Pine Ridge Winery has been farming the Stags Leap District since 1978, growing Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyards on the Silverado Trail and producing wines that showcase the silky, structured character this AVA delivers.

History of Pine Ridge Winery

Gary Andrus founded Pine Ridge Winery in 1978 on the Silverado Trail in the Stags Leap District. He recognized the potential of the volcanic soils and cool afternoon airflow to produce Cabernet Sauvignon with the silky texture and firm structure that have since defined the AVA’s reputation.

The winery has changed hands over the decades and is now owned by Leucadia National Corporation. Winemaking has remained focused on estate and Napa Valley Cabernet alongside a distinctive white blend. Pine Ridge maintains vineyards in five Napa sub-appellations: Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, and Carneros, allowing the team to make both single-AVA and blended expressions.

Pine Ridge sources from five Napa Valley appellations and treats each as a distinct terroir expression, making it one of the few Napa estates that systematically maps the flavor differences between sub-AVAs.

Stags Leap District terroir at Pine Ridge

The Stags Leap District sits on the eastern floor of Napa Valley, bounded by the ancient volcanic palisade cliffs that give the AVA its dramatic character. Afternoon winds from San Pablo Bay cool the vines during the hottest part of the day, while the dark rocks absorb and release heat to moderate nighttime temperatures.

Pine Ridge’s estate blocks directly on the Silverado Trail sit in classic Stags Leap District soils: thin volcanic loams over fractured basalt. Vine stress is natural and vine vigor is naturally restrained, producing small clusters with concentrated flavor without the need for aggressive canopy management.

The wines of Pine Ridge Winery

Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship estate wine, showing the AVA’s characteristic combination of dark fruit, firm but polished tannins, and mineral tension. It typically benefits from five or more years of aging and develops well for fifteen.

Chenin Blanc and Viognier is the unexpected star: a blended white wine that has developed a national following for its combination of Chenin’s natural acidity and Viognier’s floral, stone-fruit aromatics. It is one of the most distinctive and food-friendly white wines made in California. Pine Ridge also makes Cabernets from its Oakville, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain vineyards, each showing the character of its source appellation.

Food pairings for Pine Ridge wines

The Stags Leap District Cabernet needs food with structure: grilled or roasted red meats, lamb preparations, or aged hard cheeses. The polished tannins of this AVA make the Cab more versatile than heavier mountain wines, and it works with duck confit or a mushroom-based risotto alongside the expected steak and lamb.

The Chenin Blanc and Viognier is one of the most food-friendly whites in California. Its floral aromatics and bright acidity cut through cream sauces, pair with roasted chicken, work with fresh shellfish, and complement mild spice in Thai or Vietnamese preparations. The acidity acts as a natural palate cleanser between bites of rich food.

Pine Ridge Winery: common questions