How Ridge Vineyards Became—and Stayed—America’s Benchmark Winery

Ridge Vineyards isn’t just iconic—it’s a masterclass in principled, place-driven winemaking. In this episode of The Wine Centric Show, we sit down with John Olney, Head Winemaker & Chief Operating Officer at Ridge, and Michael Torino, SVP of Global Sales, to unpack how Ridge built (and continues to protect) its legendary status.

From natural fermentation and non-interventional methods to the influence of corporate ownership and the power of community engagement, John and Michael share the philosophy and discipline that keep Ridge ahead of the curve—and deeply respected across the wine world.

We discuss:

• What “Non-Interventional” Winemaking Actually Means

• How Corporate Ownership Has (and Hasn’t) Changed Ridge

• Why Vineyard Practices Still Matter More Than Technology

• The Power of Linking Sales and Winemaking

• How their Sommelier Symposium Builds Community and Loyalty

• What Old Vintages Teach Us About Place and Process

• Staying True to Craft While Scaling Globally

• Why Ridge Still Sets the Standard for American Wine

Whether you're a sommelier, winemaker, or longtime fan of California wines, this episode gives rare insight into how Ridge balances tradition and innovation without compromise.

🎧 Watch now and listen on your favorite podcast platform. 👇