Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Pine Ridge Vineyards, nestled in the sensational Stags Leap District of Napa Valley.
Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge has grown into one of Napa’s most respected wineries. Now part of the Crimson Wine Group, it continues to honor its legacy while expanding its reach, crafting wines that showcase the unique terroirs of the region.
The estate operates vineyards across five premier Napa appellations—Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. With a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture, Pine Ridge proudly holds Napa Green certification and embraces water- and soil-conscious farming practices, as well as wildlife-friendly land stewardship.
Estate winemaker Josh Widaman, alongside Colleen Fitzgerald, focuses on producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to their acclaimed Bordeaux-style blends, Pine Ridge is also known for its distinctive and highly popular Chenin Blanc + Viognier blend—a refreshing and unique white wine that has developed a loyal following.
Our visit began with a cave tasting experience guided by our passionate and knowledgeable host, Enrique. We started with a chilled glass of 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and the famed Chenin Blanc + Viognier. Both were excellent, though the Viognier in particular stood out, living up to its reputation for elegance and vibrant character.
From there, we moved deeper into the impressive cave tasting room to enjoy an array of red wines, including the 2022 Malbec, 2022 Carneros Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2022 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Each wine reflected its appellation beautifully, but the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was especially memorable—rich, layered, and structured, a true standout of the tasting.
We left with a few bottles of the Howell Mountain Cabernet and the Chenin Blanc + Viognier to bring back to Danville and share with friends.
In conclusion, Pine Ridge Vineyards is an experience not to be missed—a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, sustainability, and world-class hospitality. It truly deserves a place on your Napa Valley bucket list.
For more information or to book your own tasting experience, visit:
👉 www.pineridgevineyards.com
