In its brief history, Cuda Ridge Wines has certainly kept its pedal to the metal. Now set in a vineyard of young Petit Verdot in the heart of Livermore Valley, California, wine country, the winery was officially founded in 2007 by Margie and Larry Dino. They produced their initial vintage of 300 cases in 2007 in a leased garage. In 2009, they moved to accommodate an increased production of 800 cases and opened a tasting room, and in 2013, they moved to Arroyo Road, a prime Livermore location.
“We’re excited about the customer experience that we’ll be able to offer our guests in the new location,” Larry says. Formerly an olive mill, the winery was renovated to include a private tasting room and an outdoor terrace for picnics. Guests can purchase picnic items and enjoy the local artwork hanging on the walls.
For now, annual production will idle at about 2,000 cases. The wines are exquisite handcrafted Bordeaux varietals and blends. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot are all produced as single varietals in small lots ranging from 100 to 350 cases. Larry strives to produce lower alcohol wines with the intense complexity and character identified with traditional French Bordeaux wines. They have already made quite an impression. Wine Enthusiast called Larry “another Livermore Valley producer to watch” and awarded the 2008 Cuda Ridge Cabernet Franc a score of 90 points. It has quickly become one of the winery’s signature wines. The elegant Petit Verdot is the other. Each year it’s a sellout, but Larry manages to save one for the judges: the 2010 vintage won Silver at the 2013 San Francisco Wine Competition.
Is Larry surprised by how quickly his wines have found the spotlight? He named the winery Cuda Ridge in honor of his purple 1970 Plymouth Barracuda muscle car. So perhaps it’s just part of the plan.
What to Buy Wines
’11 Petit Verdot – $34
Blueberry, black currant, plum
’11 Cabernet Franc – $30
Red raspberries, red licorice, pomegranate, prosciutto
’10 Merlot – $25
Purple plum, Bing cherry, plum tart, walnut, cinnamon, clove
Special Notes
Picnic grounds, scenic view, snacks available, private tastings by appointment, wine club discounts.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
