Winery Overview & History
Ridge Vineyards has defined California classicism since the 1960s under the guidance of Paul Draper. With historic sites at Monte Bello (Santa Cruz Mountains) and Lytton Springs (Sonoma), Ridge champions old vines, transparent winemaking, and terroir-first bottlings.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Monte Bello sits on limestone-rich slopes high above Silicon Valley; Lytton Springs lies on gravelly, mixed alluvials in Dry Creek Valley. Cool nights and low-yield vines deliver vivid acidity, aromatic lift, and mineral structure.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Two pillars: Cabernet Sauvignon at Monte Bello (with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) and Zinfandel-based field blends at Lytton Springs/Geyserville. Styles are precise, age-worthy, and textural—fruit purity framed by natural acidity and fine tannins.
Signature Wines
- Monte Bello — Iconic, limestone-driven Cabernet blend of great longevity.
- Geyserville — Historic field blend centered on Zinfandel.
- Lytton Springs — Dry Creek Valley classic of depth and spice.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Hand harvests, native fermentations, minimal intervention, and judicious American/French oak. Ingredient labeling underscores transparency and site expression.
Visitor & Contact Information
Locations: Monte Bello (Cupertino) & Lytton Springs (Healdsburg), California, USA
Website: www.ridgewine.com
Visiting: Tasting rooms open by reservation; tours and library tastings available at select sites.
*Photo courtesy of Always5Star