Is it possible to make the intangible, TANGIBLE? To define LOVE, or to capture the feeling of a SUNSET?

That’s the challenge when it comes to MJA. It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience
that goes beyond the wine, mixed with the aroma of chocolate & Kona Coffee,
the setting and the people. It’s the Aloha!

Embark on an exhilarating journey with the tale of MJA Vineyards.  Meet Marin John Artukovich, fondly known as “MJA,” whose lineage traces back to Croatian artisans and farmers deeply entrenched in the art of winemaking.  Despite being the first in his family born in the US, Marin inherited the diligent work ethic that propelled his ancestors.  Growing up, he toiled alongside his father in their family enterprise while indulging in his passions for surfing and professional beach volleyball during his leisure.

Unsurprisingly, after years of dedicated effort, Marin chose to retire and pursue his dreams in Hawaii, where he swiftly developed a fondness for both the people and the land.  Ever the entrepreneur, he discovered a knack for cultivating Kona coffee, a talent that bore fruit for over two decades.  His coffee beans gained acclaim, earning titles such as America’s best coffee by Forbes in 2001, the Gevalia Cup in 2002, and the Pacific Coast Coffee Association Coffee of the Year Award in 2004.

Amidst tending to the land and crafting its bounty, Marin’s dormant winemaking passion stirred.  In August 2007, he acquired vineyards in Napa, producing his inaugural barrel of MJA wine under the Serene Cellars label.  Further expanding his vineyard holdings in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 2011, he cultivated grapes for DaVine Cellars.  Marin’s adeptness at growing and crafting top-tier products translated seamlessly to MJA Vineyards, with many of his wines garnering accolades in prestigious competitions nationwide, including the Wine Enthusiast, Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Monterey International Wine Competition, Finger Lakes Wine Competition, International Women’s Wine Competition and beyond.

From the shores of Croatia to the tranquil landscapes of Hawaii, and from the renowned vineyards of Napa to the rugged beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains, each sip of our wines or visit to our tasting room, promises to encapsulate the essence of this extraordinary journey, infused with the spirit of Aloha!

We handcraft around 8000 cases of our ALOHA each year, right in our Westside Cellar in the HIP beach town of SANTA CRUZ, California.

Aloha!  At MJA, we embrace the spirit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the cool coastal breezes and high elevation create the perfect conditions for our exquisite Pinot Noirs.  We’re always excited to have a selection of these lovely wines ready for you to enjoy.

What truly makes MJA special, though, is our collection of Napa Cabernets. Our grapes are nurtured in the esteemed vineyards of Howell Mountain, St. Helena, and Napa, known for producing some of the finest Cabernets in the country. And here’s the best part—we share these exceptional Napa wines with you at Santa Cruz-friendly prices.

We also cherish our partnerships with other remarkable California vineyards, which allow us to handcraft a diverse range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Bordeaux blends, and Mediterranean varietals. We’ve crafted a selection to suit every palate, so come and find your new favorite.  Mahalo!

Our KONA COFFEE will keep you going... until it's time to drink WINE!

Marin, the owner of MJA, began his love for growing and producing quality coffee in the Kona District. He has grown his 100% Kona coffee on the Big Island of Hawaii for over 20 years. The high elevation and natural shade allow the beans to stay on the plant longer which gives the coffee that big, rich flavor. We bring the beans in fresh and roast them at a partner location here in Santa Cruz. Our Diamond Head Kona coffee is so good that it was voted as America’s Best Coffee by Forbes Magazine.

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