioneering cardiovascular surgeon and inventor of the balloon catheter. Located on Skyline Boulevard 2,000 feet above Silicon Valley. Produces limited production, terroir-focused wines from Santa Cruz Mountains estate vineyards.
Early 1970s: Dr. Thomas Fogarty took up home winemaking.
1977: Dr. Fogarty assembled substantial acreage in the northern Santa Cruz Mountains along Skyline Boulevard.
1978: Planted first estate vineyard grapes, marking the founding of the estate.
1979: Michael Martella became the first employee, beginning work at the vineyards.
1981: Commercial winery launch. Dr. Fogarty formally established the winery and hired Martella as winemaker, beginning a 38-year partnership. First vintage produced.
2004: Nathan Kandler hired by Michael Martella.
2013: Martella stepped down as head winemaker to become winemaker emeritus, focusing on Martella Wines. Nathan Kandler appointed winemaker.
2019: Martella fully retired.
2025: Nathan Kandler promoted to General Manager. Dr. Thomas J. Fogarty died December 28, 2025, at age 91.
The estate covers 325 acres at 2,000 feet elevation, with 25 acres planted across 8 unique sites, primarily to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with small amounts of Nebbiolo and Gewürztraminer.
In the mid-1980s, the winery pioneered trellising systems in the Santa Cruz Mountains. When first planted, vineyards in the region were "California sprawl" with no trellising, yielding only 1 ton per acre. Introduction of proper trellising raised yields to 3-4 tons per acre while improving fruit quality, particularly for Chardonnay.
- Thomas Fogarty Winery
- Lexington - Estate wines from Gist Ranch
Distinctive, vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from estate vineyards. Nathan Kandler believes "the Santa Cruz Mountains are the most compelling region in California to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."
Primary Focus:
- Chardonnay (multiple vineyard designations)
- Pinot Noir (multiple vineyard designations)
- Nebbiolo
- Gewürztraminer
- Dr. Thomas Fogarty - founder (1934-2025)
- Michael Martella - winemaker (1981-2019)
- Martella Wines - Michael Martella's personal label
- Lexington - estate wines from Gist Ranch