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EVENTS
This is for event reservations. To make a reservation for a tasting, please click here.
Well-behaved dogs on leashes and children are welcome! You may also bring outside food or non-alcoholic drinks. Outside alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Whenever the tasting room is open food will be available from local food truck or pop up food vendors or pizza delivery to your table.
A NOTE ABOUT EVENTS:
During events you may enjoy wine by the glass or by the bottle. We're happy to recommend wines and provide a splash for you to taste to help you select a wine.
Please know that all tastings and music performances during the winter season are held with limited seating indoors with electric heaters and outdoors under our 20' x 30' tent with patio heaters. So there's no need to be concerned about rain or cold weather cancellations.
El Vaquero values our musicians. We give 100% of cover charges to the musicians and it's critical that you help us avoid allocating seats to customers that don't show up. So please, call us at (831) 607-8118 promptly if your reservation plans change.
We advertise our events extensively on Instagram and Facebook so like and follow us on those apps to stay up to date! You may also sign up to receive our weekly email with a description of events for the next 2 weeks. Just click here!
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
5-8 pm
WINE CLUB PICK UP PARTY
Chicago Bill and The Next Blues Band
Save the date to attend our first Wine Club Pick up Party of 2025! The theme is Potato pick up Party! We will have a DIY potato bar with all sorts of toppings along with wine tasting and live music! Saturday will feature Chicago Bill and The Next Blues Band playing classic blues from 5:30-7:30 PM! Admission is free for club members and one guest with a charge of $25 per guest thereafter. Reservations at bit.ly/evwfeb25 , reservations are limited so reserve now!
Food by:
POTATO BAR
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
4-7 pm
WINE CLUB PICK UP PARTY
The Surf Creeps
Save the date to attend our first Wine Club Pick up Party of 2025! The theme is Potato pick up Party! We will have a DIY potato bar with all sorts of toppings along with wine tasting and live music! Saturday will feature The Surf Creeps, playing classics from Elvis and more Rock Legends 4:30-6:30 PM! Admission is free for club members and one guest with a charge of $25 per guest thereafter. Reservations at bit.ly/evwfeb25 , reservations are limited so reserve now!
Food by:
POTATO BAR
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EVERY THURSDAY
7:00 pm
TRIVIA WITH HOST MICHAEL GAITHER
NO COVER
Join us for a fun Thursday evening of trivia, pizza, tacos, wine, and good friends. Host and Americana songwriter/musician Michael Gaither hosts this weekly event starting at 7 PM each Thursday. Typically, 60-80 regulars and newcomers join us for the fun and the chance to win one of three bottles of wine. There’s no cost to play, and no reservation is needed.
The topic and associated hints are posted each week on the Instagram and Facebook accounts of El Vaquero Winery and Michael Gaither. The game consists of 20 questions related to the week’s topic, including five video questions and five audio questions. If you’re confident in your answers for the video and/or audio questions, you can play Double or Nothing. Michael may even perform a couple of live songs!
Pizza can be ordered by texting Corralitos Pizza and will be delivered to your table about 40 minutes later. Also, Chubby's Tacos will be parked outside the winery and available starting about 6:30 pm. They make killer Quesebirria tacos.
Food by:
Chubby's Tacos
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28th
6-9 pm
SANTA CRUDA
SOUL REGGAE
Reserve now to see Santa Cruda live at El Vaquero Winery on Friday, February 28th from 6-9pm! Santa Cruda is a dynamic local band hailing from Santa Cruz, California, known for blending infectious rhythms with heartfelt, high-energy performances. Drawing from a diverse range of musical influences, Santa Cruda delivers a unique sound that combines elements of Latin, reggae, rock, and ska, creating an irresistible fusion that gets every crowd moving. With their socially conscious lyrics and passionate vibe, the band embodies the vibrant, creative spirit of Santa Cruz. Whether they’re playing at intimate venues or outdoor festivals, Santa Cruda always brings a soulful connection to their music, making them a true gem of the local music scene. This show is likely to sell out so reserve in advance at bit.ly/evwevents!
Food by:
Mattia Pizza
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SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST
5-8 pm
B-MOVIE KINGS
Classic Rock and Party Music
The B-Movie Kings are a classic rock party band based in Santa Cruz, CA since 1997. Be sure to catch the show ... you won't be disappointed!
The B-Movie Kings were voted the best Classic Rock Band in the Bay Area per KFOX radio station and deliver a great live performance. They have sold out all shows they have booked at EL Vaquero Winery so far! So don't wait to book, grab your slot today!
Food by:
My Mom's Mole
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH
6-9 pm
Rasquache Liberation Front
Cumbia, Rock, Tex Mex Hits
The Rasquache Liberation Front (RLF) is a dynamic band rooted in Santa Cruz, California, celebrated for their eclectic fusion of Chicano rock, Mexican blues, and cultural storytelling. Their music blends psychedelic cumbias, jarocho blues, lowrider folk, and salsa, creating a unique sound that captivates audiences. The band's debut album, produced by Grammy Award-winning musician Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, is set to release soon under Cosmica Records. RLF selling out frequently so don't hesitate to reserve ASAP!
Food by:
Chubby's Tacos
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SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH
6-9 pm
TSUNAMI
Rock and R&B Hits
Please note the special time and join us for the return of TSUNAMI! Tsunami is a high-energy rock 'n' roll dance band based in Santa Cruz, California. Comprised of five veteran musicians, they specialize in classic rock and R&B hits from the 1960s through the 1990s, delivering dynamic performances that keep audiences on their feet. Their diverse setlist includes favorites like Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way," Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," and Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love." Reserve now to get a good seat!
Food by:
SNB
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SATURDAY MARCH 15th
5-8 pm
FISHHOOK
ROCK
Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to see the return of FISHHOOK at El Vaquero Winery.
FishHook delivers a double dose of high-energy musical magic! For an electrifying musical experience that echoes the charm of historic rock bands, catch FishHook! The band that never lets off the gas .
Bob: This is no lie, Fishhook Delivers What They Advertise. They are excellent musicians and a very FUN band. The last time they played here they played 3 hours straight with no break! One of the best Dance bands in Santa Cruz.
They are one of the most entertaining bands in the area that includes the Central Coast and the greater SF Bay area.
Audience favorite tunes they play include tunes by The Beatles, The Stones, The Cure, Tom Petty, The Cars, Cheap Trick, CCR, Aerosmith, The Clash, Queen, Sublime, Green Day, and much, much more.
Food by:
Pesce Veggie
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SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH
4-7 pm
Alex Lucero Band
Original Music and Rock
Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band is a powerhouse soul, funk, and Americana group based in Santa Cruz, CA. Fronted by singer-songwriter Alex Lucero, whose rich, soulful vocals draw comparisons to Van Morrison and Otis Redding, the band delivers a dynamic blend of original music and reimagined classics. With deep grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and an electrifying stage presence, they’ve become a local favorite, frequently selling out venues across the Bay Area. Whether performing intimate acoustic sets or full-band jams, Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band bring an infectious energy that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Food by:
Off The Hook Sushi
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SATURDAY MARCH 22nd
5-8 pm
THE JOINT CHIEFS
FUNK/SOUL/DANCE
The Joint Chiefs Band is a premier dance band in California, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and infectious grooves. Element of Classic R&B, Funk and Soul, creating a signature sound that keeps the dance floor alive and pulsating.
Since the group’s inception over 36 years ago, The Joint Chiefs Band has graced numerous stages, from intimate clubs and dinner houses to vibrant festivals and corporate events. As one of the most versatile and exciting dance bands on the Northern California music scene, the band’s enchanting music resonates throughout Santa Cruz including the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area.
Cover is $10, reservations are highly recommended at bit.ly/evwevents
Food by:
TBD
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FRIDAY MARCH 28th
6-9 pm
TOUCH'D TOO MUCH (AC/DC TRIBUTE)
ROCK, AC/DC TRIBUTE
Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to see Touch’d Too Much AC/DC Tribute Band at El Vaquero Winery.
Local musicians agree, these guys are great, they sound just like Bon Scott era AC/DC, just close your eyes and believe your ears.
Get your reservations at bit.ly/evwevents early, they sold out last time!
Food by:
TBD
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SUNDAY MARCH 30th
4-7 pm
STORMIN NORMAN AND THE CYCLONES
OLD SCHOOL ROCK
Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to see Old School Rock Band Stormin Norman and The Cyclones as they celebrate the release of their latest CD and the return to El Vaquero Winery after their first appearance and sell out here last year.
The band features:
Stormin Norman Louis- Rhythm Guitar & vocals
Ken Kraft - of SNAIL (Santa Cruz Famous Band in the 70s) fame & White Album Ensemble-Lead guitar & vocals
Jojo Fox - Bass & vocals
Jim Hannibal- Saxophone Extraordinaire
Scott Kail - Drums
The new CD features 8 great new Norm Louis originals plus 3 of your favorite covers.
BY THE WAY - KPIG has chosen "Road Trip," the new release from Stormin' Norman and The Cyclones for their Fresh Pork Chops: Week of November 18th, 2024.
Cover $10, Reservations recommended at bit.ly/evwevents
Food by:
TBD
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SATURDAY APRIL 5th
6-9 pm
SPUN
ROCK
SPUN is one of the top cover bands in the Santa Cruz/SF Bay Area including some of the best local musicians: Patrick Buonsante (lead vocals/guitar), Ted Welty (guitar/vocals), Daniel Vee Lewis (bass), and Andy Ziker (drums/vocals).
Members of SPUN have performed with or opened for: Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind, No Doubt, Train, Jason Bonham, The Beat Farmers, REO Speedwagon, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, The Tokens, & Mother Hips, to name a few.
As the name suggests, SPUN spins a mix of cover tunes: rock, reggae, blues, dance, & country. SPUN also has a selection of original material to bring to the table.
SPUN takes the music seriously (but not themselves) with three-part harmonies and precise instrumentation. It's all about the audience having a good time.
$10 Cover, Reservations are recommended at bit.ly/evwevents.
Food by:
TBD