In 1991, something extraordinary happened at Ridge Vineyards. It was a momentous occasion that marked a turning point in our history. It was the year we decided to take a leap of faith and make a bold move towards creating a true estate vineyard. And so, on the 20th anniversary of our first vintage, we made a momentous decision to purchase the Lytton Springs winery and the old vines that surrounded it.
This decision was not taken lightly. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of the unique character and potential of the Lytton Springs vineyard. We had been sourcing grapes from this historic site since the early 1970s, and over the years, we had developed a deep connection with the land and a profound respect for its heritage.
The decision to purchase the Lytton Springs winery was driven by our desire to have complete control over the entire winemaking process. We wanted to be intimately involved in every step, from the vineyard to the bottle. By owning the land and the winery, we could ensure that our wines truly reflected the Ridge philosophy and vision.
But it was not just the desire for control that drove us to make this purchase. It was also a recognition of the exceptional quality of the old vines that surrounded the winery. These vines, some of which were over a century old, were a living testament to the rich history of winemaking in the region. They were a precious resource, and we wanted to preserve and nurture them for generations to come.
The decision to purchase the Lytton Springs winery was not without its challenges. It required a significant investment of time, money, and resources. But we believed in the potential of the site, and we were willing to do whatever it took to make it a reality.
Since that fateful day in 1991, the Lytton Springs vineyard has become an integral part of the Ridge family. We have dedicated ourselves to tending the vines, nurturing them through each season, and crafting wines that are a true expression of the land.
Over the years, we have witnessed the evolution of the vines and the transformation of the wines. We have seen the vines grow older and wiser, producing grapes of exceptional quality and character. We have tasted the fruits of our labor, and we have been rewarded with wines that are rich, complex, and full of life.
But it is not just the wines that make the Lytton Springs vineyard special. It is the sense of history and tradition that pervades the land. It is the feeling of being connected to something greater than ourselves, to the generations of winemakers who came before us and the ones who will come after.
Ridge Vineyards made the decision to purchase the Lytton Springs winery in 1991, on the 20th anniversary of our first vintage. This decision was driven by a desire for control over the winemaking process and a recognition of the exceptional quality of the old vines. Since then, the Lytton Springs vineyard has become an integral part of the Ridge family, producing wines that are a true expression of the land and its rich history.