Ridge Listed among the “25 California Wineries Every Enthusiast Should Know”

Tasting Table

April 2022

The Tasting Table recently compiled a list of California wineries “every enthusiast should know” and included Ridge Vineyards at number seven. Whether you’re visiting the state for the first time or expanding your knowledge (and cellar), the list offers a range of wineries to represent everything California has to offer.

While winemaking in California can be traced as far back as 1769, according to UC Davis, Napa took nearly two centuries to gain the recognition it deserved as a bonafide high-end wine destination. May 24, 1976, was a fateful day for the state’s winemakers, as that’s when The Judgment of Paris took place, putting Californian and French wines head-to-head in a blind taste test of an all-French panel.

“Located in Cupertino, Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most legendary wineries. For six decades, the winery has received some of the highest acclaim possible from becoming a 21-time Top 100 Wineries winner by Wine & Spirits Magazine, to having its 2014 East Bench Zinfandel served at President Obama’s last state dinner in 2016, The Mercury News reports.

“Ridge deems its winemaking process as “pre-industrial,” as the winery’s methods are based on 19th-century practices from the best wineries in California and Bordeaux. The winery prides itself on using natural rather than commercial yeast strains, avoiding commercial enzymes and nutrients, and providing the utmost transparency by labeling every ingredient that goes into each bottle.

“Begin your sipping journey with Ridge’s 2019 Boatman Zinfandel, which retails for $37, as an introduction to the brand’s unique offerings that is drinkable now. You’ll find notes of black cherry, fig, and baking spices, and enjoy soft tannins with a long, smooth finish.”

– Lauren Wicks, The Tasting Table