Ridge Vineyards stands as one of the great pillars of American wine. Founded in 1959 on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the winery quickly earned international acclaim for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon capable of standing alongside Europe’s finest wines. Over time, Ridge expanded its focus to include historic Zinfandel vineyards throughout California, becoming a leading voice in preserving the state’s old-vine heritage.
What defines Ridge above all else is transparency. Every bottle clearly lists grape varieties, vineyard sources, and winemaking details, reflecting a philosophy rooted in honesty, precision, and respect for place.
Historic Vineyards and Old-Vine Zinfandel
Ridge is perhaps best known today for its work with old-vine Zinfandel and traditional California field blends, particularly from sites like Lytton Springs in Dry Creek Valley, Geyserville, and Pagani Ranch. Many of these vineyards were planted over a century ago and interplanted with Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvèdre, and other heritage varieties.
These vineyards are farmed organically, and Ridge has been a long-time leader in sustainable and environmentally responsible viticulture. The resulting wines show depth, spice, and concentration balanced by freshness and structure, offering some of the most age-worthy Zinfandels produced in California.
Monte Bello and the Santa Cruz Mountains
At the heart of Ridge’s identity is Monte Bello, the estate vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains that put the winery on the global map. Planted at high elevation on limestone and shale soils, Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its balance, complexity, and extraordinary aging potential. It remains one of the most respected Cabernet wines in the United States, produced only in vintages that meet Ridge’s exacting standards.
Farming and Winemaking Philosophy
Ridge Vineyards follows a philosophy of minimal intervention guided by precision rather than ideology. Vineyards are organically farmed, fermentations rely on native yeasts, and oak is used judiciously to frame rather than dominate the wines. Each vineyard lot is fermented separately, allowing Ridge to fine-tune blends that reflect site and vintage rather than a house style.
This approach results in wines that are structured yet transparent, powerful yet balanced, and capable of evolving gracefully over decades.
Style and Why These Wines Matter
Ridge wines occupy a rare space in California wine. They deliver concentration and depth without excess, and richness without heaviness. Whether it’s a Zinfandel-based field blend or a mountain Cabernet, Ridge wines consistently show clarity, balance, and longevity.
In an era where many wines chase ripeness and scale, Ridge continues to prove that restraint, site specificity, and patience produce wines of lasting importance.
Why We Carry Ridge Vineyards
We carry Ridge Vineyards because it represents California at its most honest and enduring. These are wines built on great vineyards, organic farming, and transparency, offering both immediate pleasure and long-term value. Ridge consistently delivers some of the most trustworthy and age-worthy wines in the country, making it a cornerstone producer for any serious wine collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Vineyards
1. What is Ridge Vineyards known for?
Ridge Vineyards is known for old-vine Zinfandel field blends and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, especially from Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
2. Where is Ridge Vineyards located?
Ridge is based in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with additional vineyards and winery operations in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County.
3. Are Ridge Vineyards wines organic?
Yes. Ridge farms its vineyards organically and has been a leader in sustainable viticulture for decades.
4. What grapes does Ridge Vineyards use?
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvèdre, and other heritage varieties, depending on vineyard and bottling.
5. What is a California field blend?
A field blend is a vineyard planted with multiple grape varieties interplanted and harvested together, a traditional California practice preserved by Ridge.
6. Are Ridge wines good for aging?
Yes. Many Ridge wines, especially Monte Bello and old-vine Zinfandels like Lytton Springs and Geyserville, can age for decades.
7. What foods pair well with Ridge wines?
Grilled meats, BBQ, roasted lamb, braised dishes, hearty vegetables, and aged cheeses.
8. Is Ridge Vineyards family-owned?
Ridge is an independently owned winery with a long-standing commitment to transparency and vineyard stewardship.
9. What makes Ridge different from other California wineries?
Ridge focuses on organic farming, native yeast fermentation, vineyard transparency, and site expression rather than manipulation or heavy oak.
10. Where can I buy Ridge Vineyards wine online?
You can buy Ridge Vineyards wines online at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in artisanal California wines and historic vineyard sites.
