Sonoma County Wine Region
Central Napa Valley
Oakville AVA · Rutherford AVA
The golden mile of American wine. Oakville and Rutherford produce the most celebrated and collected Cabernet Sauvignons in the New World — from Opus One to Rubicon to To Kalon.
Oakville AVA Rutherford AVA
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Sauvignon Blanc Petit Verdot
Why This Region Matters
The Golden Mile
Oakville and Rutherford together produce more 95–100 point Cabernets than any other stretch of land in the New World.
To Kalon Vineyard
Planted in 1868 by Hamilton Crabb — the most celebrated vineyard site in American wine history, home to Robert Mondavi and Opus One.
'Rutherford Dust'
A real and identifiable quality in Rutherford Cabernet — a subtle dusty, mineral earthiness described since the 1940s by winemaker André Tchelistcheff.
Cult Wine Central
Harlan Estate, Scarecrow, Screaming Eagle, and other ultra-premium producers source from Oakville and Rutherford.
Climate & Terroir
Warm days moderated by afternoon breezes funneled up from San Pablo Bay. Deep, well-drained loam soils. The classic conditions for producing rich, structured Cabernet Sauvignon with exceptional aging potential.
Towns to Explore
🏘 Oakville
Home to To Kalon, Opus One, Far Niente, Silver Oak, and the legendary Oakville Grocery
Explore →
🏘 Rutherford
Famous for 'Rutherford dust' Cabernet — Inglenook, Caymus, Frog's Leap, Cakebread, Grgich Hills
Explore →
Wineries in This Region
Not Yet Reviewed
Robert Mondavi Winery
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Opus One
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Inglenook
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Far Niente
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Silver Oak Cellars
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Caymus Vineyards
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Frog's Leap Winery
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Cakebread Cellars
📍 Oakville AVA
Not Yet Reviewed
Grgich Hills Estate
📍 Oakville AVA
🗺 WinoNotion Visitor Tip
Book at least 2 weeks ahead for most estates here — these are highly sought-after reservations. Consider visiting Oakville Grocery for a picnic lunch between tastings. The Oakville–Rutherford stretch of Highway 29 is one of the most historically rich drives in American wine country.