Ridge Vineyards

American winery in California

Ridge Vineyards logo

Ridge Vineyards is a renowned winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA of California, United States. Established in 1962, Ridge Vineyards has gained international acclaim for its premium wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The winery is celebrated for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and sustainable viticulture practices.

History

Ridge Vineyards was founded by four engineers from Stanford University who purchased the Monte Bello vineyard in 1959. The first commercial vintage was produced in 1962. The winery gained significant recognition in 1976 when its 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon was entered into the Judgment of Paris wine competition, where it performed exceptionally well.

Ridge 1971 Cabernet Sauvignon at the Judgment of Paris

Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards operates two primary vineyard sites: Monte Bello and Lytton Springs. The Monte Bello vineyard is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, while the Lytton Springs vineyard is situated in the Dry Creek Valley AVA of Sonoma County.

Monte Bello

The Monte Bello vineyard is known for its rugged terrain and unique microclimate, which contribute to the distinctive character of its wines. The vineyard is planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

Monte Bello vineyard

Lytton Springs

The Lytton Springs vineyard is renowned for its old-vine Zinfandel, which is often blended with Petite Sirah, Carignan, and Mataro (Mourvèdre) to create complex and robust wines.

Lytton Springs winery

Winemaking Philosophy

Ridge Vineyards is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyard sites. The winery employs traditional winemaking techniques, including the use of natural yeasts and minimal intervention during fermentation. Ridge is also dedicated to sustainable farming practices, ensuring the health and vitality of their vineyards for future generations.

Notable Wines

Ridge Vineyards is best known for its Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, which is considered one of the finest examples of the varietal in California. The winery also produces a range of Zinfandel-based wines, including the Lytton Springs and Geyserville blends, which are highly regarded for their depth and complexity.

Back label of Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 1990

Tasting and Tours

Visitors to Ridge Vineyards can enjoy tastings at both the Monte Bello and Lytton Springs locations. The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences, including guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, providing insight into the winemaking process and the history of the estate.

View from Ridge Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Related Pages

• Judgment of Paris (wine)
• Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
• Zinfandel
• Cabernet Sauvignon