Pine Ridge Vineyards was established in 1978 and built to showcase the best of Bordeaux's varietals with a certain Napa-fruit flare. I love that you can try their Cabernet Sauvignon or other Bordeaux varietals (especially Merlot and Petite Verdot) side by side and get a real time picture of some of Napa's most prestigious appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Carneros, and Oakville.


This is one of the truly unique features and palate joys of doing a tasting with Pine Ridge. Visitors are encouraged to taste through the appellations and experience the regional nuances and palate profiles personally. A hands-on Napa wine education that is well worth the $40 in my opinion.

Wines to Try at Pine Ridge:

Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (CA) $80 - Dense, concentrated, well-focused fruit laced with espresso-driven nuances and a touch of sage on the nose, the 2009 Stags Leap Cab from Pine Ridge exudes elegance and balance in equal form. Packing rich flavors from ripe cherry to raspberry jam, super silky tannins and a bit of clove woven into the palate mix, this charming Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys an extended finish with persistent fruit and gentle oak influence.

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2011 (CA) $12 - I like this Chenin Blanc-Viognier blend from Pine Ridge every year, it's always fresh, easy to find, affordable and simply screams spring! A heady mix of aromatics plays up honeysuckle, melon and plenty of peach on the onset. The palate plunges into lush pineapple, juicy peach, some citrus and rich mango with a medium-body, a slightly off-dry character and lots of lively zip. A headliner for the "crisp and refreshing" category of white wines that start their ascent this time of year, the 2011 Pine Ridge cuvee brings two grapes that rarely meet into an intimate marriage of aromatics, flavor and elegance. Give this white wine a go with your favorite Thai or fresh sushi, also consider spicy shrimp and blackened fish dishes.

Visit Pine Ride Vineyards

Tastings and tours are carried out Monday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the exception of the major holidays. Be sure to call ahead as Pine Ridge Vineyards is an appointment only winery. Tour options bring guests through the vineyards, onto the production floor, and wrap up in the cellar caves. Tours run about an hour and a half and typically cost $50, and include barrel samples and wine and cheese pairings.

Tasting Fees: Range from $20-95 per person

Pine Ridge Vineyards Address

Pine Ridge Vineyards

5901 Silverado Trail

Napa, CA 94558

Phone:800.575.9777

Website:www.pineridgevineyards.com

Email: info@pineridgewine.com