Jay, Savannah, Sierra, and Leslie at home in Oak Knoll
THE RYDER FAMILY
From Building Communities to Crafting Exceptional Wines
The Ryder family built their success developing award-winning new home communities in Northern Nevada and Northern California, an endeavor rooted in hard work, grit and a belief that good things should be accessible. Their lives now balance the beauty of Lake Tahoe with the warmth of their Oak Knoll ranch, a property they fell in love with for its breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary terroir. Known for their appreciation of the arts — especially Broadway — the Ryders have always valued creativity and craftsmanship, qualities that naturally led them to winemaking.
WHY RANCHO EL STRESSO?
“Rancho El Stresso” began as a playful family nickname during the whirlwind of planting vines, managing construction, and learning the intricacies of Napa winemaking. It stuck because it captured the humor, humility and perspective that define the Ryder family. The name reminds us that while the work can be intense, sharing the finished product should be effortless and joyful. The Ryder family’s approachable nature and gracious hospitality radiate through the home and the wines: each bottle a reflection of their inviting, down-to-earth spirit.
Elevated Napa Cabernet
Our vineyards sit in one of Napa’s most admired AVAs, producing cabernets known for structure, elegance, and refinement; the kind collectors return to again and again.
Oak Knoll: Napa’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the southern part of Napa Valley, Oak Knoll is celebrated for its cooler climate, gentle slopes, and diverse soils, all perfect conditions for growing cabernet and other Bordeaux varietals. The region’s long, sunlit days and cool evenings allow grapes to ripen slowly, producing wines with structure, balance, and vibrant, layered flavors. It’s a place where the land itself dictates excellence, and Rancho El Stresso brings that character to every bottle.
The ranch nestled in Oak Knoll
This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.
Alice Watters
Faith Armstrong
MEET WINEMAKER FAITH ARMSTRONG
Female vintners remain rare in Napa Valley, and Faith is among the most respected. Her work with Onward Wines and Forward Wines, paired with her intuitive approach to crafting balanced, expressive cabernets, brings exceptional character to every bottle of Rancho El Stresso. Faith’s talent is the quiet force behind every bottle we produce. With a background rooted in thoughtful craftsmanship and years of independent winemaking, she brings both technical mastery and intuitive artistry to Rancho El Stresso. Faith listens closely to the land, allowing Oak Knoll’s unique character to guide her decisions in the vineyard and cellar. Her leadership, warmth, and meticulous attention to detail shape wines that are elegant, expressive, and unmistakably ours. She is not just our winemaker—she is a key chapter in our story.