This vineyard has gorgeous views, if you can navigate the drive up safely. The road to this is a bit daunting, very narrow, for the most part one lane, and winding road that has both car and bike traffic. However, once you get up there the grounds are spectacular.The tasting room is very nice, all wood and glass. It was very crowded when we visited but the staff quickly found our group of four a place and were very attentive even though we were not at the main serving area. The wines were not to my liking but the staff did an excellent job explains the wines and the history. After our tasting we took some time to walk their paths and take advantage of their views. It was well worth the drive just for these views.
And of course stellar wines. I went for an afternoon tasting and really enjoyed it. It was a little hard to find but the instructions on their confirmation were clear but the road is very windy with big drops. On arrival I was greeted by Lauren and we tried our first wine and had a short tour of the vineyard. It is stunning and Lauren was knowledgeable and helpful. We went into a great tasting room and tried 4 more wines with some brilliant cheeses and water. The wines are a must for serious winos and Lauren was a great host. Go you won't regret it. Thank you.
For $30 per person, you get the Estate Tasting and vineyard tour. That includes a wine making lesson on what makes this vineyard unique, a geology lesson on what makes the wine unique to this area, as well as a very delicious wine tasting flight with expert tasting notes, as well as snacks, and an amazing view of Silicon Valley. Pack up a picnic, take the tour, and enjoy the views for an all-afternoon experience.
I visited Ridge Monte Bello to try their famed wine. We did a full flight which was quite good. The view is really something. Though we visited on a hot day, the breeze and shaded area were cool enough. Don't forge to hike up to the top for an amazing view!
well - for us - it was a sojourn, a required visit. we have loved ridge wines for decades, and we had never been to Monte Bello. Both the Lytton Springs and Monte Bello locations are wonderful. the wines are excellent, but the tour and tasting we had a monte bello was amazingly beautiful.
"The annual World's Most Admired Wine Brands report has been released and Ridge Vineyards is the top-rated American winery, and ranked #11 overall in the world." Pure Mastery is how I'd described their process, delivering the finest Zinfandels, among other noteworthy wines. Many of these wines are worthy of cellaring for special occasions. These folks get it right, year after year after year! I'm a happy customer!
I booked to have a for the estate tasting. I rocked up a little bit late as I had no idea that the road to the vineyards was so steep and winding. (Give yourself extra journey time)Luckily as it turns out I was the only one booked on the tasting so I had a private tasting and tour. My guide was incredibly knowledgeable and we had a great walk through the vineyard looking at the different vines and growth patterns. Of course the wine itself was divine and it was paired with lovely cheese. I definitely think it's worth paying that little bit extra for the tasting as you get a lot for your money.
Ridge is the one winery which can always be counted on for quality, service and value. I don't think they've ever made a bad bottle of wine.
Ridge is a landmark winery in Sonoma. fabulous zinfandels, rhone varietals, cabs, etc. if you are near lytton springs road, stop in.
I gave a monthly subscription to my husband a couple years ago. It's always a treat when it arrives. For nice dinners at home, or perfect for bringing to friends for parties and dinners.