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

00:20 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