2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier

Did you know that the National; Park Service just celebrated their birthday? On August 25 in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the National Park Service. This summer marks the second year of Pine Ridge’s partnership with the Nation Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Projects include “the establishment of new national park sites including Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, new emergency fuel reduction treatments and historic legislation providing nearly $1 billion for the National Park Service to respond to climate change.”

Founded in 1919 by the original architects of the National Park Service, the National Parks Conservation Association is the nation’s only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing America’s National Park System. With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA is the voice of America’s national parks, working to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations. Learn more about NPCA here.  

Through September, you can enter to win a “Parks Prize Pack,” and Pine Ridge Vineyards will donate $1 to the NPCA per entry. Each prize pack is valued at $500 and includes a National Parks Pass as well as outdoor gear from additional partners such as YETI, Calpak, Morton & Bassett Spices, Mammut and Park Projects, to get travelers ready for their next National Parks trip. 

In 1978, Gary and Nancy Andrus established Pine Ridge Vineyards on 50 acres in a steep-walled valley within the Stags Leap District.  Today the winery owns estate vineyards in five premier Napa Valley appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros.  

While not organic or biodynamic, Pine Ridge Vineyards is part of the IWCA with a Silver Member Status and is committed to being net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As glass weight is a driver of carbon emissions, Pine Ridge Vineyards reduced its weight by 30% since 2019. A Napa Green Certified Winery & Vineyard means 100% of the Pine Ridge estate vineyards and winery are certified sustainable by Napa Green. This certification focuses on land stewardship, protecting biodiversity, and being a socially responsible, locally engaged winery.

We paired this wine with grilled snapper caught right off our coast near the Channel Islands National Park plus squash from our garden and a green salad with tomatoes also from our garden. Cheers! 

2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier

2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier

ABV: 12.0%
SRP:  $16
Grapes: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier

In 1995, Pine Ridge first blended Chenin Blanc and Viognier, and this has become one of its most popular wines, and it’s perfect for any national park travels since it is widely available at retail stores, it’s easy drinking, pairs well with Asian takeout and seafood, and uses an easy open screw cap.

Appearance:  Pale lemon, platinum rim, crystal clear

Aroma: White stone fruit, fennel, kiwi, Meyer lemon, chamomile. 

Palate: White stone fruit, nectarine, Meyer lemon, kiwi, as the wine warms in the glass the flavor of ripe yellow peach shines through very nice enjoyable summer wine.

Pairing: Great with the squash and fish, loves the seasoning on both, the wine responds so nicely to salt,  great with the tomatoes in the salad and salty feta cheese. On a subsequent evening I paired the wine with Thai takeout out. Yum!  

2022 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier with fresh snapper and summer salad and squash