Join us for a fun Thursday evening of trivia, pizza, wine, and good friends. KPIG DJ 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.

Make your reservations now to see SPUN, Santa Cruz’s best 80s & 90s rock covers band, on Friday, October 18th, from 6-9 PM. SPUN recently kicked off Capitola’s 2024 Summer Twilight Concert Series with an unforgettable performance!

The band features some of the best local musicians, including dynamic frontman Patrick Buon Sante, lead guitarist Ted Welty, bassist Daniel Vee Lewis, and drummer Andy Ziker. For this special performance, original and longtime bassist Dave Berners of Rigby’s Nickel and Velour will join, along with Matt Shaw on harmonica for a few tunes.

Be sure to congratulate the hard-working guitar virtuoso and vocalist Ted Welty for being selected to open for guitarist Joe Robinson at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center—a well-deserved honor!

Get ready to dance to the soundtrack of your life with hits from Van Halen, Tom Petty, Sublime, CCR, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, Marshall Tucker Band, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more.

Enjoy amazing food from Off The Hook Sushi and award-winning wines by Alex.

There’s a $10 cover, and reservations are recommended at

Purchase tickets via EventBrite to attend the best Corralitos party of the year, 2024 Uncorked Corralitos at neighboring Alladin Nursery Saturday October 19th from 1-4 pm. Go all out with our exclusive VIP experience (additional ticket) from Noon to 1 PM and enjoy access to special wines from our local favorite wine makers.

The event includes tasting from 10+ wineries, 3+ breweries, 2 + cideries, food from 3 food trucks (at an additional cost) and music by The Joint Chiefs. We’ll have silent auction items, raffles and tons of fun.

This event is a fundraiser put on by Freedom Rotary. All proceeds will sponsor a 10-week emotional resilience program to provide critical life skills for Pajaro Middle School students (who experienced the Pajaro floods of 2023 and associated relocations).

Tickets can be purchased via EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uncork-corralitos-tickets-965403877987

Come enjoy a relaxed afternoon at El Vaquero Winery while listening to some of the best traditional acoustic musicians in Santa Cruz County. The first two hours will feature performances by Shelley Phillips, Steve Coulter, Rachel Goodman, William Coulter, Rebecca Richman, Neal Hellman, and more! We’ll conclude with a traditional Irish session, where audience members are welcome to bring their instruments and join the performers in playing Celtic tunes. An assortment of wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase.

Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $15 for college students, and $10 for those under 18. All proceeds from ticket and food sales go towards funding Community Music School's youth programming, keeping it affordable for local families.

Details and tickets available here:

Join us at El Vaquero on Friday, October 25th, from 6-9 PM as we welcome the B-Movie Kings!

This classic rock party band, a Santa Cruz favorite since 1997, delivers an electrifying performance that you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a night of great music, delicious food, and fantastic wine!

Enjoy mouth-watering eats from Riot BBQ alongside our signature El Vaquero wines on our stunning outdoor patio. $10 cover charge at the door, make reservations at:

Michael Gaither and His SCARY New Best Friends return for their fourth annual Halloween party. They're bringing a whole evening of fun, spooky, danceable Halloween tunes, plus some favorite cover songs. It's a full-band show, this year with special guest Curtis Reiser (of Hank & Ella and The Fine Country Band) on lead guitar.

And of course, there'll be a costume contest. Last year's entrants included our annual coven of witches, two tooth fairies, the Scooby Doo gang with a villain reveal, and Bob himself as Cruella de Ville. (Michael and the band serenaded him with a bluesy rendition of the classic Disney tune).

Plus, the heaters will be at the ready to keep you warm when you're not dancing. Or you can just keep dancing all evening.

This party gets bigger and funner each year. Hope you can join us.

It’s the long-awaited return of great country music with the new all-star band, Swell City Opry, at El Vaquero Winery on Sunday, October 27th, from 4-7 PM.

Get ready for some down-home, foot-stompin’ music with Santa Cruz’s newest country sensation, The Swell City Opry! Founding member Lizzy Smith, who grew up fiddling at her family’s theater, The Wisconsin Opry, missed the classic country tunes and harmonies she was raised on. So, she gathered some of her favorite local musicians, shared a few beers, and convinced them to join her in creating a lively cover band that’s sure to become your guilty pleasure.

The band’s collaborative spirit shines as Lizzy passes the mic, featuring each member on vocals. Jamie Coffis brings his signature keys to the band, while his brother Kellen Coffis takes on the role of drummer, pulling it off effortlessly. Known for their impeccable harmonies, the Coffis brothers are the heart of the group. From the band "Wolf Jett," we are fortunate to have Duncan Shipton keeping steady rhythms on bass, and Chris Jones showcasing his versatility on rhythm guitar, slide guitar, electric guitar, and harmonica—all with an infectious energy.

From Willie Nelson and The Old Crow Medicine Show to Merle Haggard, Lucinda Williams, The Allman Brothers, and Emmylou Harris, Swell City Opry delivers all your favorite country tunes.

This show sold out last time, so don’t wait—make your reservations now! Enjoy delicious food from SNB Food Truck, featuring great burgers and sandwiches, alongside award-winning wines by Alex. The cover is $10. Reservations are recommended:

Welcome back our crowd favorite, The Alex Lucero Band, at El Vaquero Winery on Saturday, November 2nd, from 6:30-9:30 PM. The Alex Lucero Band, starring the winner of the 2023 and 2024 Good Times Best Local Solo Artist and Band award, will take the stage—please note the special time.

Although Alex Lucero grew up in Oakdale, CA, known as “The Cowboy Capital of the World,” his musical influences tell a different story. Raised on the soulful sounds of the '60s and '70s, artists like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison, and Stevie Wonder have shaped his unique style and soulful feel. Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band have received rave reviews across Northern California, with their music regularly featured on multiple radio stations, including a permanent spot on KPIG 107 “Oink” 5.

Enjoy award-winning wines by Alex, and stay tuned for the featured food vendor. $10 cover, and reservations are required! This show will sell out, so hurry to reserve!

Get reservations to welcome Bean Creek to El Vaquero Winery for the first time Sunday November 3rd, 4-7pm.

Bean Creek is a bluegrass band that plays straight ahead traditional style bluegrass. Slightly revised since the passing of original band member, Peter Hicks, we are now joined by Henry and Ella Warde!

Note From Bob: Some of you may recognize the band's recent addition of Henry and Ella Warde. This is Hank and Ella from the band Hank and Ella and The Fine Country Band. They are EXCELLENT. Hank is blessed with a classic country voice.

Enthusiasm and passion, as well as fine song choices, including rousing instrumentals and heartfelt ballads, are guaranteed to delight foot-stompin’ audiences. Dulcet harmonies and fun stage banter abounds…. get ready for some fun! Bean Creek was voted Best Band four times by the Northern California Bluegrass Society, while Billy has captured Best Vocalist 8 times since 2008. Rob has also picked up the Best Banjo Player in previous years. Band members include Billy Pitrone on guitar and vocals, Sarah Eblen on bass and vocals, Rob Horgan on banjo, Ella Warde on fiddle and vocals and Henry Warde on mandolin and vocals.
We’ll have food by The Taco House and award winning wine by Alex. There will be a $10 Cover charge at the door.

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. El Vaquero Winery is excited to welcome down home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

"Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical." Oakland Magazine

"The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of “Purple Haze” is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman’s playing—it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist." Good Times Santa Cruz​

“Just wait for their rendition of Led Zepplin tunes!” … EVW Review

We’ll have award winning wines by Alex and food by TBD. Reservations are highly and the cover charge at the door is $10.

Not So Young, out of Santa Cruz Ca, is a dedicated group of musicians that capture the mood and raw energy of the classic Neil Young song book. Representing over 40 years of Neil Young music, Not So Young delivers a wide assortment from the Godfather of Grunge. Every time you see “Not So Young” perform, you will be glad you came out to “Feel the Neil”!

The lineup is Jim Rosenberg lead vocals/guitar, plus THE DYLAN ROSE BAND (including Dylan Rose lead guitar/vocals, Alisha Ripatti vocals, Keith Wieland drums, David Handloff bass, and Jocelyn Olson keys/vocals). It really gets rocking at times with Rockin In The Free World, Southern Man, Hey Hey My My, Ohio, Down BY The River, etc. but also has the tender stuff like Harvest Moon, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Long May You Run, Needle and the Damage Done and so on. Dylan Rose and Alisha Ripatti have been very popular at El Vaquero playing as "Ripatti and Rose" and the "Dylan Rose Band". Hearing Jim Rosenberg's Neil Young vocals backed up by two Alisha and Jocelyn’s vocals is a real treat!

Their shows at El Vaquero Winery have fully booked quickly and were nothing shy of fabulous!

Cover is $10 at the door, food is TBD and award winning wines by Alex. Reservations are highly recommended

When: Sunday, November 10th, 12-2pm
Where: El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville, CA


*For participants aged 18 years & up. Thank you!
*One ticket per participant. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the door. Tickets available at: https://hearthavenevents.com/products/wreaths-wine-event-tickets

Event Details:

*Let your creativity shine while making a festive dried wreath. Whether you're wanting to make a fall or holiday wreath, we'll have all the fixins for you to create it. Materials include: one 18" grapevine wreath, 3 yards of ribbon, floral wire and necessary tools, as well as a plethora of dried and preserved florals and decorations we've gathered for you to choose from so you can make it completely your own. The possibilities are endless!

*Enjoy tasty seasonal snacks and beverages. You will also have the option to purchase El Vaquero's delicious wine to sip while you create!

*Take part in our fun giveaway.

*This is an 18 & up, rain or shine event.

Make your reservations now for Big Bad Wolf at El Vaquero Winery on Friday, November 15th, from 6-9 PM!

Hailing from Aptos in Santa Cruz County, Big Bad Wolf delivers a unique, off-the-beaten-path blend of danceable, blues-based classic rock. With influences from iconic artists like Creedence, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, John Hiatt, The Hollies, and more, their shows promise a high-octane, rip-roaring good time.

Frontman Jefferson’s vocals are spot on, especially his John Fogerty renditions. Their cover of “One Headlight” rivals the Wallflowers' version!

Enjoy award-winning wines by Alex and food from a featured vendor (TBD). The cover charge is $10 at the door. Reservations are highly recommended:

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Bob: “ The Joint Chiefs are one of the two most popular bands in the Santa Cruz area and likely the most danceable band.”

The Joint Chiefs are one of the most versatile and exciting dance bands currently performing on the Northern California music scene. Since their inception in 1990, The Joint Chiefs have built a loyal following based on their live performances as well as their wide range of styles and influences.

Their sound fuses elements of funk, acid jazz and classic R&B with their own signature groove. The result is a dance party of infectious grooves.

Since members of the band were raised on 70’s funk, the band is able to capture the real funk feel that all other bands try to imitate.

With a repertoire of over 200 songs and a history of 100s of performances in the Bay Area’s most popular venues, The Joint Chiefs play everything from low volume instrumental jazz to full blown dance crazed funk.

Food is TBD. We’ll have award winning wines by Alex. Cover is $10, reservations are highly recommended at bit.ly/evwevents.

Come Join Old School Rock Band Stormin Norman and The Cyclones as they celebrate the release of their new CD “Road Trips” Sunday November 24th from 4 to 7 PM.


The band features:
Stormin Norman Louis- Rhythm Guitar & vocals
Ken Kraft - of Snail fame & White Album Ensemble-Lead guitar & vocals
Jojo Fox - Bass & vocals
Jim Hannibal- Saxophone Extraordinaire
Scott Kail - Drums - formerly with the Wallflowers
The new CD features 8 great new Norm Louis originals plus 3 of your favorite covers.

Make Reservations NOW for the El Vaquero Winery debut of Touch’d Too Much Friday DECEMBER 20TH from 6-9 pm at bit.ly/evwevents They sold out last time, so make reservations early!

Touch’d Too Much is a Santa Cruz California based band that recreates the energy and sound of Bon Scott era AC/DC.

Touch’d Too Much has built a reputation as a must-see band, just ask local musicians… they AGREE, this band is GREAT! The band has continuously earned fans and return engagements by consistently delivering nonstop, high energy, uncompromising, powerful performances.

Close your eyes, you won't believe your ears!

We’ll have award winning wines by Alex and tbd food, $10 cover, reservations are highly recommended at bit.ly/evwevents.

The Joint Chiefs are joining us again for the 2nd annual early celebration of New Years before New Years.

Bob: “ The Joint Chiefs are one of the two most popular bands in the Santa Cruz area and likely the most danceable band.”

The Joint Chiefs are one of the most versatile and exciting dance bands currently performing on the Northern California music scene. Since their inception in 1990, The Joint Chiefs have built a loyal following based on their live performances as well as their wide range of styles and influences.

Their sound fuses elements of funk, acid jazz and classic R&B with their own signature groove. The result is a dance party of infectious grooves.

Since members of the band were raised on 70’s funk, the band is able to capture the real funk feel that all other bands try to imitate.

With a repertoire of over 200 songs and a history of 100s of performances in the Bay Area’s most popular venues, The Joint Chiefs play everything from low volume instrumental jazz to full blown dance crazed funk.

Food is TBD. We’ll have award winning wines by Alex. Cover is $10, reservations are highly recommended at bit.ly/evwevents.

So Extra Large asked to play a celebration of New Years,,,how could we turn that down! Make Reservations at bit.ly/evwextralarge to see EXTRA LARGE play New Year’s Eve, Tuesday December 31st from 6-9 pm at El Vaquero Winery. We’re blessed to have super FUN band EXTRA LARGE back for the third time in 2024.

At the end of a long, tough day, all we want to do is blow off some steam, and get reacquainted with the things in life that really matter to us-that's where EL comes in. Like a six-piece pressure release valve, EL is there with a cool blend of the funk, reggae riffs, latin beats, essence of jazz and soul that rejuvenates. Proclaiming their role as "fiesta facilitators", they dare us to dance (it's their motto), and we obey. Their lyrics hear our strife and speak of love, optimism and fulfillment. Frontman Russ Leal steps up to the mic. The consumate showman- generous, confident and full of energy- he is plainspoken and charismatic. "It's our goal to make you whole, by doing what we do with unadulterated soul," he sings. Why do we love you Extra Large? Because you know what we mean when we say we're tired, but you're not jaded. You give us permission to forget ourselves and relax, to rediscover fun and lightness of spirit, and as such, we are restored in the funky earnestness of your unfalteringly well-adjusted worldview.
Reservations require the use of a special Extra Large only reservation system at bit.ly/evwextralarge, $10 Cover, delicious food by tbd, award winning wine by Alex.