Switchback Ridge, Pouring a Family Legacy into Wine
​March 10, 2024

Napa Valley’s Switchback Ridge owes its wine ethos to a different time in history, where family farms were worked by the family, eventually passing on to the next generation with pride.  The Peterson family legacy is alive and well today, with fourth generation leadership through the challenges of farming, adapting to over a century of change.  Their single estate vineyard proudly bears the Peterson family name.  Their wines are extremely lush, textured and complex, a small but mighty production that is handcrafted with love, and a result of impeccable farming.  Switchback Ridge is not well known, almost an insider secret, but its quality and value should put them on your wine radar.

Eliza Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

Mads Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

The Peterson family journey began in the late 1800’s, when Eliza and Mads Peterson immigrated to the United States, seeking a new life.  Eliza, from Ireland, and Mads, from Denmark, made their way west to California and in 1914, they bought a 100-acre property in Napa Valley, between St. Helena and Calistoga, alongside the Silverado Trail.  The property had a small Zinfandel vineyard at the time, but that was replaced with a plum orchard during Prohibition, producing prunes for the market.  The Peterson family grew along with the family farm, as six boys and three girls helped with the orchard, a large vegetable garden and various farm animals.  Interestingly, when the time came to pass the family farm on to the next generation, the daughters, and not the sons, took over, working hard to keep it going.  Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books, and Mae helped with the summer harvests, keeping the family farm business alive.  Vera’s son, John Peterson, stayed to work the farm, and inspired his children to appreciate the land.  Slowly over the years, the plum orchards were replaced with vines, at that time, Petite Sirah was planted by John in 1956.  This block still exists today, dry farmed vines that have survived the test of time.

Founder/Managing Partner Kelly Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

Winemaker Thomas Rivers-Brown, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

​In 1995, John’s daughter, Kelly, decided to launch a family wine project, inspired by her great aunt Carrie.  Carrie had insisted on not ripping out the old vine Petite Sirah, or as she called it “Pets” when the property was replanted in 1990.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were added in 1995, and the first vintage of Switchback Ridge wine was produced in 1999.  Robert Foley, a family friend, was the original winemaker, continuing until 2018, when Mike Smith took over.  Today, Thomas Rivers-Brown makes their wines, bringing his considerable expertise to the brand.  One of the most influential winemakers in the country, he was awarded “Winemaker of the Year” in 2010 by Food & Wine Magazine, and has earned many 100-point scores from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker for his efforts.  Rivers-Brown is known for his high-end Cabernets, taking a minimalist approach by allowing the vineyard terroir to shine.  He seems the perfect fit for Switchback Ridge, allowing the Peterson Family vineyard to showcase their land, rocky and well-drained soils that consistently produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit.

Owners John and Joyce Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

Partner/Sales & Marketing Ashley Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

​Today, Switchback Ridge is still the heart of the family, owned by John and Joyce Peterson, and run by daughter Kelly, who oversees it all, with her daughter, Ashley, the fifth generation, responsible for sales and marketing.  Peterson Vineyard is planted to 21 of the original 100 acres, dedicated to quality single estate vineyard wines.  Named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child, two thousand cases are produced across five wines.  Three estate red wines are produced, a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Petite Sirah, and two white wines are made with fruit from the McGah Family Vineyard, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon.  These are small production wines, extremely concentrated and fruit-driven, that get great scores but are not well known.

Pierson Ryan represents Switchback Ridge wines

​Switchback Ridge came to Los Angeles, introducing the LA Wine Writers to their story and their stunning wines over a wine lunch at AOC Brentwood.  Pierson Ryan, their National Sales Rep and Certified Sommelier, brought four wines, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, and their three Peterson Family Vineyard estate wines from the 2021 vintage.

Greeted with the 2022 Switchback Ridge McGah Family Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $40), it beckons with its white peach, citrus and green apple nose, with notes of honeysuckle and vanilla.  Crisp and refreshing, its mouthwatering palate of lemon zest, baked pear and cantaloupe is enticing.  There is a richness alongside the zesty profile, it’s 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Semillon.  This is the last year that McGah Family fruit is part of the blend, starting in 2023, this wine will be made with grapes from the Tofanelli Family Vineyard.

​Next, the 2021 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard Merlot (SRP $72) is one word, stunning!  Supple and seductive, with powerful yet velvety tannins, aromas of ripe plum, dark cherry and raspberry, swirl alongside savory flavors of plums, dark chocolate-covered raspberry and cherry, which play in a textured mouthfeel, along with spice and bittersweet chocolate, finishing long and silky.  This blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petite Sirah is aged for 18 months in 100% French Oak, of which 70% is new.  This opulent wine is a shining example of how wonderful Merlot can be when produced with care.  It was sumptuous alongside the first course, Beets and Lentils, with Charred Peppers, Leeks, Sumac, Labneh and Walnuts.

​The 2021 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $120) is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon from Clone 337 and 2% Petite Sirah.  Holy smokes, this wine is spectacular!   Powerful and elegant, aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and plums, tobacco, exotic spice and vanilla make for a fragrant bouquet.  Flavors of pomegranate and blackberry, grilled herbs and licorice accents encircle the firm palate, with a luxurious mouthfeel, silky tannins and long lingering finish.

The 2021 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard Petite Sirah (SRP $75) is 100% Petite Sirah, of which 13% is the Old Vine 1956 vineyard fruit, and 87% from the New Block.  Although it is a massive wine, it has an elegance to it, a rich balanced profile of bright acidity alongside ripe chewy tannins, so well integrated.  Aromas of baked blueberry and plum, and notes of white pepper, dark chocolate, and jasmine accompany the deep flavors of dark cherry, spice and espresso bean, with a very long persistent finish, laced with cigar box and graphite notes.

Both the Cabernet and Petite Sirah were perfectly paired with a Hanger Steak, with Red Wine Butter, Arugula and Crispy Shallots, the steak allowed the wines to shine.  And for dessert, a Bittersweet Chocolate Torta with Mascarpone, Migas Dulces and Coffee Ice Cream, which forged a relationship with all the estate red wines.

​One caveat, because 2021 was so hot, with 115-117 degree days and no rain, they lost half of their harvest.  So, unfortunately the wines that I tasted are sold out.  But Switchback Ridge has plenty of older vintages available for purchase.  Their small production is highly sought after, not only by consumers but by other producers, and since they sell 25-30% of their grapes, it can be a high quality problem.  Switchback Ridge is seeking name recognition and new fans, but will continue to keep the integrity of their brand high.

Pierson Ryan, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

​Pierson Ryan wants wine lovers to know, “We really pride ourselves on the quality of the wine, giving the best product that we possibly can to our consumers, and also giving it at a fair price, at the same time.  It shows that there are quality single vineyard wines out there, that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for.”  And if you’re familiar with Napa Valley wines, you know that’s a very rare combination to find.

If you want to experience Switchback Ridge, and are in Napa Valley, they can be tasted at the 810 Foothill tasting room collective in Calistoga.  Plans are in the works for wine tastings and dinners to introduce the wines to a new audience of wine drinkers.

Ashley & Kelly Peterson, Courtesy of Switchback Ridge

March is Women’s History Month, and Switchback Ridge owes a great deal to the Peterson family women, who continued the family farm, and had the vision and courage to move into the future.  Their legacy in the bottle is testament to the collective will and determination of a family working together to make something special.  Switchback Ridge wines will captivate the wine lover in you.
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Switchback Ridge, switchbackridge.com