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.
A father-son winehouse off the 101 where Double Gold Cabernets pour steps from downtown San Carlos.
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Winemakers Pouring
Scott and Spencer Townsend serve their own wines - every visit comes with the people who made them.
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Double Gold Pedigree
Chronicle and SF International Double Golds across the Concerto blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc.
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Final Friday Nights
Beyond weekend afternoons, the room opens the last Friday evening of every month.
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Peninsula Convenient
Minutes off Highway 101 - a real winery visit without leaving the mid-Peninsula.
Award-winning wine made and poured by the same two hands - San Carlos's neighborhood winehouse.
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Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Russian Ridge Winery, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly.
Tasting Experiences
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Weekend Tasting
Taste through award winners and small lots with the Townsends pouring. Walk-ins welcome Sat-Sun 1-5.
Confirm with winery
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Private Events
The barrel-and-lights winehouse hosts corporate and social gatherings for up to 50, with in-house AV.
Inquire for pricing
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