Pine Ridge Vineyards Celebrates 30 Years of Iconic Chenin Blanc + Viognier Blend
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Pine Ridge Vineyards, a Napa Valley winery renowned for its innovative white wines, celebrated the 30th anniversary of its iconic Chenin Blanc + Viognier (CB+V) blend in 2026. The blend, which combines Chenin Blanc and Viognier, has become a staple of the winery's offerings, reflecting the unique terroir of the Sacramento Delta where it was born.
In a significant milestone, Pine Ridge Vineyards announced that Winemaker Josh Widaman would lead the CB+V program. Widaman, who has been with the winery for nearly three decades, will continue his role in shaping the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon legacy while overseeing the development of the CB+V blend. Widaman's connection to the program is personal, as he experienced the blend during his early days as a harvest intern at neighboring Stags' Leap Winery.
Widaman expressed his excitement about guiding the next chapter of the CB+V program, stating, "Chenin Blanc + Viognier was one of the first wines to capture my attention during my first vintage working in the Napa Valley. It is an honor to now guide this iconic program into its next chapter."
The CB+V blend is known for its vibrant, balanced character and its ability to deliver both complexity and value. Widaman emphasized the blend's approachability, noting that it contains no added sugar, is naturally lower in alcohol and calories, and is gluten- and vegan-friendly. The wine is crafted to be accessible to a wide range of consumers, making it a popular choice for everyday enjoyment.
Pine Ridge Vineyards also highlighted its commitment to sustainable practices. The winery is Napa Green Certified for both its winery and vineyard operations, a Silver Member of International Wineries for Climate Action, and is working toward achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Additionally, the winery has embraced the lightweight glass movement, reducing its bottle weight to 404 grams, approximately 20% lighter than traditional bottles.
In recognition of its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, Pine Ridge Vineyards was honored with a nomination for Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards in the "American Winery of the Year" category. The winery, founded in 1978 by Gary and Nancy Andrus, has been crafting exceptional wines for nearly five decades, with a focus on creating depth, elegance, and distinctive character.
The CB+V blend, which entered its 30th vintage in 2026, continues to showcase the potential of California white wine. Widaman's leadership will ensure that the blend remains a distinctive part of Pine Ridge Vineyards' legacy, reflecting the winery's commitment to innovation and quality.