Rutherford Hill Winery: A Guide to Napa Valley's Iconic Estate

Rutherford Hill Winery is a luxury wine destination in Napa Valley that has been producing award-winning wines since 1972. Nestled high in the Eastern Hills, the winery commands spectacular views overlooking the Rutherford bench of Napa Valley. Visitors can enjoy the views along with a glass of their favorite varietal from the Oak Grove picnic grounds or tour the extensive hillside wine caves carved deep into the cliffs behind the winery.

The winery offers a wide range of classic and library wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and more. Visitors can browse the wines and find their favorite varietals or discover new ones with the help of the winery's experts. Rutherford Hill Winery has been one of the first to pioneer Merlot in Napa Valley, and the Terlato family has enhanced the quality and character of their wines with state-of-the-art facilities, caves, and vineyards.

Take Silverado Trail south and turn left on Rutherford Hill Road to find the winery's tasting room. Visitors can learn about the winemaker, the caves, and the views from this luxury wine destination in Napa Valley. Rutherford Hill Winery offers tours, tastings, and events, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts.

History and Location

Founding and Development

Rutherford Hill Winery was founded in 1972 and is located in the Napa Valley region of California. The winery was established by a group of wine enthusiasts who were inspired by the Bordeaux-style wines of France. Over the years, Rutherford Hill has become renowned for its high-quality Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

The winery has a rich history of crafting legendary wines from a handful of the most select Napa vineyards. Rutherford Hill Winery continues to maintain its tradition of producing exceptional wines by using the same time-honored techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Rutherford Hill Road and Napa Valley

Rutherford Hill Winery is situated on Rutherford Hill Road, which is known for its stunning views of the Napa Valley. The road winds past the luxurious Relais & Châteaux Auberge du Soleil hillside resort & spa before ending at the winery.

The Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, known for its perfect climate and soil conditions for growing grapes. The valley is home to over 400 wineries, each with its own unique style and flavor.

Rutherford Hill Winery is located high on a hill, commanding a spectacular view overlooking the Rutherford bench of Napa Valley. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the nearly mile-long caves, sample the hand-crafted wines in the tasting room, and end their afternoon with a picnic in the oak grove or lounging in the luxury cabanas.

Overall, Rutherford Hill Winery is a must-visit destination for any wine lover visiting the Napa Valley region.

Visiting the Winery

Rutherford Hill Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers who want to experience the best of Napa Valley. The winery is located high in the Eastern Hills, and commands a breathtaking view of the Rutherford bench. Here are some things to know before you go.

Making Reservations

Rutherford Hill Winery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but reservations are required for all tastings and tours. Visitors can make reservations by calling the winery or by booking online. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially during peak season.

Tasting Room Experience

The tasting room at Rutherford Hill Winery offers a unique experience for visitors. Guests can sample a variety of hand-crafted wines while enjoying one of the best views in the Napa Valley. Tasting flights are available from $25-$40, and include current releases, library wines, and large format bottles. The winery also offers a cheese and charcuterie pairing with its reserve-tier wines.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Rutherford Hill Winery is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is the busiest season, and the winery can get crowded on weekends. Winter is also a good time to visit, as the winery offers special events and tastings during the holiday season.

Exclusive Tours and Caves

For visitors who want to experience more of Rutherford Hill Winery, the winery offers exclusive tours and cave experiences. The ATV & Cave Tour takes guests up the hill to the estate vineyard, where they can learn about sustainable farming practices. Afterward, guests can cruise back down for a tour of the mile-long wine caves. The winery also offers barrel tastings and private tastings for groups.

Wine Selections

Rutherford Hill Winery offers a wide variety of hand-crafted wines that are sure to please any palate. From current releases to library wines and large format bottles, wine lovers will find something to enjoy at the winery.

Current Releases and Tastings

The current releases at Rutherford Hill Winery include a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Tasting flights are available from $25-$40, and include a selection of the winery's current releases. Guests can enjoy the tastings while taking in the stunning views of the Napa Valley.

Library Wines and Large Format Bottles

For those looking for something special, Rutherford Hill Winery offers library wines and large format bottles. Library wines are aged to perfection and are only available in limited quantities. Large format bottles, such as magnums, are perfect for special occasions or for those who like to collect wine.

Winery Exclusive Wines

Rutherford Hill Winery also offers winery exclusive wines that are only available at the winery. These wines are made in limited quantities and are not available for purchase anywhere else. Guests can enjoy a taste of something truly unique and special when they visit the winery.

In summary, Rutherford Hill Winery offers a diverse selection of wines that are sure to please any wine lover. From current releases to library wines and large format bottles, guests can enjoy a taste of something special while taking in the stunning views of the Napa Valley.

Winery Specialties

Rutherford Hill Winery is known for its exceptional Merlot and Red Blends, which are made from grapes grown in the Rutherford AVA. The winery's Merlot is a standout, with a deep ruby color and aromas of black cherry, plum, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are firm but well integrated, giving the wine a long, smooth finish.

In addition to its Merlot, Rutherford Hill Winery offers a range of Red Blends that are equally impressive. The winery's flagship blend, the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. This wine is rich and complex, with aromas of blackberry, cassis, and mocha. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are firm but well integrated, giving the wine a long, smooth finish.

Rutherford Hill Winery also offers a range of Distinctive Gifts and Souvenirs that are perfect for wine lovers. The winery's gift shop features a selection of wine-related items, including wine glasses, corkscrews, and decanters. In addition, the winery offers a selection of gourmet food items, such as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and chocolates, that pair perfectly with its wines.

For visitors who want to take a piece of Rutherford Hill Winery home with them, the winery offers a selection of branded merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and wine totes. These items are perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to show their love for Rutherford Hill Winery.

Merlot and Red Blends

Rutherford Hill Winery's Merlot and Red Blends are some of the best in the Napa Valley. The winery's Merlot is a standout, with a deep ruby color and aromas of black cherry, plum, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are firm but well integrated, giving the wine a long, smooth finish.

The winery's Red Blends are equally impressive. The Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red, for example, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. This wine is rich and complex, with aromas of blackberry, cassis, and mocha. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins are firm but well integrated, giving the wine a long, smooth finish.

Distinctive Gifts and Souvenirs

Rutherford Hill Winery's gift shop offers a range of Distinctive Gifts and Souvenirs that are perfect for wine lovers. The shop features a selection of wine-related items, including wine glasses, corkscrews, and decanters. In addition, the winery offers a selection of gourmet food items, such as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and chocolates, that pair perfectly with its wines.

For visitors who want to take a piece of Rutherford Hill Winery home with them, the winery offers a selection of branded merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and wine totes. These items are perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to show their love for Rutherford Hill Winery.

Membership and Benefits

Rutherford Hill Winery offers a Wine Club membership program that provides exclusive benefits and access to their limited production wines. Club members can enjoy the following advantages.

Club Member Advantages

  • Exclusive access to limited production wines.
  • Be the first to enjoy new release wines.
  • 20-25% savings on Wine Club selections.
  • 25% reorder discounts with shipping incentives.
  • 15% savings on merchandise purchases.
  • Complimentary tastings and tours for up to four people.

Club members can also participate in their Club Ambassador Program, which provides them with the opportunity to earn rewards and exclusive experiences by referring friends and family to join the Wine Club.

Membership Types

Rutherford Hill Winery offers two types of memberships: Red Wine Only and Mixed Wine. Both memberships include the same benefits listed above, but the Red Wine Only membership focuses on their red wine offerings while the Mixed Wine membership includes a variety of their red and white wines.

Overall, the Wine Club membership program at Rutherford Hill Winery is an excellent way for wine enthusiasts to gain exclusive access to their limited production wines and enjoy significant savings on their wine purchases.

Events and Private Gatherings

Rutherford Hill Winery is an ideal location for hosting events and private gatherings. With a dedicated staff that prides itself on creating exceptional wine-centric events, Rutherford Hill is the perfect venue for both corporate and social events.

Hosting Events at Rutherford Hill

The winery offers a variety of private event spaces, including the cave, which is perfect for intimate gatherings, and the terrace, which offers stunning views of the Rutherford Bench. The team at Rutherford Hill can create custom menus and wine pairings to make your event truly unforgettable.

In addition to the stunning location and expert staff, Rutherford Hill also offers a range of team building activities, including interactive wine education sessions. These activities are perfect for corporate events and provide a unique way to bring your team together.

Annual Winery Events

Rutherford Hill Winery also hosts several annual events that are open to the public. These events include the annual Harvest Party, which celebrates the end of the grape harvest season, and the Holiday Open House, which is a festive celebration of the holiday season.

Guests can enjoy live music, food and wine pairings, and exclusive access to the winery's limited release wines. These events are a great way to experience the beauty and hospitality of Rutherford Hill Winery.

Whether you are looking to host a private event or attend one of the winery's annual events, Rutherford Hill is the perfect destination for wine lovers and those seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Napa Valley.

Sustainability and Community

Rutherford Hill Winery is committed to sustainable practices and community engagement. The winery believes that by taking care of the environment and the community, they can produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Environmental Practices

Rutherford Hill Winery has implemented several environmental practices to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the natural resources of the region. The winery is 100% solar-powered, which means that they use renewable energy to power their operations. They also use owl boxes in the vineyards to control pests naturally, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Additionally, Rutherford Hill Winery practices sustainable farming, which involves using cover crops, composting, and drip irrigation to conserve water and reduce soil erosion. They also recycle all of their waste materials, including glass, paper, and plastic.

Community Engagement

Rutherford Hill Winery is committed to giving back to the community. They support local charities and organizations, including the Napa Valley Food Bank and the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. The winery also hosts events and fundraisers to raise awareness and support for these organizations.

Moreover, Rutherford Hill Winery is a member of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the wine industry. The winery is also certified as a sustainable vineyard and winery by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program.

In conclusion, Rutherford Hill Winery's commitment to sustainability and community engagement is reflected in their high-quality wines and their dedication to preserving the natural resources of Napa Valley.

Awards and Recognition

Rutherford Hill Winery has been recognized for producing high-quality wines. In 2019, their 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, which described it as "dense and concentrated, with a lasting impression of fruit and oak." This same wine also won a Silver Medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

In 2020, Rutherford Hill Winery received the Best Views in the Napa Valley award from Napa Valley Life Magazine. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley while sipping on their award-winning wines.

Over the years, Rutherford Hill Winery has won numerous awards for their Merlot, which is one of their flagship wines. The 2016 Merlot was awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, which praised its "aromas of raspberry, vanilla, and toasted oak." The 2014 Merlot was also awarded a Silver Medal at the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

In addition to their Merlot, Rutherford Hill Winery has also been recognized for their Chardonnay. The 2018 Chardonnay was awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, which described it as "rich and creamy, with a touch of oak and a long finish."

Overall, Rutherford Hill Winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines has earned them numerous awards and recognition in the wine industry. Visitors to the winery can enjoy not only their award-winning wines, but also breathtaking views of the Napa Valley.