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
★★★★★< 1 mi
Rutherford · Napa Valley · Rutherford
Rutherford Hill Winery
Rutherford Hill has produced Merlot since 1972 and houses aging caves beneath its hilltop property.
4.3(329)
Known forMerlotCave ToursValley ViewsSustainablePicnic AreaCouples
About Rutherford Hill Winery
Rutherford Hill Winery, established in 1972, is renowned for its exceptional Merlot, which has become a signature variety of Napa Valley. The winery, perched on a scenic hilltop, offers stunning views of the Rutherford Bench and has been under the stewardship of the Terlato family since 1996, who have invested in refining the quality and complexity of their wines. With a commitment to sustainability and innovative winemaking practices, Rutherford Hill continues to craft remarkable, ageworthy wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Why Visit Rutherford Hill Winery
The Legacy Tasting ($95) pours comparative flights of sub-appellate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showing how vineyard location shifts what ends up in the bottle. The Terlato family has owned Rutherford Hill since 1996 and focuses on these two varieties across multiple Napa appellations.
- Merlot production since 1972, now a signature Napa variety
- Legacy Tasting ($95) compares sub-appellate Cabernet and Merlot
- Cave Tour & Tasting ($95) includes 90-minute guided walk
- ATV Vineyard & Cave Lounge Tasting ($195) with reserve wines
- Terlato family ownership since 1996
The Setting
The property sits on a hilltop above Rutherford with views across the Rutherford Bench below. Caves run beneath the hillside where barrels age in constant cool temperatures. The Valley Vista Terrace overlooks the valley floor, and recent renovations completed in 2025 have transformed the hospitality spaces.
The Tasting Experience
View of the Valley Wine Tasting ($75) pours five current releases on the terrace. The Cave Tour & Tasting ($95) takes visitors underground for ninety minutes with five wines poured during the walk-through. For groups, The Skyloft Experience ($130) includes curated cheese and charcuterie in a private space, while the ATV Vineyard & Cave Lounge Tasting ($195) covers estate vineyards by vehicle before heading into the caves for reserve wines and cheese.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
View of the Valley Wine Tasting
$75Seasonal selection of five current releases showcasing terroir and winemaking artistry.
Reservation Required
Legacy Tasting
$95Explore the nuances of sub-appellate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with comparative tasting.
Reservation Required
Cave Tour & Tasting
$9590-minute guided tour of property and caves featuring five wine selections.
Reservation Required
The Skyloft Experience
$130Exclusive private wine tastings with curated cheese and charcuterie selection.
Reservation Required
ATV Vineyard & Cave Lounge Tasting
$195Estate vineyard tour via ATV, cave exploration, and reserve-tier wine tasting with cheese pairing.
Reservation Required
The Pour
Wine list.
Wine details aren't available online.
Contact Rutherford Hill Winery directly for current offerings — visit their website or call (707) 963-1871.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
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InnRutherford · Napa4.9 · 240
Rancho Caymus Inn
Mary Tilden Morton built this hacienda-style inn with 19th-century barn wood beams and stained glass.
Kid FriendlyWine EnthusiastsRomantic Getaways
★★★★2.5 mi
Drive Times
From Napa hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Rutherford Hill Winery, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado Resort | ~23 min | Book |
| The Westin Verasa Napa | ~27 min | Book |
| Archer Hotel Napa | ~28 min | Book |
| Andaz Napa, by Hyatt | ~28 min | Book |
| Carneros Resort and Spa | ~31 min | Book |
| The Meritage Resort and Spa | ~34 min | Book |
Estimates based on straight-line distance with a wine-country routing factor. Actual drive times vary with traffic and route choice.
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