Paradise Ridge

Paradise Ridge Winery

If venturing to Sonoma Wine Country, Paradise Ridge Winery is a must stop. A 156-acre wine estate with panoramic views overlooking the Russian River Valley. The winery has an indoor and outdoor tasting bar, an outdoor sculpture garden exhibit, and great wines to taste. Paradise Ridge also harbors some bottles made with grapes from my favorite appellation, Rockpile. Family owned and operated, Walter and Marijke Byck planted the vineyards back in 1978 and opened the winery in 1991. The winemaker of these lovely bottles is Dan Barwick.

I have previously visited Paradise Ridge Winery. On my last visit a month ago,  I was highly impressed by the qualities of the wines. There wasn't a bottle that day that I tried that I didn't like. I'm not a huge fan of Merlot but I loved their Merlot that afternoon. I left Paradise Ridge winery that day with two new incredible wine finds. Both bottles were just released.

Paradise Ridge

2011 The Bounty

Russian River Valley

Rhone Style Blend

$42.00 a bottle

The Bounty is a superb Syrah blend of 35% Syrah, 31% Petite Sirah, 29% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot. This blend also contains a touch of Rockpile in it making it taste very distinguished. This blend has aromas of candied cherries and vanilla. Tasting first red cherries, tea, crushed stones and earth with a finish of Carmel and slight bay leaf. Lots of structure to this blend making it ever so delectable.

Paradise Ridge

2011 Merlot

Foppiano Vineyard

Russian River Valley

$44.00 a bottle

Paradise Ridge's Merlot was quite striking to me. The complexity and boldness of this wine was so remarkable that it changed my whole view of Merlots. Definitely a Merlot that drinks like a Cabernet. This Merlot has aromas of Cherry, leather and pepper. Tasting first tart cherries, cranberries and leather with a finish of tobacco and pepper. Great earthiness to this bottle.

Paradise Ridge also does an excellent job with their artisan cheese wine pairings. Each cheese paired perfectly with the selected wine. Artisan cheese wine pairings are daily but by appointment only. Paradise Ridge also makes a Sparkling, Sauvginon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet. If in the area of Sonoma Wine Country definitely make the stop to visit and taste at Paradise Ridge Winery, you will love the experience.