Ridge Vineyards
California’s most editorially respected producer. Famous for Monte Bello Cabernet (Santa Cruz Mountains) and Lytton Springs Zinfandel-Carignane-Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley).
About Ridge
Ridge Vineyards is the most editorially respected California wine producer — a small estate with two famous vineyards (Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Lytton Springs in Dry Creek Valley) and an uncompromising approach to traditional winemaking. The estate’s 1971 Monte Bello finished second in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting against Bordeaux First Growths — a foundational moment for American premium wine. Paul Draper led Ridge as winemaker from 1969 through 2016 and established the editorial vision: minimal intervention, traditional oak (often American oak), native-yeast fermentation, no acidification, no extraction beyond what the fruit naturally provides. The Monte Bello Cabernet ages exceptionally — 30-50+ year wines from strong vintages remain drinkable. The Lytton Springs is a Zinfandel-led field blend that demonstrates what serious old-vine Zinfandel can become. Ridge’s broader portfolio includes Geyserville (Sonoma Zinfandel blend), Pagani Ranch, and Estate Cabernet — all referenced by serious California wine drinkers.
Flagship wines
- Monte Bello (Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Lytton Springs (Zinfandel blend, Dry Creek Valley)
- Geyserville (Zinfandel blend, Alexander Valley)
- Estate Cabernet
Editorial notes
Monte Bello cellars 25-40 years from strong vintages. The 1971, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005 vintages are landmarks. Ridge is unusual in publishing detailed technical information about each release on the back label.