It began when manuel demostene and abele ferrari both arrived separately from italy in the early 1900s. Although ridge vineyards was founded in the early 1960s, wine production at the winerys monte bello location has a much longer history. Following the recommendations from governor newsom, we will be closing our tasting room until further notice. So i was elated to finally visit ridges lytton springs winery and vineyards in sonoma this time through. May 23, 2010 the downhome facility in a cozy white clapboard building, guarded by a fig tree more than 140 years old, is decorated with blackandwhite family photographs. Unbeknownst to ridge at the time, one of the large hillside parcels first sourced to make our lytton springs blend was planted to a high percentage of grenache.
In 1991, on the 20th anniversary of our first vintage, ridge purchased the lytton springs winery and the old vines surrounding it, making it a. Owner fred peterson is an iconoclast with an oldworld winemaking philosophy and a reverence for sustainable farming. A guide to sonomas best winery experiences, part 1. Feb 09, 2020 zinfandel is a blackskinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy white zinfandel. In 1991, on the 20th anniversary of our first vintage, ridge purchased the lytton springs winery and the old vines surrounding it, making it a true estate vineyard.
Nov 19, 20 a highlight of our recent trip to sonoma was a longawaited visit to the ridge lytton springs tasting room and winery. Youll avoid the traffic in napa valley and have the opportunity to taste single vineyard zinfandel and world famous monte bello wines, all at a vineyard that also uses organic and sustainable practices. Josh first took us for a tour through the wine estate, stopping at various places to explain different challenges. Surrounded by beautiful 115yearold vines, our ecosustainable lytton springs winery stands as one of the most unique sites in all of sonoma countys wine. Salvation army lytton springs center north of healdsburg. The estate tour and tasting takes you through our centuryold vines, explores the rich history of ridge vineyards and the historic lytton springs property, and allows you access to our ecosustainable winemaking facility, built of straw bales and vineyard clay. A guide to sonomas best winery experiences, part 2 wine. Lytton springs is an unincorporated community in northeastern caldwell county, texas, united states. Surrounded by impressive 115yearold vines is ridge lytton springs, an environmentally friendly, sustainable winery dedicated to single vineyard bottlings of. Ridge has had an extended history with both of these varietals. The demostene family has a long history in healdsburg, and in the wine industry. With an average of about 230 children, lytton was large enough to have its own county grammar.
For nearly twenty years, the winery was located in an old red barn tucked away in the vineyards off of lytton springs road. We shared that first bottle of ridge with ben right after we returned from sonoma i was so upset that wed missed out on a visit. In 1987, all the pieces fell into place for fred, and he launched peterson winery. Ridge vineyards lytton springs, dry creek valley prices, stores. Salvation army lytton springs center north of healdsburg bought by. Not only is block 5 the home of the winery, but it is also home to the backbone of our dry creek zinfandel. Ridge lytton springs 2017 from dry creek valley, sonoma county, california. Our online shop remains open so dont forget to stock your cellar with some of your favorite mazzocco wines. It is located within the greater austin metropolitan area. The history of ridge, if you know anything about californias finewine legacy, is the. The history of ridge vineyards began in 1885, when osea perrone bought 180 acres near the top of monte bello ridge near santa cruz and founded monte bello winery, which became ridge winery in the 1960s. He dabbled in land speculation, making and losing several fortunes, lytton springs being his last major enterprise. It was a military academy, a resort, an orphanage and a rehabilitation center.
Ridge vineyards is not only a treasure to dry creek valley, but to californias rich winemaking history. Ridge lytton springs by drew stofflet, time out wine columnist. Ridges history begins in 1885, when osea perrone, a doctor and prominent. Their paths had not yet crossed but time would show that their destinies are linked. Ridge vineyards lytton springs, dry creek valley prices. I recall tasting the 1973 and 1974 vintages at the winery with winemaker paul draper as the 74 was being released, more than 40 years ago. The winery at seven springs farm is housed in a 3200 sq ft timber framed structure designed and built by rick along with family and friends, using various species of timber harvested and milled on the farm.
Double vertical of ridges geyserville and lytton springs aug 2018. Add a longer hill climb on the return leg with a left on lytton springs road at mauritson winery. Brambly fruit on the palate, sensuous, welldefined tannins an. This bottle was decanted for one hour and served with steaks. A quarter centurys experience with the lytton springs vineyard had convinced us that it was an exceptional piece of ground and became part of the ridge estate in 1991. Dry creek 101 itinerary winegrowers of dry creek valley. Though born in the early sixties to the postprohibition world of modern california winemaking, ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. Sep 07, 2018 a few quick thoughts on the 20 ridge lytton springs from sonoma county. Paul draper saw these old vines in 1972 and made the first lytton springs bottling that year. After passing hilly oak woodland and vineyards, find chiquita road on your right, at california zinfandel and cabernet legend ridge vineyards.
In 1995, ridge added lytton estate west, which reunited the vineyards that were part of captain littons original vineyards. We are open for appointmentbased curbside wine pickups from 11am through. A natural extension of ridges commitment to sustainable vineyard and winery practices, this remarkable facility built of straw bales and vineyard clay. Ridge vineyards lytton springs 650 lytton springs rd, healdsburg, california 95448 rated 4. The salvation armys lytton springs rehab center north of healdsburg is for sale, potentially ending a more than centuryold ownership and opening up new uses for the prominent site. In 1995, ridge added lytton estate west, which reunited the vineyards that were part of. A building made of straw when ridge decided it was time to renovate its lytton springs facility, winemaker and ceo paul draper set the ambitious goal of creating a winery that would utilize as many environmentally friendly techniques as possible.
Visitors can experience ridge vineyards lytton springs via one of their tasting and tour options. Double vertical of ridges geyserville and lytton springs. For more than three decades the field blend from this site has produced the quintessential example of dry creek valley zinfandel. Oct 30, 2016 the 2012 ridge lytton springs was the winning bottle in the october installment of pick my next bottle. Ridge vineyards lytton springs surrounded by beautiful 115yearold vines, our ecosustainable lytton springs winery stands as one of the most unique sites in all of sonoma countys wine country. Book your tickets online for ridge vineyards lytton springs, healdsburg. Stores and prices for ridge vineyards lytton springs, dry creek valley prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. Known primarily for its red wines, ridge has also made limited amounts of chardonnay since 1962. The red zinfandel grape thrives in warm climate regions, most notably portions of the central and sonoma valleys. The downhome facility in a cozy white clapboard building, guarded by a fig tree more than 140 years old, is decorated with blackandwhite family photographs. Mazzocco sonoma winery 1400 lytton springs rd healdsburg, ca 95448 t 707 4333399. In 1991, ridge was able to purchase the lytton springs winery and the old vines surrounding it. A few quick thoughts on the 20 ridge lytton springs from sonoma county. Ridge vineyards was founded in 1959 when three stanford research institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the santa cruz mountains.
This page was created to help keep the community updated and promote community involvement. In 1969, paul draper joined the winery where he stayed as head winemaker and ceo until his retirement in. Ridge vineyards lytton springs healdsburg all you need to. Ridge vineyards lytton springs healdsburg 2020 all you need. In 1991, ridge vineyards purchased the lytton springs vineyard in. Unlike any other lytton estate release, this new wine is predominantly a blend of grenache and mataro. The wine advocate gave the 2009 vintage a score of 95 and jancis robinson gave the 2001 vintage a score of 1820. Those with limited amounts of time who dont mind tasting in the large open room should choose the tasting room option. Lytton was in the middle, with about 30% of its funding coming from taxpayers.
The geekery the modern history of ridge began in the 1960s when several stanford engineersdave bennion, hew crane, charlie rosen and howard ziedlerstarted making wine from the legendary monte bello vineyard. The name lytton springs is of course associated with ridge vineyards, but the history of its old vines go back much further. Celebrationworthy library and large format bottles to help ring in the new year. Historic lytton springs the vineyards and surrounding property at lytton springs are named after captain william h. Heritage zinfandel vines lytton springs is home to 100 plusyearold zinfandel vines interplanted with petite sirah, carignane, a small amount of mataro mourvedre, and grenache. In 1991, ridge vineyards purchased the lytton springs vineyard in the dry creek valley ava. Shippingincluded on all club member purchases with code stayin. The salvation armys lytton springs rehabilitation center north of healdsburg has been bought by an indian tribe that shares a name and a historic connection to nearby lands. Surrounded by beautiful centuryold vines, our ecosustainable lytton springs winery stands as one of the most unique sites in all of sonoma county.
Stores and prices for 2007 ridge vineyards lytton springs, dry creek valley prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. A natural extension of ridges commitment to sustainable vineyard and winery practices, this remarkable facility built of straw bales and vineyard clay, and primarily solarpowered is a wonderful environment in. Grapevines were first planted on monte bello ridge by osea perrone, a doctor and prominent member of the northern california italian immigrant community, in 1885. Ridge vineyards lytton springs healdsburg, ca tock. Our estate tour and tasting takes you through our vineyard, touches on our rich history, and allows you access to our winemaking facility. It was beautiful place to make wine, but the antique structure began to show its age. Planted in 1980, these 40yearold old vines are just hitting their prime. Ridge did not make a lytton springs wine from 1977 through 1983, as the owner of the vineyard decided to keep the fruit and bottle his own. Ridge vineyards is a california winery specializing in premium cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel. They quickly earned a reputation for crating richly textured red wines.
In 1991, the 20th anniversary of making lytton springs, ridge was able to purchase the lytton springs winery and the old vines surrounding it. Bura walt walters, a former navy cook who is the wine maker and part owner of lytton springs, is committed to the old vines and their modest. Draper saw these old vines and made the first lytton springs bottling in 1972. Now the 564 acres are up for sale, offering a moment to recall lytton springs history. According to the handbook of texas, the community had a population of 500 in 2000. The history of ridge vineyards begins in 1885, when osea perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of san franciscos italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of monte bello ridge. Located at the corner of dry creek and lytton springs roads, its hallowed ground for zinfandel. The vineyards and surrounding property at lytton springs are named after captain william h.
Ridge vineyards lytton springs healdsburg 2020 all you. The historic salvation army lytton springs rehabilitation center has. Yet a closer look shows that is where the similarities end. Book your reservation century tour and library tasting beginning with a colorful captain in the 1870s and evolving into a straw bale winery and historic vineyard, lytton springs tells a story of land development, boom and bust, chance encounters, and the rebirth of the wine industry, all reflected in the old vines still standing today. Salvation armys historic lytton springs property on the. In 1966 we began sourcing zinfandel from the historic geyserville vineyard in sonoma county.
Our selection of library wines is available exclusively to ridge club members. Ridge lytton springs winegrowers of dry creek valley. A highlight of our recent trip to sonoma was a longawaited visit to the ridge lytton springs tasting room and winery. For access to these wines and an array of other member benefits, join one of our membership programs. To receive your discount, be sure to book using the email address that is associated with your membership. To receive your discount, be sure to book using the email address that is. He dabbled in land speculation, making and losing several fortunes, lytton springs being. Vinovisit ridge lytton springs profile information. Red zin is far more complex and bold, while still being lightbodied. Peterson winery has been producing wine in dry creek valley for 30 years and, like most wineries in the valley, produces zinfandel as well as other wines. Then there was the tradeoff between education and work. Ridge vineyards produced its first zinfandel in 1964.
For a wellregarded winery near healdsburg in sonoma county, especially for those who love zinfandel and old vines, head to ridge vineyards in in lytton springs. When fully ripe, zinfandel grapes contain high amounts of sugar, which can be completely fermented to create a dry and fairly highalcohol wine, or be left in part as a trace of residual sweetness. Oct 30, 2018 or, pack a picnic and head to the small, familyowned nalle winery, where small lots of old vine, dryfarmed estate zinfandels and pinot noirs can be tasted from within the cellar. Dollar for dollar in the world of ultrapremium red wines, the ridge lytton springs stands tall as one of the greatest red wine values. The history of ridge vineyards begins in 1885, when osea perrone third person on bench wearing tall boots, a doctor who became a prominent member of san franciscos italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of monte bello ridge.
A whole book and movie bottle shock were created about it. The captain was a colorful figure in early sonoma county history. Here theres more clay in the soil, as well as round rocks. Vinovisit ridge lytton springs profile information, winery.
Salvation armys historic lytton springs property for sale. Critics have scored this as one of the top 5 dry creek valley wines. This is an ideal environment in which to experience the splendor of lytton springs estate and. Stidham said the salvation army property has historical significance for the. We finally visit ridge, my favorite winery driving inertia. Though ridge began as a cabernet winery, by the mid60s, it had produced several zinfandels including the geyserville. Paul draper, our winemaker since 1969, first saw the vineyard in 1972 and, based on its age then already 80 years old, purchased grapes and produced ridges first lytton springs bottling that year. The beautiful grounds and knowledgeable sommeliers welcome you to visit for a tasting.
Natalie has published two books with random house, the second was named. Surrounded by beautiful 115yearold vines, our ecosustainable lytton springs winery stands as one of the most unique sites in all of sonoma countys wine country. Ridgelytton springs winery california winery advisor. Ridge vineyards lytton springs 22 tips from 1967 visitors. Dry creek valley home ranch, block 5 dry creek valley. Our legacy flora springs was founded in 1978, but our legacy dates back to the late 1800s when wine grapes were first planted on the napa valley property that is now our estate vineyards. The wine advocate gave the 2009 vintage a score of 95 and jancis robinson gave the 2001.
The other ridge winery facilities are at lytton springs in the dry creek valley ava of. We booked the century tour and library tasting at ridge vineyards in lytton springs at the recommendation of a friend. Learn about lytton springs winery winery and shop the best selection at wine. Lytton springs, which was planted between 1901 and 1910, is located just north of healdsburg and less than a mile west of highway 101. Beginning in 1966, the winery began sourcing some grapes for its geyserville zinfandel and other wines from vineyards in sonoma county. Beginning with a colorful captain in the 1870s and evolving into a straw bale winery and historic vineyard, lytton springs tells a story of land development, boom and bust, chance encounters, and the rebirth of the wine industry, all reflected in the old vines still standing today. Announcing our first ever grenache mataro ridge vineyards.
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