NAPA VALLEY, Calif. (January 17, 2019) — Pine Ridge Vineyards, producer of world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District, is pleased to announce that it has promoted Gustavo Aviña, a 16-year veteran of Pine Ridge Vineyards, to Viticulture Director. A leader of the Pine Ridge Vineyards agriculture team since 2003, Aviña has been instrumental in positioning Pine Ridge at the forefront of creating exceptional wines that reflect their unique appellations.
“Gustavo has greatly improved the quality of our vineyards, the quality of our fruit, and the quality of our wine,” says Michael Beaulac, winemaker and general manager of Pine Ridge Vineyards. “His commitment to his work and Pine Ridge Vineyards is renowned. In his new role as Viticulture Director, he will continue to oversee vineyard operations as well as develop strategic plans for sustainability, vineyard plantings, and labor relations.”
Aviña arrived at Pine Ridge Vineyards in 2003 with decades of agriculture experience. He has worked intimately with every Pine Ridge Vineyards estate property, and he and his team understand the different soils and climates of the winery’s vineyards across five appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros.
Raised in Mexico, Aviña learned about agriculture working with his father farming tomatoes. He came to the United States in 1988, where he continued to pursue his love for agriculture and farming. He has worked with some of the finest vineyard management programs in Napa Valley, and as his knowledge and experience grew, so did the demand for his expertise. Since his arrival at Pine Ridge Vineyards, he has been instrumental in steering the farming operations to optimize the quality of the fruit.
“Knowing each vineyard row by row, vine by vine — that’s how I grow such high-quality grapes,” says Aviña. “I walk every vineyard block once a week. This close connection to the vines and land is what gives us the best grapes that allow us to make such outstanding wine.”
When he’s not in the vineyard, Aviña enjoys spending time with his wife, Blanca, and his children, Gustavo Jr. and Jessica.
Pine Ridge Vineyards specializes in producing Cabernet Sauvignon made in the heart of the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. The Tasting Room is open 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday with an array of experiences; the winery is located at 5901 Silverado Trail. Additional information can be found at www.pineridgevineyards.com.
About Pine Ridge Vineyards
Established in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards produces expressive Cabernet Sauvignons that are artfully crafted from the winery’s estate vineyards across five renowned appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. Winemaker Michael Beaulac leads his team to craft exceptional wines that are poised and balanced, and express their place of origin. For more information, visit www.PineRidgeVineyards.com.
