Pine Ridge Vineyards Opens Luxe New Tasting Venue

Photo Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer

These days, wine tasting is so much more than simply sipping a little bit of Syrah at a vineyard’s counter. Savvy local consumers want an experience that they can savor in an exclusive and luxurious environment. Wineries have taken note and are offering a variety of tasting experiences that include wine-paired lunches, incredibly old vintages, and stunning artwork. One of our favorite Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Pine Ridge Vineyards, has taken note of the trend and recently opened Cellar 47, a gorgeous new venue inside their maze-like caves. The name refers to the 47 acres of Stag’s Leap vineyards that Pine Ridge owns.

The new tasting room was designed by architect Michael Guthrie, who filled the space with sumptuous details. Gold chandeliers, made in the Netherlands, hang from the rocky ceiling like roots of grapevines underneath the earth. Leather couches and armchairs, redwood tables, and Persian carpets makes the large venue feel cozy and inviting. The most exciting thing about Cellar 47 is the walk to the space. To get there, one must meander through the everyday tasting room and past barrels of musty fermenting wine. Twinkling lights hang on the cave’s arches and allude to the magical experience that awaits.

Photo Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer

Cellar 47 has two daily tasting options. At 11 a.m, wine lovers can participate in the Savor Pine Ridge offering which involves a taste of five estate Cabernet Sauvignons paired with seasonal small bites. Think delectable beef empanadas, crostini with ricotta and cubes of butternut squash, and trout with creme fraiche in puff pastry. The second tasting occurs at 2 p.m. and features a vertical from one of four prominent Napa Valley appellations—Carneros, Rutherford, Stag’s Leap, or Howell Mountain. This tasting is also complemented by a sampling of food. The space is available to the public for private events. Up to 30 people can fit in Cellar 47 which would be ideal for an intimate rehearsal, anniversary, or birthday dinner.

To celebrate the launch of the new vineyard experiences, Pine Ridge hosted a stylish soiree in Cellar 47. Guests sampled several of the sensational reds while snacking on bites from the winery’s kitchen. A harpist played classical music and winemaker Michael Beaulac greeted guests warmly. Notable wine country guests included Laura Werlin, cheese expert and award-winning author, Nathan Stern, the vice president of the Crimson Wine Group, and Terry Peterson, Pine Ridge’s estate director.