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Signature Wines and Wineries of Coastal California
commercial wine. Larry had developed a passion for Old World,
Bordeaux-style wines, which would later become some of the
region's best. The first commercial harvest was in 2007, and
the couple started selling wine in 2008. Initial varietals were
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Because
Cabernet Franc was not a widely produced varietal in Livermore
at the time, and it was a nice wine, it soon became a signature
varietal of Cuda Ridge Wines. Over the next few years they
expanded offerings to include Petit Verdot and Malbec, which
have become regional favorites as well. They rounded out the
lineup with the Bordeaux whites, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.
Cuda Ridge consistently wins high awards at the San Francisco
Wine Competition, Orange County Fair, and local competitions.
It has also received numerous 90-plus point ratings from Wine
Enthusiast. You can sample these for yourself at the winery and
tasting room, located in a beautiful wine country setting on
Arroyo Road overlooking the vineyards and hillsides.
TOP LEFT: Cuda Ridge Wines Tasting Room
BELOW LEFT: Purple labels wines are considered Bordeaux style wines,
Black Label wines are non-Bordeaux. In the picture we have Cabernet Franc,
Syrah, and Malbec.
ABOVE: Larry Dino, winemaker, sampling wine from the barrel.
Photographs by JFrank Anzalone
