Pine Ridge Vineyards

Pine Ridge founder Gary Andrus, inspired by the illustrious wines of Bordeaux, believed in the Napa Valley’s potential to produce wines of similar stature. He planted the property’s original namesake vineyard on a steeply terraced hillside flanked by a dramatic ridgeline of pine trees in the Stags Leap District. Gary’s pioneering efforts with this first vineyard were met with tremendous success as the Bordeaux varietals he planted – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot – thrived and produced wines of great distinction. In the following years, Pine Ridge continued to acquire exceptional vineyard sites across the region. Today, the Estate’s 200-acres span over five renowned Napa Valley appellations – Stags Leap District, Rutherford, Oakville, Carneros and Howell Mountain.

Since our founding in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards has invested in 160 acres of estate vineyards, 47 of which are in our home appellation, Stags Leap District.

We also own vineyards throughout the most renowned growing regions of Napa Valley: Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. This great diversity of terroir inspires our winemaking team to craft wines that reflect the outstanding characteristics of their distinct origins.

Since 2003, Gustavo Aviña, our Director of Viticulture,  has worked intimately with every Pine Ridge Vineyards estate property. He and his team understand the soils and climates of the winery’s vineyards. If he had to choose a favorite, Gustavo might pick Howell Mountain. He likes the way this steeply sloping vineyard is challenging to farm; it’s also the first vineyard he developed from the ground up for Pine Ridge Vineyards.

Knowing each vineyard row by row, vine by vine— that’s how I grow such high-quality grapes. I walk every vineyard, every block, once a week. This close connection to the vines is what gives us the quality grapes that allow us to make such high-quality wine.”

-Gustavo Aviña, Director of Viticulture

Pine Ridge Estate Vineyard: This signature Estate Vineyard is planted on a steeply terraced hillside, necessitating us to farm most of the 25-acres by hand. The site features Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and 2 acres of deliciously flavorful Chardonnay—this block, Le Petit Clos, may well be the only Chardonnay planted in the Stags Leap District. Afternoon breezes that course into this small canyon behind the winery create a slightly cooler microclimate than found in the rest of the appellation. The climate combined with the steep angle of the hillside and the well-draining rock and sand soils result in low yield fruit with intense flavors.

Locked Horns Vineyard: Just south of our Pine Ridge Estate Vineyard, this 6-acre site features clay loam soils with excellent water retention. Proven to be a perfect home for Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 7, Locked Horns Vineyard is an important Cabernet site. Cuttings from this vineyard are so prodigious they are often used to develop other vineyards in our estate collection.

Cornerstone Vineyard: This 7-acre parcel on the northernmost edge of the Stag’s Leap District is planted solely to Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit from here releases delicate cocoa aromas and a velvety mouth feel. Plum and anise notes often complement the wine’s pronounced richness and supple body.

Circle Hill Vineyard: This especially rocky vineyard poses farming challenges to the vineyard crew, who must identify the perfect moment at which to cultivate the soil each spring. The vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon Clones 33 and 7

The desire to uncover and showcase the exceptional qualities of the diverse estate vineyards that span 200-acres across five appellations is the core of the Pine Ridge winemaking philosophy. A thirty year relationship with the land brings a deeply layered knowledge of the specific climates, soils and vines of each vineyard. Over the years, a deep knowledge and savoir-faire has developed of which rootstocks do best in each respective vineyard, specific block requirements to produce the most optimal fruit and what each vineyard contributes to the flavor profile of the wines. Every season brings new knowledge and understanding to apply and continuously fine tune the entire growing and production process in order to encourage the fruit – and the wines – a purity of flavor distinct to their site.