Switchback Ridge Vineyard & Winery

California Wine, Napa Valley

About Switchback Ridge Vineyard and Winery

The Peterson Ranch is a beautiful 100-acre parcel of land that has been in the family since the early 1900s. It is located in the northeastern part of the Napa Valley where the Silverado Trail intersects Dutch Henry Canyon Road. For over 75 years the property was maintained primarily as a prune orchard. Beginning in 1990 the remaining prune orchards were replanted with 20 acres of thriving Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah vines. Today, a second and third generation father and daughter team has taken yet another momentous step in transitioning the family from growers to vintners with the release of their 1999 Switchback Ridge wines.

What makes Switchback wines so special is the vineyard source from which the wines are made. Each wine is sourced 100% from the Peterson Family Vineyard located directly across from the prestigious Three Palms Vineyard at the northeastern end of the Napa Valley. The rich, rocky soils of this beautiful vineyard property consistently produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit, resulting is extremely concentrated wines with explosive flavor on the palate.

Switchback Ridge Winery Merlot

Rich and harmonious. Mocha-tinged currant, blackberry and black cherry. Finishes long, with firm, ripe tannins.

Switchback Ridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard is mouth-staining and structured as well as packed and stacked. The wine is rich, dense, layered, but backward. It is a very impressive offering with the essence of earthy, leathery, black currants and a liqueur-like richness. Patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030. Switchback Ridge is a new name to take seriously.

Switchback Ridge Winery Petite Sirah

This dark, dramatic young wine was a tasters’ favorite. Well-extracted, with huge flavors of black cherry, blueberry, coffee, tar, spice and herbs, its robust tannins suggest age-ability. But it’s so ripe and sweet in fruit, it’s exciting to drink now.