8 Things You Should Know About Ridge Vineyards, the Winery Behind California’s Iconic Monte Bello Bottle

VinePair

June 2025

We are honored that wine enthusiasts encounter RIDGE wines from many different sources. Whether you are local to one of our tasting rooms, a longtime collector of our Cabernet or Zinfandel wines, or finding us through our wide array of single-vineyard bottlings, there’s much to explore about Ridge Vineyards.

Think you are a RIDGE superfan? Test yourself against this recent article from VinePair, which beautifully summarizes eight factoids that every RIDGE fan should know.

VinePair Explores RIDGE History

“From Monte Bello to Geyserville and Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards works with some of the most iconic vineyard sites in the history of American wine. But while many sommeliers and oenophiles are enamored by the winery’s expressive Bordeaux-style blends and Zinfandels, some might not be aware of just how far back this winery’s history goes.

“From the conception of the Monte Bello vineyard in the 1800s to the Judgement of Paris, there’s a lot that went into the brand that Ridge is today. Still, throughout its rich history, the winery has been committed to sustainability, low-intervention winemaking, and crafting wines that express the full potential of a single vineyard site — which is why it’s had a devoted following for its over 60 years of production.”

Recently Reviewed by VinePair

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Estate Rosé 2024 – 92 points
“This rosé is crafted as a Rhône-inspired, Grenache-dominant blend (with a touch of Zinfandel, of course) from Ridge’s organically farmed Lytton Springs vineyard in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. The area’s sunshine and Zinfandel’s signature fruit-forward character come through, with the wine’s 13.2 percent ABV imparting a medium body. Grapefruit, orange blossom, and cherry notes also make an appearance.”

Ridge Vineyards Frediani Valdiguié 2023 – 91 points
“While Ridge is more well-known for its bold red blends, the winery also works with a small plot of Valdiguié as a nod to how this variety used to be a prominent grape across California. The wine is incredibly juicy and easy-drinking with notes of watermelon candies, ripe raspberries, and orange slices lifted by a refreshing acidity.”