The 2025 growing season began with a dry winter and early spring, meaning we relied on irrigation to keep the vines healthy. Welcome rain arrived in November, giving the vineyard a real boost—canopies filled out beautifully, and the fruit set showed excellent balance.
Summer brought steady, mostly mild conditions with only a handful of hotter days. Occasional showers kept the vineyards vibrant and fresh. Autumn followed with warm days and cool nights, allowing us to harvest at a relaxed pace, although some varieties ripened around two weeks earlier than usual.
Our white varieties, especially Fiano and Vermentino, shone this season with intense flavour, lifted aromatics and bright, refreshing acidity.
The reds show wonderful colour, structure and energy; medium to full-bodied with the hallmark freshness and vibrant fruit that First Ridge is known for.
James Manners, Winemaker