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Wine Director Reveals Perfect Pairings at Award-Winning Mid-Atlantic Steakhouse

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 16:54 GMT by Penn Live

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Wine Director Reveals Perfect Pairings at Award‑Winning Mid‑Atlantic Steakhouse

The summer heat may be beating down on the Atlantic coast, but the kitchen at Ridgeview Steak & Spirits remains a haven of warmth, aroma, and, most importantly, the perfect match of wine and meat. In a recent feature on PennLive, the restaurant’s chief wine director, Dr. Elena Martinez, gave insiders and wine lovers alike a guided tour through the tasting experience that has earned the steakhouse a slew of accolades, including a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program and recognition from the American Culinary Institute as the “Best Steakhouse in the Mid‑Atlantic.”

The Backstory: From Sommelier to Director

Dr. Martinez’s journey is a fascinating one. With a Ph.D. in enology from UC Davis, she spent 12 years honing her craft as a sommelier in some of Europe’s most revered châteaus before turning her sights to the United States. “When I first walked into Ridgeview, the menu was already exceptional, but the wine list was a bit underdeveloped,” she recalls. “I saw an opportunity to create a holistic dining experience where the wine not only complemented but amplified the flavors of the steakhouse’s signature dishes.”

Her passion for pairings isn’t just theoretical. Martinez’s research, which she has published in the Journal of Gastronomy & Wine, explores the sensory interplay between specific tannin structures and protein. “A well‑balanced Bordeaux will cut through the fat in a ribeye, while a lighter Chardonnay can highlight the delicate notes in a dry‑aged sirloin,” she explains. This scientific approach has been a cornerstone of Ridgeview’s approach to wine service.

The Award‑Winning Menu

Ridgeview’s menu has long been a favorite among steak connoisseurs. The restaurant offers a rotating selection of premium cuts sourced from local farms, including dry‑aged ribeye, bone‑in porterhouse, and a special “Mutton 12‑Week” that has already won a Michelin star for its depth of flavor. The chef, Mark Davis, who has worked under the tutelage of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck, is known for his meticulous seasoning and a penchant for slow‑roasting vegetables that echo the subtle notes in the restaurant’s wine list.

The PennLive article highlights several key dishes that pair exceptionally well with Martinez’s curated selections:

The article also emphasizes the steakhouse’s commitment to sustainability, noting that many of the wines come from vineyards that practice regenerative agriculture. “It’s about more than just taste; it’s a philosophy that respects the land and the customer,” Martinez says.

The Pairing Philosophy

What sets Ridgeview apart is the level of precision in the pairing process. Martinez’s wine list is divided into five thematic sections: “Bold & Robust,” “Elegant & Refined,” “Herb‑Infused,” “Spicy & Warm,” and “Dessert & Sweet.” Each section is designed to match specific cuts, sauces, and seasonings.

For instance, the “Bold & Robust” section contains full‑bodied reds like Cabernet Franc and Syrah, ideal for heavy, heavily seasoned steak cuts. The “Elegant & Refined” segment offers lighter, aromatic reds such as Pinot Noir, which pair beautifully with the milder sirloin and smoked salmon tartare. The “Herb‑Infused” category focuses on wines with pronounced herbaceous notes, like a Chenin Blanc, which complements the rosemary‑garlic crust that is a signature of the ribeye.

Martinez emphasizes the importance of the service team in guiding patrons. “We train our servers to discuss the flavor profile of each wine in relation to the dish,” she says. “A well‑timed recommendation can transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.”

Industry Reception & Future Plans

The article quotes several patrons who have been captivated by Ridgeview’s pairing philosophy. “I never realized how much a good wine could elevate a steak,” says 34‑year‑old lawyer Sarah Green. “It’s like a duet between the steak and the wine.” Meanwhile, the American Culinary Institute awarded Ridgeview the “Best Wine Pairing Program” in its annual survey, a testament to Martinez’s expertise.

Looking ahead, Martinez and Chef Davis are planning an “Open Kitchen” event series where diners can watch the cooking process live, accompanied by a specially curated wine tasting. “We want to demystify the art of pairing,” says Martinez. “It’s not just for the affluent; it’s an accessible experience for anyone who appreciates fine food.”

The PennLive feature also references a link to the restaurant’s official website, which now offers a virtual tour of the wine cellar, an interactive pairing guide, and a reservation system that allows diners to pre‑select their wine pairings.

Final Thoughts

Ridgeview Steak & Spirits has built its reputation on a commitment to quality—both in its culinary offerings and its wine program. With Dr. Elena Martinez at the helm of its wine department, the steakhouse has created a symbiotic relationship between the plate and the glass that has not only earned it prestigious awards but also cultivated a loyal fan base that seeks the perfect harmony between meat and wine.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to request the “Wine Pairing Experience” from the host. It’s a little something that will show you why Ridgeview is more than just a steakhouse; it’s a culinary destination where every bite and sip is meticulously balanced for the ultimate dining pleasure.