A surprisingly different Meritage blend. Merlot and Malbec make it an "easy drinker, " and Petit Verdot gives the wine a nice, round mouthfeel. This French version of Pinot Grigio grape is even more aromatic than it's Italian cousin with a lingering finish. Did you know that smell - not taste - is the human sense that defines the overall flavor of wine?
The unfortunate thing is that so many people are unsure of themselves when it comes to identifying aromas in wine and developing an understanding of what they enjoy. In fact, they're downright uncomfortable with the whole experience. That's one of the reasons I created the Middle Ridge Signature Aroma Table.
The unfortunate thing is that so many people are unsure of themselves when it comes to identifying aromas in wine and developing an understanding of what they enjoy. In fact, they're downright uncomfortable with the whole experience. That's one of the reasons I created the Middle Ridge Signature Aroma Table.
Services
Chris Johnston has fond memories of the summers he spent at the Idyllwild Arts Academy where he studied the violin as a teenager. He returned to the small mountain community of Idyllwild frequently in the years that followed and eventually built a home there. The mountains, numerous art galleries, and special events featuring local artists quickly recharged his creative spirit.
What can you look forward to with Middle Ridge?. great, award-winning wine made with heart and soul by a winemaker who geeks out on wine chemistry and sharing his passion with others. Our philosophy is simple: to have a conversation with everyone who comes in contact with the winery. And that's what we love about making Middle Ridge wine - a bottle of wine always seems to start a conversation.
Preserving the aromas and flavors of the grapes is what it's all about. I always start with really good fruit. Next is the cooperage - the barrels I use. I'm very picky about barrels. I use only French oak and specify the forest from which it comes along with the thickness of the staves, the toast level on the inside of the barrel, and whether or not the heads of the barrels are toasted.
Bordeaux varietals are at the heart of what we do, although we can't help but venture into other areas that pique our interest. We love a good red! Our mainstays are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a Meritage blend. From time to time, we also release other Bordeaux varietals such as Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.
Although we focus on Bordeaux varietals, Winemaker Chris loves a really good white wine as a starter for dinner and especially when it's time for a refreshing break. He mixes up production runs on our whites from time to time, but the consistent and regular forefront varietal is the "Blue's Creek" Pinot Grigio.
Reviews (20)
Diablo Jb
Feb 01, 2022
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Cindy G.
Feb 01, 2022
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Stephanie M.
Jan 07, 2022
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Janet P.
Jan 03, 2022
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M. R.
Oct 11, 2021
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Anna W.
Sep 10, 2021
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Chris, Mel, and Reagan were wonderful! They gave great recommendations and were super sweet. They were very welcoming and gave us other recommendations to do when we were in town as well. Chris makes the wine himself, and it's a great way to taste CA wines when in the Palm Springs area. 10/10 recommend!
Deborah Clinkingbeard
Aug 24, 2021
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Flora H.
Jul 18, 2021
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A fun spot to visit with some interesting art and wines to taste. Rather than a wine "tasting" they had flights where you can pick 3 wines from their menu to taste. You can walk around the gallery or grab a seat between pours. On weekend evenings they have food trucks and music in the back, but we visited on a weekend night so it was more lowkey with maybe 10 people inside the gallery at the same time as us. I loved how passionate the winemaker was and my favorites were the rose and the mourvedre, although there wasn't anything that I wanted to take a bottle of home with me.
Barret W.
Jun 23, 2021
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Middle Ridge was our go to spot all last weekend!! Such a kind and inviting atmosphere to enjoy some wine and music.
The gals at the front were super friendly in explaining the wines to us and helping guide our decision! We ended up doing a tasting flight to sample the bunch.
While my girlfriend and I stuck to the red wines this weekend, the white options were limitless and highly recommended. I have ZERO complaints about the reds we were able to try!
Also- holy moly the food truck the have in the back, TRY EVERYTHING! Unreal.
We ended up coming back to Middle Ridge two days in a row because
The gals at the front were super friendly in explaining the wines to us and helping guide our decision! We ended up doing a tasting flight to sample the bunch.
While my girlfriend and I stuck to the red wines this weekend, the white options were limitless and highly recommended. I have ZERO complaints about the reds we were able to try!
Also- holy moly the food truck the have in the back, TRY EVERYTHING! Unreal.
We ended up coming back to Middle Ridge two days in a row because
Ann S.
Jun 11, 2021
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Solid Vu
May 23, 2021
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Rebecca L.
May 21, 2021
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Marithza Argueta
Apr 04, 2021
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Shana R.
Nov 16, 2020
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Leslie B.
Aug 19, 2020
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My husband and I planned a small getaway to Idyllwild amidst the pandemic for a change of scenery. It was my birthday and I love wine and art, so I wanted to go to Middle Ridge. It is right in the small town, and lucky for us, a short walk from our cabin rental. The winery is large and modern, with lots of seating and tons of art displayed and for sale.
Due to COVID, there was no indoor seating and the front patio was full, so they had converted the back parking lot to a patio. As it was a parking lot, it wasn't the most attractive, but it was comfortable and they had music playing on
Due to COVID, there was no indoor seating and the front patio was full, so they had converted the back parking lot to a patio. As it was a parking lot, it wasn't the most attractive, but it was comfortable and they had music playing on
Joy K.
Jan 21, 2020
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Wine and art lovers you must stop by at Middle Ridge Winery when in Idyllwild! Inside is beautifully designed surrounded by an art gallery of paintings, sculptures and jewelry. The setting is contemporary and inviting, and is perfect for sitting and relaxing over a fine glass of good quality wine.
Today we tasted two excellent reserve wines:
Meritage and Coyote Run, produced in limited quantities so not available by the glass-so smooth and elegant. I Also recommend their 2014 Black Mountain, a 50/50 blend of Cab Sav and Merlot (grapes are from Temecula).
Chris, the owner was there today serving
Today we tasted two excellent reserve wines:
Meritage and Coyote Run, produced in limited quantities so not available by the glass-so smooth and elegant. I Also recommend their 2014 Black Mountain, a 50/50 blend of Cab Sav and Merlot (grapes are from Temecula).
Chris, the owner was there today serving
Danny W.
Nov 26, 2019
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This adorable little art gallery/tasting room was the perfect mid-week activity for my wife and I. So many unique pieces from local artists on display and for purchase at pretty reasonable prices...as far as fine art goes anyways. Sculptures, paintings, pottery, you name it...definitely a decent way to add some culture to your living room while you're tasting wines.
The wines rotate, but are all from the regional area and the guy taking us on the tour for our tastebuds offered some excellent recommendations. At $15 for 4 well-above average pours, it was definitely worth the price tag.
The wines rotate, but are all from the regional area and the guy taking us on the tour for our tastebuds offered some excellent recommendations. At $15 for 4 well-above average pours, it was definitely worth the price tag.
Jim DeLung Phd
Jan 23, 2019
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Jenn Z.
Jul 15, 2018
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Juan F.
Dec 31, 2016
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