Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 635
Frog's Leap Winery
A certified organic estate in Rutherford where kids run through the vineyard rows during the Family Friendly Garden Tasting.
ReservationDog OKKid Friendly
$$From $50
Rutherford Wineries
14 wineries to explore|Known for Cabernet Sauvignon
About Rutherford
Rutherford is the birthplace of the 'Rutherford Dust' concept — a distinctively earthy, cocoa-like tannin quality in Cabernet Sauvignon coined by legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. Home to some of Napa's most historically significant estates including Inglenook (1881) and Beaulieu Vineyard (1900).
Rutherford is the birthplace of the concept of Napa Valley terroir, famous for what winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff called 'Rutherford Dust' — a distinctive cocoa-and-earth quality that marks the best Cabernet Sauvignons from this area. It's a compact AVA with an outsized reputation.
Home to legendary estates that helped establish Napa's global reputation, Rutherford's benchland vineyards on the western alluvial fans produce some of the most collectible wines in California. The area's warm temperatures and well-drained gravelly soils are tailor-made for Cabernet.
Top Experiences in Rutherford
- Inglenook — Francis Ford Coppola's restored 1881 estate with château tours
- Beaulieu Vineyard — 'Discover Rutherford Dust' tasting experience
- Caymus Vineyards — iconic Napa Cabernet producer
- Frog's Leap Winery — organic farming and a relaxed, playful tasting experience
Local Tip
Rutherford sits at Napa Valley's widest point, giving its vines more radiant heat than neighboring AVAs. This extra sun exposure is part of what creates the distinctive 'Rutherford Dust' character in the wines.
Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Terroir
Gravelly alluvial fans with the signature 'Rutherford Dust' mineral character
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall
Wineries in Rutherford
14 wineries to explore — sorted by rating, verified wineries first.
Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 181
Honig Vineyard & Winery
Solar panels on the winery roof power Honig's entire operation, from crush to tasting room.
ReservationDog OKKid Friendly
$$From $30
Rutherford · Napa4.7 · 1,106
Caymus Vineyards
Chuck Wagner and his parents made 240 cases of Cabernet in 1972; today the family still farms the same Rutherford land.
Reservation
$$From $50Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.3 · 329
Rutherford Hill Winery
Rutherford Hill has produced Merlot since 1972 and houses aging caves beneath its hilltop property.
ReservationDog OKKid FriendlyPicnic
$$$From $75
Rutherford · Napa4.7 · 675
Cakebread Cellars
Cakebread Cellars bottles four different Chardonnays and leads a dedicated tasting for each.
Reservation
$$From $45Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.7 · 468
Round Pond Estate Winery
Round Pond runs an estate olive mill and pairs fresh-pressed oils with estate wines.
Reservation
$$From $40Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 676
PEJU Winery
Tony and Herta Peju founded this estate in 1983, planting Rutherford vines and gardens in equal measure.
Dog OK
$$$From $65Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 452
Grgich Hills Estate
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, who made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the Judgment of Paris, opened this estate in 1977.
Dog OKKid Friendly
$$$From $60Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 278
Inglenook
The Coppola family restored the 1879 estate founded by Gustave Niebaum in Rutherford.
ReservationKid Friendly
$$$$From $255Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.7 · 206
ZD Wines
The deLeuze family has operated here since 1969, farming organically for three generations.
$$From $50Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.4 · 958
Mumm Napa
Mumm Napa pours only sparkling wines, made using méthode traditionnelle from its Napa Green certified facility.
$$From $48Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.6 · 243
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery
St. Supéry farms 100% estate grown, certified Napa Green fruit across two vineyards.
ReservationDog OK
$$From $46Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.3 · 447
Alpha Omega Winery
Robin and Michelle Baggett opened this Rutherford estate in 2005 as a certified Napa Green property.
ReservationDog OKKid FriendlyPicnic
$$$From $75Preview
Rutherford · Napa4.3 · 209
Beaulieu Vineyard
André Tchelistcheff made Georges de Latour Private Reserve here for decades starting in 1938.
$From $20Preview
Day Trips in Rutherford
Where to Stay Near Rutherford
All Napa hotels →
HotelRutherford · Napa4.7 · 1,755
Auberge du Soleil
Auberge du Soleil terraces down a Rutherford hillside planted with heritage olive and oak trees.
Adults OnlyWine LoversRomantic Getaways
★★★★★
HotelCalistoga · Napa4.7 · 1,151
Solage, Auberge Collection
The 20,000-square-foot spa runs on Calistoga's geothermal water and books out weeks ahead.
Dog OK*Wine LoversLuxury Retreat
★★★★★
HotelSt. Helena · Napa4.7 · 504
Meadowood Napa Valley
A 250-acre estate on land first settled in 1961, with wood-lined cottages scattered across oak groves.
Kid FriendlyWine LoversLuxury Retreat
★★★★★
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Discover neighboring regions, each with its own character and wines.
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Calistoga
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12 wineries · Cabernet Sauvignon