Our Newest Historic Vineyard: Papera Ranch

Blog Post

July 2026

With the release of our first vintage of Papera Ranch Zinfandel this fall, we are delighted to share the history of this fascinating site, one of the Russian River Valley’s premier old-vine zinfandel vineyards. While new to RIDGE, Papera Ranch is hardly new. At nearly 100 years old, it has produced some of the area’s most highly-regarded Zinfandel for decades. Well-known Zinfandel producers like Bedrock, Carlisle, and Williams Selyem have each made outstanding wines from Papera Ranch.

Founding & Early History

Papera Ranch was planted in 1934, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition, by Italian immigrant farmer Celestino “Charlie” Papera. Tom Feeny farmed the vineyard from the 1990s until his passing in 2006; after which, it looked like the old vines would be pulled out in favor of planting pinot noir. Stanford professor and Zinfandel enthusiast Stuart Coulson purchased the property, preventing its removal, and has been the steward of the vineyard since.

Vineyard Location

The vineyard sits near the intersection of Piner and Olivet Roads in the Russian River Valley, with Mancini Ranch and a number of historic zinfandel vineyards nearby. The Piner–Olivet district was heavily influenced by farming families of Italian heritage, particularly from the Lucca region of Tuscany.

Unlike many California field-blend vineyards of the era, Papera Ranch was planted predominantly to zinfandel, with small amounts of mixed black varieties interplanted. The vineyard is roughly 95% zinfandel with a smattering of carignane, petite sirah, and colombard vines scattered throughout. Some of the more obscure grape varieties found in tiny amounts at Papera Ranch include grey riesling and negrette.

Papera Ranch Climate & Soil

Papera Ranch sits on deep Huichica loam soils typical of the Piner–Olivet district. The vineyard benefits from cool marine influence from the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the coolest regions for zinfandel in Sonoma County. Papera’s climate allows for slow, even ripening and produces bright, high-acid wines with the Russian River Valley‘s signature red raspberry and bramble fruit.

The First Ridge Zinfandel from Papera Ranch

2024 Papera Ranch Zinfandel

“Aromas of red currant and ripe raspberry on the nose. Medium bodied with juicy acidity. Ruby in color with boysenberry, dried tarragon, and clove on the palate. Supple and elegant with a long finish.”  —MB (6/26)

A Z List Exclusive Release – Join for Access

Our first vintage of Papera Zinfandel is being released exclusively to members of our Z List wine club this fall. Created specifically for Zinfandel lovers, Z List gives members first access to distinctive single-vineyard Zinfandels and old-vine field blends from some of California’s most historic vineyards. Join today and start enjoying exclusive member benefits right away.