The One Minute Wine Guy

The One Minute Wine Guy

A Drive Worth Savoring: Colleen FitzGerald’s Blend of Beauty and Balance at Pine Ridge

Inspired by the natural beauty of Napa Valley, winemaker Colleen FitzGerald captures freshness and charm in the 2024 vintage of Pine Ridge’s beloved Chenin Blanc + Viognier blend.

James Nokes's avatar
James Nokes
May 23, 2025
∙ Paid
Andrus Estate Vineyard at Pine Ridge.

Sometimes, Colleen FitzGerald forgets she’s driving to work.

The beauty of Napa Valley has that effect. As the winemaker behind Pine Ridge Vineyards’ signature Chenin Blanc + Viognier blend, FitzGerald’s commute winds past vineyard-covered hills, where fog lingers low and golden sunlight catches the edges of vines.

“Even after all these years, it still takes my breath away,” she said. “There are days I’ll look up and realize I’ve driven five miles and don’t remember any of it, I’m just lost in the scenery.”

That same sensory wonder finds its way into the bottle with the 2024 vintage of Pine Ridge’s iconic white blend. Crisp, refreshing and just a little exotic, the CB + V is as transportive as the valley views from which it draws its inspiration.

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