I love the fact that I can drive 40 minutes North and hit a major metropolitan city, 40 minutes South and frolic in ocean surf and sand, and 20 minutes up a local mountain to achieve this view and drink some of the most amazing wines to have touched my lips.

I’d seen a lot of Ridge around at Bevmo, etc. but was always a little put off by the price. Bottles are $30+ and my philosophy on purchasing wine at retail for “everyday drinking” (i.e. while cooking) is to not spend more than $20. Typically, my purchases are closer to $10-$15. (Hello Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay at $10 per bottle!) Ridge, however, just became my favorite thanks to a recent tasting. Plus, the vineyard’s gorgeous and practically in my backyard so this is really going to throw my budget for a loop.

I highly, highly recommend the Estate Single-Vineyard Flight. At $10, it is double the cost of the $5 Zinfandel Flight and although Zins are what they’re known for, I sampled the Geyserville Zinfandel in my flight along with THE LOVELIEST Chardonnay (seen above), Syrah, and Cabernet and personally favored them all over Shrek’s all-Zinfandel flight. But that’s just me and my palate.

Actually, if you really want to do it right, get both tastings! None of the vintages cross over and then bring a little picnic to enjoy here:

Or, climb the steps…

…Beware of snakes!…

…And enjoy your picnic overlooking this awesome view:

I’m so excited that I found this place, especially since Shrek and I are considering changing wine clubs. All I need to check on is if they’ll let us play bocce up there a la Savannah Chanelle. Also, the road gets a little hairy with twists, turns, single lanes, and very steep drop offs with zero barriers, so you will definitely want to designate a driver. Finally, they are only open on weekends 11-4. Appointments are required for weekday visits.

Ridge Vineyards

17100 Monte Bello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014

Phone 408.867.3233