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Paul Draper

Paul Draper (born 1936) joined Ridge Vineyards in 1969 as winemaker and became the defining figure in establishing Ridge's reputation as one of California's greatest Cabernet Sauvignon producers, particularly for the Monte Bello vineyard.

Ridge Vineyards (1969-present)

Field Details
Joined Ridge 1969
Role Winemaker, later CEO
Focus Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon
Philosophy Traditional methods, terroir expression, minimal intervention
Legacy Established Monte Bello as iconic California vineyard

Paul Draper joined Ridge Vineyards in 1969, seven years after the winery's founding by four Stanford Research Institute engineers (Dave Bennion, Hew Crane, Charlie Rosen, Howard Ziedler).

The Monte Bello Continuity

Draper's arrival completed the Monte Bello lineage:

  1. 1885: Dr. Osea Perrone establishes original vineyard
  2. Late 1940s: William Short replants Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. 1959: Mario Gemello makes first Monte Bello wine from Short's fruit
  4. 1962: Ridge founders purchase property from Short
  5. 1969: Paul Draper joins as winemaker and becomes interpreter of the site

Winemaking Philosophy

Draper championed:

  • Terroir expression - letting the vineyard speak
  • Traditional methods - natural fermentation, minimal intervention
  • Single-vineyard bottlings - showcasing site character
  • Age-worthy wines - structured for decades of cellaring
  • Pre-industrial techniques - inspired by 19th-century Bordeaux

This philosophy aligned with and extended the Martin Ray quality-first approach, applying it to Cabernet Sauvignon and mountain viticulture.

International Recognition

Under Draper's winemaking:

  • 1976 Judgment of Paris: Ridge Monte Bello 1971 placed 5th among reds
  • 2006 Judgment of Paris 30-Year Anniversary: Ridge Monte Bello 1971 placed 1st, beating all First Growth Bordeaux
  • Established Monte Bello as one of California's iconic vineyard sites
  • Demonstrated that California Cabernet could age as gracefully as Bordeaux

Historical Significance

Paul Draper represents:

  • The interpreter who unlocked Monte Bello's potential
  • Continuity of quality philosophy from Martin Ray through the 1960s revival
  • Proof that California mountain Cabernet rivals Bordeaux
  • Minimal-intervention winemaking before it became fashionable

The Monte Bello Legacy

Draper's 50+ years at Ridge:

  • Established Monte Bello as California's answer to First Growth Bordeaux
  • Demonstrated the importance of site continuity (1885-present)
  • Proved the value of traditional winemaking methods
  • Trained generations of California winemakers
  • Preserved the historical narrative connecting Perrone → Short → Gemello → Ridge

Related Entries

Sources

  • Ridge Vineyards historical archives
  • Historic Vineyard Society: Monte Bello
  • Judgment of Paris documentation
  • Santa Cruz Mountains wine history

See Also