About
The Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Estate sits at approximately 2,300 feet up Black Mountain, to the west of Cupertino, California, where it is surrounded by the head-trained and hand-harvested vines that provide fruit for Ridge’s flagship Monte Bello offerings. With windows overlooking the visual splendor and rustic glory of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Torre Winery Barn affords an intimate, educational, and delicious way to enter the world of Ridge; a viticultural realm where single-site winemaking values are tirelessly championed, non-interventionist vineyard practices are determinedly upheld, and a devotion to nature and tradition rules the day. As with Ridge’s Lytton Springs Estate in Healdsburg, California, the Monte Bello Retail Sales & Hospitality staff are a singularly passionate coterie of oenophilic fanatics who deeply enjoy every opportunity to talk wine with visitors both novice and expert alike about all things Ridge, and all things wine. Far more often then not, these conversations across the bar quickly develop into informal and interactive colloquia on subjects running the gamut from questions of culinary companionability to traits of terroir; characteristics of carignane to the merits of multi-format bottling; debates on dry-farming to value judgments on verticals and vintages, and more.
Christopher Watkins, Manager of Retail Sales & Hospitality at Ridge Vineyards/Monte Bello, hosts this blog as an on-going opportunity to carry these conversations out into the larger world; if you are a lover of Ridge, a lover of wine, or just want to learn how to use an Ah-So Cork Puller, you are most cordially invited to visit, to read, and to respond. Whether you’re curious about how a certain vintage of Monte Bello is currently showing, want to chime in on the order of last weekend’s tasting flight, or suggest a dish to pair with a young zinfandel, 4488: A Ridge Blog welcomes you with open arms and a full glass!
p.s. Ridge became California Bonded Winery (BW) #4488 in 1962!
Ridge Vineyards/Monte Bello
17100 Monte Bello Road
Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone 408.867.3233
February 5, 2012 at 8:49 pm |
Wow. So much support from the Wine blogging community. Of course, it is well deserved since this blog is pretty awesome. Keep the posts coming.
February 25, 2011 at 8:48 am |
Hi Christopher! Join us in the Blogger of the Month contest. tinyurl.com/bloggerofthemonth Write a post and win a trip to Argentina!
December 16, 2010 at 1:57 pm |
[...] Jo from Juicy Tales? Marcy Gordon? Remy of the Wine Case who hosted #55? Christopher Watkins from Ridge’s blog? Ken Payton? Russ the Wine Hiker? Joe and Amy [...]
October 19, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
Amazing information! We love how informative and accessible this blog as made wine understanding for those with a “thirst” for knowledge! The descriptions and adjectives used conjure fantastic imagery, sure to engage all readers.
As fellow epicureans, we at Van’s Gifts greatly appreciate the finesse food and wine has to offer. We love that this blog shares our appreciation for wine!
Regards!
Van’s Gifts
wine basket
March 6, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
Hey, how about twittering a note when you enter a new blog? Plus tasting times would be great.
-Mike
June 15, 2009 at 10:34 am |
Awesome! Thanks so much for the blog visit! I’ve got to head up your way eventually, that would be terrific. I’m headed to North Fork in 3 weeks to check out all the new wineries I haven’t been to (since they have popped up like mad since I was there last). Any suggestions, I am all ears. I’m rusty on the North Fork gems and need catching up! Tell your L.I blogger to come on by to the site and say hi!
Love the the blog by the way, you’ll be first on my new blogroll!
June 15, 2009 at 11:33 am |
Thanks for the kind words Jennifer, and definitely let me know when/if you’re coming our way!
As to LI spots to visit; I would definitely recommend Roanoke Vineyards (owned by the vineyard manager for Wolffer Estates, and Roman Roth is the winemaker), as well as Shinn Estates. And if you get down to the South Fork, definitely check out Channing Daughters. More soon!
June 10, 2009 at 2:47 pm |
Welcome to the blogosphere. As an avowed fan of Ridge wines, I look forward to reading!
I will also be adding your site to my visual “recommended reads” links on my blog.
Jeff
http://www.goodgrape.com
June 11, 2009 at 9:42 am |
Hi Jeff! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for the addtion to your “recommended reads”; I look forward to giving your site a visit, and returning the favor!
CW
June 6, 2009 at 6:35 am |
Bravo. Welcome. We have added you on our blogroll @ The Blend
June 6, 2009 at 12:49 pm |
Why thank you so much; for both the kind words, and the add! I look very forward to returning the favor …
CW
May 11, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
Great idea!
My favorite California producer.
No, wait, my favorite producer!!
May 12, 2009 at 10:41 am |
Thank you Lawrence! I hope you enjoy the blog; please feel free to write in anytime!
Regards,
Christopher Watkins