Paul Draper (winemaker)

Paul Draper (winemaker)

Paul Draper is a renowned American winemaker who has made significant contributions to the wine industry. He is best known for his work at Ridge Vineyards in California, where he served as the head winemaker for over four decades.

Early Life and Education

Draper was born in Illinois and grew up in Chicago. He attended Stanford University, where he studied philosophy and literature. After graduating, he spent time in Italy and Chile, where he developed an interest in winemaking.

Career

In 1969, Draper joined Ridge Vineyards, a winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He had no formal training in winemaking, but his natural talent and passion for the craft quickly became evident. Under his leadership, Ridge Vineyards became known for producing high-quality Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Draper is known for his "hands-off" approach to winemaking. He believes in letting the grapes and the terroir speak for themselves, rather than manipulating the wine in the cellar. This philosophy has earned him a reputation as a pioneer of the "natural wine" movement.

In 2016, Draper retired from Ridge Vineyards, but he continues to serve as a consultant and mentor to the winemaking team.

Awards and Recognition

Over the course of his career, Draper has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the wine industry. In 2000, he was named "Winemaker of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In 2013, he received the prestigious James Beard Award for "Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional."

See Also

• Ridge Vineyards
• Natural wine
• James Beard Award

External Links

• [Official website of Ridge Vineyards]