John Olney

As the Head Winemaker & COO at Ridge Vineyards, John Olney’s journey through the world of wine is a blend of tradition and innovation. Joining Ridge in 1996, John’s love affair with wine culture blossomed during his early travels across Europe, where he absorbed the essence of winemaking in France and Italy. Immersed in the legacy of his uncle, the esteemed food and wine writer Richard Olney, John gained firsthand insights into European winemaking methods.

John’s passion for winemaking solidified during a language exchange program in Provence, leading him to formal enological studies at Burgundy’s Lycée Viticole in 1994. Prior to his tenure at Ridge, he honed his craft at Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant and apprenticed alongside notable European winemakers like Gérard Chave, Lucien Peyraud, and Aubert de Villaine.

In 1996, John’s journey with Ridge Vineyards commenced at the Monte Bello Winery in Santa Cruz Mountains. Over the years, he showcased his expertise by overseeing the construction of the innovative straw bale winery at Lytton Springs Winery in 1999. His dedication to marrying tradition with cutting-edge practices has been instrumental in shaping Ridge’s winemaking ethos.

Elevating his role to Head Winemaker & COO in 2021, John Olney’s legacy is interwoven with Ridge Vineyards’ pursuit of excellence. His dynamic approach draws from his rich experiences, bringing a harmonious fusion of Old World techniques and contemporary innovation to every bottle crafted under his guidance.