About Russian Ridge Winery
Russian Ridge Winery is a father-and-son act: Scott and Spencer Townsend have been making wine together since the late 1990s, and in 2011 they turned the family passion into a boutique winehouse and tasting room in San Carlos, conveniently tucked just off Highway 101 in the heart of the Peninsula. The winemakers themselves are usually behind the bar, pouring and talking through the lineup.
The wines have collected serious hardware for a garage-scale operation - the Concerto red blend earned Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 91 points at the San Francisco International, the Cabernet Sauvignon took its own Chronicle Double Gold, and a Cabernet Franc blend added a Double Gold at the 2020 SF International. The shop spans whites and sparkling through library and limited-production reds, plus aperitif and digestif bottlings.
The tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5, with a bonus final-Friday evening session from 5 to 8 each month. A no-cost wine club adds complimentary tastings and discounts, and the barrel-lined space hosts private corporate and social events for up to 50 guests. Confirm current hours before visiting.
