Ridge Monte Bello is a renowned winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of northern California. This winery has been producing some of the finest, high-quality wines for over sixty years. Established in 1959 by thre friends, Ridge Vineyards was founded on a shared passion for wine and viticulture.
The Monte Bello Estate, where Ridge produces some of its most iconic wines, was purchased by the Schwabachers family in 1885. The history and terroir of this estate make it an ideal location for producing world-class wines from classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Grenache and Carignane. Ridge has since become renowned for its signature Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon which offers a unique taste profile with intense aromas of blackcurrants and dark chocolate.
In addition to the Monte Bello Estate's prized vineyards and grapes, Ridge also sources grapes from two other locations: Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery in Washington's Yakima Valley and Esterlina Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. Both locations benefit from their own unique climate characteristics that contribute to the complexity and depth of flavor found in each bottle of Ridge wine.
At all three locations you can take part in guided tastings at appointed times to experience the full breadth of flavor offered by each bottle. These appointments begin promptly at the reserved time so be sure to arrive early! For safety reasons dogs are not allowed on property due to the presence of rattlesnakes in the area.
If you're looking for a luxurious tasting experience featuring some of northern California's best vintages then look no further than Ridge Monte Bello!
Who is the Owner of Ridge Vineyards?
Ridge Vineyards is ownd by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a leading global healthcare company. Founded in 1964, Otsuka Pharmaceutical has grown to become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Japan. Headquartered in Tokyo, Otsuka Pharmaceutical focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines and technologies in order to improve people's lives. Ridge Vineyards is one of the many subsidiaries of Otsuka Pharmaceutical and has gained worldwide recognition for its Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon. Ridge Vineyards has two winery locations in northern California and produces a variety of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah and Carignane. The wines are distributed internationally.
The Ownership of Monte Bello Estate
The Monte Bello Estate is owned by Ridge Vineyards, who took over the property in the late 1990s. The original Klein family had farmed the land since 1885, but by the late 1990s, the Schwabacher family, who had taken over ownership of the property from the Klein family, no longer wished to manage day-to-day farming and signed a long-term lease with Ridge. Since then, Ridge has been responsible for all aspects of running Monte Bello Estate.
Who is the Owner of Goose Ridge?
Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery is owed and operated by the Monson Family, a fourth-generation agribusiness. The Monson family has been herding cattle and sowing the land in Washington's Yakima Valley since the early 1900s. As of today, they remain dedicated to providing quality wines and experiences to their customers.
Is Ridge Winery Dog-Friendly?
No, Ridge Winery is not dog friendly. Due to the presence of rattle snakes in the area and for the safety of your pet, we do not allow dogs on property.
Ridge Winery: A Reputation for Excellence
Ridge Winery is kown primarily for its red wines, which have been acclaimed across the world for their quality and complexity. The winery's flagship wine is the Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, which has won numerous awards since its inception in 1962. In addition to this iconic red, Ridge also produces a variety of other red varietals, including Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Grenache. The winery also produces limited amounts of Chardonnay since 1962, as well as some Port-style wines. All of their wines are produced with grapes from their four distinct California appellations: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Sonoma County AVA, Livermore Valley AVA and San Benito County AVA. All of Ridge's wines are estate-grown and crafted using traditional methods; they strive to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of each region. With over fifty years of winemaking experience and expertise, Ridge Winery continues to be recognized as one of the top producers in California and beyond.
Conclusion
Ridge Monte Bello is a prestigious winery located in Northern California that is owned and operated by two different families. The Schwabachers signed a long-term lease with Ridge and farm the original Klein property as part of the Monte Bello Estate. The Monson Family own and operate Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery in Washington's Yakima Valley, which has been in ther family for over four generations. Ridge Monte Bello produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Grenache, and Carignane. Tasting appointments are available but guests are advised to arrive on time for their reservation to ensure a safe experience due to the presence of rattle snakes in the area.
