Rutherford Hill Winery

Rutherford Hill Winery commands one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Silverado Trail, a hilltop position that overlooks the Rutherford benchland from the eastern side of the valley. Founded in 1976, the winery has built its reputation on two pillars: a Merlot program that is among the finest in Napa Valley, and a network of underground caves that extends nearly a mile into the hillside, creating one of the most impressive barrel-aging facilities in the region.

The estate includes 200 acres of vineyards in Rutherford and surrounding appellations, with additional fruit sourced from long-term grower partners. The vineyards occupy a range of exposures and elevations, providing the diverse lots that the winemaking team blends to create the estate's signature Merlot. The Rutherford terroir, with its warm days and well-drained soils, produces Merlot of unusual depth and structure, challenging the perception of the variety as inherently soft and simple.

Winemaker Eric Stonestreet crafts a portfolio that is anchored by the estate Merlot, one of the most awarded wines in the category. The Merlot is rich and plummy but structured enough to age, with the Rutherford terroir lending an earthy complexity that elevates it beyond most California examples. The Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic Rutherford character, and the Sauvignon Blanc provides a refreshing white wine option. The reserve bottlings, aged in the deepest sections of the caves, show additional complexity and concentration.

The tasting experience at Rutherford Hill centers on the cave tour, a walk through nearly 33,000 square feet of underground tunnels carved into the volcanic hillside. The caves maintain a constant temperature and humidity year-round, providing ideal conditions for barrel aging. Tours include tastings of wines drawn directly from the barrel, offering visitors a rare chance to taste wine in its developmental stages. The hilltop terrace, available for picnicking and casual tasting, offers some of the best views on the Silverado Trail.

Rutherford Hill offers one of the most complete winery experiences in the valley: a beautiful setting, impressive caves, strong wines, and a welcoming atmosphere. The Merlot program alone makes it worth a visit, challenging the anti-Merlot prejudice that persists in popular culture. And the caves, with their mile of barrel-lined tunnels, provide a visual and sensory experience that helps visitors understand the patience and care that goes into producing age-worthy wine.