About Rutherford Hill Winery
Rutherford Hill Winery is positioned above the valley floor on the eastern side of the Rutherford appellation. The terrace looks across the Rutherford Bench and toward the Mayacamas Mountains, giving visitors a broad geographic view of central Napa Valley. The property is also known for a substantial cave system and a long association with Merlot, creating more depth than a simple scenic overlook.
Merlot remains an important part of the winery's identity, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and limited estate wines. Hosted tastings can introduce the core portfolio, while more involved reservations move into vineyard, production and cave spaces. Seasonal harvest programs may include tank samples, barrel wine and cheese or charcuterie.
The tasting room is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, though limited walk-ins may be accepted. The winery offers seated terrace tastings, cave tours, seasonal production experiences and private events. Current event nights may extend into the evening with live music or food.
The hilltop terrace is the defining visitor feature, with expansive views and a quieter atmosphere above the valley. The cave system adds a cooler, production-focused environment. Tours can involve uneven surfaces and closed-toed-shoe requirements during harvest, so guests should review the individual reservation.
Rutherford Hill works well for view seekers, Merlot fans and visitors interested in caves. A basic terrace tasting can fit into a standard day, while a production or cave tour deserves more time. Confirm whether the selected experience includes the caves, food or vineyard access. Seasonal music and harvest events are date-specific and should not be treated as permanent daily amenities.
A 1972 Rutherford bench estate that pioneered Napa Valley Merlot, modeled on the soils of Bordeaux's Pomerol.
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An early bet on Merlot,the founders recognized in 1972 that the Rutherford bench's soils resembled Pomerol's, and pioneered Merlot as a serious Napa Valley varietal years before it caught on elsewhere.
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A winery within a winery,the Terlato family built a dedicated $7 million reserve-wine facility in 2000, complete with its own press and fermentation tanks separate from the main production winery.
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Cave innovation ahead of its time,Rutherford Hill was an early adopter of extensive wine caves with a pallet-stacking system, now home to 8,000 barrels aging at a constant 59 degrees.
"Wino Notion likes the combination of Rutherford Bench views and genuine cave access. The hilltop location gives visitors a strong sense of the valley's geography, while the Merlot-focused history provides a clear wine identity."
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Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from Rutherford Hill Winery, please check the winery's official website or contact the tasting room directly. Rutherford producers typically rotate vintages and offerings seasonally.
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Cave Tour & Oak Grove Tasting
Daily cave tour through 36,000 square feet of Napa Valley's largest hand-carved aging cave system followed by hilltop tasting of Rutherford Bench Merlot and Cabernet with panoramic Rutherford valley views from the oak grove picnic grounds. One of the most scenically complete and cave-authentic daily tasting experiences in the Napa Valley.
From $45
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