As Pine Ridge Vineyards earns a Wine Enthusiast 2026 Wine Star Awards nomination for American Winery of the Year, its iconic Chenin Blanc + Viognier enters a new era with Josh Widaman leading the program while continuing to shape the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon legacy.
September 14, 2026 (Napa Valley, CA) — Pine Ridge Vineyards celebrates the 30th anniversary of its pioneering Chenin Blanc + Viognier (CB+V) program with the release of the 2025 vintage, marking three decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to showcasing the potential of California white wine. In conjunction with this milestone, Pine Ridge Vineyards announces that Winemaker Josh Widaman will now oversee the acclaimed Chenin Blanc + Viognier program alongside his continued leadership of the Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon program.
Pine Ridge Vineyards’ 30th anniversary celebration comes at a moment of continued recognition for the winery. Pine Ridge Vineyards is honored to also announce its nomination for Wine Enthusiast’s 2026 Wine Star Awards in the “American Winery of the Year” category. Now in its 27th year, Wine Enthusiast’s annual Wine Star Awards recognize the most influential members of the wine, spirits, and alcohol beverage industry.
Pine Ridge Vineyards’ commitment to Chenin Blanc began nearly 50 years ago, when the winery first produced the variety in 1978 as one of its founding white wines. In 1995, founder Gary Andrus introduced the pioneering Chenin Blanc + Viognier blend, born from a spirit of exploration and a belief that unexpected combinations can create something extraordinary. The blend brings together two varieties rarely associated, with Chenin Blanc providing vibrant acidity, structure, and freshness, while Viognier contributes texture, floral aromatics, and stone-fruit character. Together, they create a distinctive expression of the Sacramento Delta and a wine that has become an enduring part of Pine Ridge Vineyards’ legacy.
“For 30 vintages, our Chenin Blanc + Viognier has reflected the Sacramento Delta where it was born — a convergence of forces that were never meant to meet,” said Josh Widaman, Winemaker at Pine Ridge Vineyards. “Shaped by nature and human intention, these two varieties come together to create something vibrant, balanced, and distinctly Pine Ridge.”
Widaman’s connection to the program is deeply personal. The Chenin Blanc + Viognier was one of the first wines to capture his imagination early in his career when he experienced the blend as a harvest intern at neighboring Stags’ Leap Winery. Nearly three decades later, he looks forward to guiding the next chapter of a wine that helped shape his journey as a winemaker.
“Chenin Blanc + Viognier was a Pine Ridge wine that captured my attention during my first vintage working in the Napa Valley,” said Widaman. “It is an honor to now guide this iconic program into its next chapter. Through decades of dedication and attention to detail, we have crafted a blend that continues to inspire our team, delight consumers, and remain unmistakably Pine Ridge.”
Crafted to be vibrant, approachable, and accessible, Pine Ridge’s CB+V ($16) continues to resonate with today’s wine consumer. The blend contains no added sugar, is naturally lower in alcohol and calories, and is gluten- and vegan-friendly while maintaining the quality and balance that define Pine Ridge. As a versatile white wine that delivers both character and value, CB+V remains a distinctive choice for everyday enjoyment and wine enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the bottle, Pine Ridge Vineyards continues to advance its commitment to environmentally responsible winemaking through sustainable practices across its operations. The winery is Napa Green Certified for both Winery and Vineyard, a Silver Member of International Wineries for Climate Action, and committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Pine Ridge is also a leader in the lightweight glass movement, reducing its bottle weight to 404 grams — approximately 20% lighter than traditional bottles — and has introduced a logo available for industry partners, retailers, and restaurants committed to bottles at or below 420 grams.
For more information, to plan a visit, or explore upcoming tasting experiences and events, visit www.pineridgevineyards.com or follow us on Instagram at @pineridgewine.
About Pine Ridge Vineyards
Founded in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards is located in Napa Valley’s renowned Stags Leap District AVA, where it has crafted exceptional wines for nearly five decades. Founders Gary and Nancy Andrus established Pine Ridge Vineyards with a vision to create wines of depth, elegance, and distinctive character, embracing the unique terroir of Napa Valley’s diverse growing regions. Today, the winery owns estate vineyards across five premier Napa Valley appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. Committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, Pine Ridge Vineyards is Napa Green Certified for both Winery and Vineyard, a Silver Member of International Wineries for Climate Action, and working toward Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. For more information, visit www.pineridgevineyards.com.
