Ridge Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, Ridge Vineyards is a renowned winery known for its high-quality Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, often compared to those of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Margaux. The winery's history is closely tied to the development of the California wine industry, with influences from University of California, Davis and UC Berkeley. Ridge Vineyards has been a member of the Wine Institute and has worked with organizations like the American Society for Enology and Viticulture.

● History

Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 by David Bennion, Howard Ziedler, and Rip Kinkead, who were inspired by the wines of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. The winery's early success was largely due to the efforts of Paul Draper, who joined the winery in 1969 and became its winemaker and CEO, working closely with Andre Tchelistcheff and Maynard Amerine. During his tenure, Draper implemented innovative winemaking techniques, such as the use of oak barrels and cold fermentation, which were influenced by his time at University of California, Berkeley and his work with Robert Mondavi and Beaulieu Vineyard. Ridge Vineyards has also been associated with other notable winemakers, including Joel Peterson of Ravenswood Winery and Kent Rosenblum of Rosenblum Cellars.

● Vineyards and Winemaking

Ridge Vineyards owns and operates several vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including the Monte Bello Vineyard and the Lytton Springs Vineyard, which are known for their unique terroir and microclimate. The winery's vineyards are planted with a variety of grape species, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, which are often blended with grapes from other regions, such as Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Ridge Vineyards has also partnered with other wineries and vineyards, such as Tablas Creek Vineyard and Qupé, to produce wines that showcase the diversity of California wine. The winery's winemaking techniques are influenced by the principles of biodynamic winemaking and organic farming, which are also practiced by wineries like Frey Vineyards and Bonny Doon Vineyard.

● Wines

Ridge Vineyards produces a range of wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, which are known for their complexity and age worthiness. The winery's flagship wine is the Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes, similar to the wines of Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Ridge Vineyards has also produced wines in collaboration with other winemakers, such as Paul Hobbs and Helen Turley, which have been praised by critics like Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. The winery's wines have been served at prestigious events, including the White House and the James Beard Foundation.

● Sustainability

Ridge Vineyards is committed to sustainable winemaking practices, which are also practiced by wineries like Fetzer Vineyards and Gundlach Bundschu Winery. The winery uses organic farming methods and biodynamic winemaking techniques to minimize its impact on the environment, similar to the approaches of Demeter International and the Organic Trade Association. Ridge Vineyards has also implemented energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures, which are also used by organizations like the National Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund. The winery's sustainability efforts have been recognized by organizations like the Wine Institute and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

● Awards and Recognition

Ridge Vineyards has received numerous awards and accolades for its wines, including the Wine Spectator Grand Award and the James Beard Foundation Award. The winery's wines have been praised by critics like Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast, and have been served at prestigious events, including the White House and the Masters of Food and Wine. Ridge Vineyards has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, receiving awards from organizations like the Wine Institute and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, which have also recognized the efforts of wineries like Silver Oak Cellars and Duckhorn Vineyards. The winery's winemaker, Paul Draper, has been inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame and has received the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, joining other notable winemakers like Robert Mondavi and Andre Tchelistcheff. Category:Wineries