Up behind the town of Cupertino, California, there’s a long, steep, winding road. If you follow it, you will eventually come to a graceful redwood building. From there, you can see, far down below, distant and silent, the tech fervor of Silicon Valley. This is Ridge Vineyards. Not long ago, I went there to chat with Ridge’s chairman emeritus, Paul Draper, an icon of California winemaking whose career more or less encompasses the entire modern era of California wine, as does Ridge itself. The winery was founded in 1959 by a trio of Stanford engineers; Draper joined them in 1969.

The Evolution of Wine: From Luxury to Daily Pleasure

as there is now. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s because it was a little bit of a luxury item. It was something that people didn’t necessarily drink every day. It was more of a special occasion item. And I think that’s changed a lot over the years. Now, wine is something that people enjoy on a regular basis.

The wine industry has experienced significant growth, with California leading the way in the United States. ### The Rise of California Wineries California’s wine industry has seen a remarkable transformation over the past six decades. From a modest number of wineries to a thriving industry, the state has become synonymous with quality wine production. * Historical Growth

• In 1960, only 271 wineries existed in California. * Today, the number has surged to over 4,800. * Geographical Expansion
• Wineries are now found in almost every corner of California.

  The wine is aged in French oak barrels, which impart a subtle vanilla and spice note. The result is a complex, balanced wine with a deep ruby color and aromas of ripe berries, black pepper, and a hint of earthiness. ## The Essence of Geyserville Red The Geyserville red wine, a unique in-the-vineyard blend, stands out in the world of wine for its distinctive character. This wine, crafted with precision and care, is a testament to the art of winemaking.

  2022 Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is aromatic and complex, with a silky texture and a hint of spice. 2023 Ridge Sonoma Coast Syrah is bold and intense, with a deep, dark fruit profile and a peppery finish.

  The wine is a blend of 50% Petite Sirah, 30% Zinfandel, and 20% Syrah. The vineyard is located in the Ridge AVA, known for its diverse microclimates and unique terroir. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, with a focus on preserving the natural characteristics of the grapes. The result is a wine that is bold, full-bodied, and packed with flavors.

  The wine is aged in new French oak barrels, which impart a subtle vanilla and toasty character. The 2022 vintage is a testament to the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition.

  The wine is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture. It has a deep, dark fruit profile with hints of spice and a long, lingering finish. ## The Essence of Monte Bello Ridge’s Monte Bello is a testament to the art of winemaking, a blend that has stood the test of time.