John Olney - Head Winemaker & Chief Operating Officer

John Olney's passion for wine was cultivated during his early travels in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. He frequently visited the south of France, spending time with his uncle, Richard Olney, a celebrated food and wine writer. Through these experiences, John gained first hand knowledge of traditional European winemaking methods.  In 1994, John formalised his winemaking education by enrolling in enological studies at the Lycée Viticole in Burgundy. He further honed his skills by working with esteemed European winemakers, including Gérard Chave in the Rhône, Lucien Peyraud at Domaine Tempier, and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Katie Blakely - International Sales Director

Katie Blakely began her career with Ridge Vineyards in 2014 as the Manager of Retail Sales and Hospitality at the Monte Bello Winery. After four successful years in this role, she transitioned to the wholesale side of the business, becoming the Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S., where she oversaw the distribution of Ridge wines across 20 states. In June 2021, Katie was promoted to International Sales Manager, representing Ridge on the global stage and overseeing exports to 55 countries. Her dedication and expertise in the wine industry were further recognized in 2024 when she was elevated to the position of International Sales Director.