August Ridge Vineyards

Proprietors John and Jill Backer founded August Ridge Vineyards in 2005 and opened the winery in 2007. They created a theme based on their love for sharing food and wine with friends and family, so making Italian wines was an obvious choice for them. Their first wines were a 2005 Sangiovese and 2005 Estate Reserve Merlot. Their first white, in 2006, was their Vino Bianco de Pasto, a blend of Arneis and Sauvignon Blanc. Since then, their selection has grown vastly to include Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Primitivo and three very unique Italian-style blends, including an multiple award winning Super Tuscan Blend, Jovial. They still remain casual and family owned producing only 2,000 cases a year, but have won many prestigious awards at fairs all over the State and select wine competitions. 

August Ridge was one of the original Back Roads of Paso Robles businesses, joining with other local businesses to promote the eastern hills of Paso Robles as a must-see wine country destination. The Back Roads organization focuses on the family-owned and operated business, where visitors can share a more intimate tasting room experience with the wine makers and owners. The Back Roads of Paso Robles also promotes local dining, lodging, and olive oil tasting. Visit the Back Roads atwww.backroadswineries.com.

More recently, August Ridge has joined with its neighbors to form the Creston Wine Trail, also emphasizing the family-run businesses. These businesses are located, like August Ridge, in Paso Robles's small sub-region of Creston. The wineries, restaurant and olive oil company of the Creston Wine Trail are great places to relax and keep it casual while enjoying the area's beautiful scenery and climate. To visit the Creston Wine Trail see www.crestonwinetrail.com.

August Ridge today, still focuses on combining the robust styling of the best California wines with the restrained classic elegance of wines from northern and central Italy, August Ridge produces distinctive Cal-Ital wines that emphasize the uniqueness of the Paso Robles region. Visit www.augustridge.com for more details.