Established in 1885 by Italian immigrant Osea Perrone with the first vintage of Monte Bello released in 1892. It was not until 1959 after Ridge was bought by four Stanford University scientists that it has achieved the fine wine status that it has today. The legendary winemaker Paul Draper started at Ridge in 1969 and their 1971 vintage came in fifth place at the historic 1976 Judgement of Paris that pitted Bordeaux classed growths against the relatively young California Cabernet wine producers. Paul brought with him a philosophy of pre-industrial winemaking that has been the foundation at Ridge with a minimal intervention approach in the vineyards and winery. Subsequently all their vineyards are now certified organic and or practicing sustainable viticulture. Their Zinfandels, Cabernet blends and limited Chardonnay wines are on allocation and their ability to age resulted in the 1971 Ridge coming out in first at the 2006 re-enactment of the Judgement of Paris beating Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Haut-Brion and Montrose.
