What makes Ridge Vineyards one of the most respected wineries in America?
In this episode, Wine Centric sits down with Ridge’s Head of Winemaking & COO, John Olney, and SVP of Global Sales, Michael Torino. Together, they reveal how Ridge built a global reputation while staying deeply rooted in craft, place, and principle.
We get into:
- What “non-interventional” winemaking really means
- The role of corporate ownership—without losing authenticity
- Why vineyard practices matter more than any tech
- How Ridge builds community through the Sommelier Symposium
- Lessons from decades of aging and legacy vintages
For decades, Ridge has defined what great American wine should be. Their consistency, integrity, and deep-rooted commitment to place helped put California on the global wine map.
Whether you're a sommelier, winemaker, or just a fan of iconic American wine, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most respected names in the industry
00:00 Jumping Right In: Tough Questions for Wine Experts
00:00 Jumping Right In: Tough Questions for Wine Experts
00:20 Introducing the Titans of Ridge Vineyards
01:43 Debating America's Top Wineries
04:37 The Legacy and Philosophy of Ridge Vineyards
05:24 Challenges and Variations in Winemaking
08:17 Sales and Production: A Harmonious Relationship
13:22 Corporate Ownership and Quality Commitment
16:58 Exploring Ridge's Signature Wines
24:10 The Influence of French Winemaking on Ridge
27:23 Exploring Natural Winemaking
27:54 Challenges and Techniques in Fermentation
29:06 Ridge's Unique Approach to Winemaking
33:33 The Santa Cruz Mountains Project
36:41 Malolactic Fermentation Explained
38:13 The Role of American Oak in Ridge Wines
41:33 Ridge's Tasting Trials and Team Dynamics
42:47 Building Relationships with Sommeliers
51:25 Memorable Moments with Paul Draper
54:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
