Rutherford Hill Winery
Hilltop winery with stunning Napa Valley views, renowned wine caves, and exceptional hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Rutherford Hill Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hilltop winery with stunning Napa Valley views, renowned wine caves, and exceptional hospitality.
"A truly memorable experience with spectacular wine, incredible views, and fantastic hospitality!"
🚗 Parking & Access
The drive up is scenic! Parking is available, and the winery is accessible.
🍷 Wine Club Perks
Many visitors find the wine so good they join the wine club on the spot!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Wine Caves
Underground
Explore one of Napa's largest wine caves, a mile-long marvel where barrels age to perfection.
Valley Vista Terrace Views
Outdoor Terrace
Savor exceptional wines with breathtaking, unobstructed views of Napa Valley.
+1
Signature Selection Tasting
Tasting Room / Terrace
Experience a curated selection of Rutherford Hill's finest wines, often with personalized service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cave Tour in Advance
Embrace the Views and the Vibe
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
The drive up is scenic! Parking is available, and the winery is accessible.
🍷 Wine Club Perks
Many visitors find the wine so good they join the wine club on the spot!
📸 Photo Opportunities
The views and cave interiors offer incredible photo ops. Don't forget your camera!
🧺 Picnic Options
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy with your wine on the grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
The drive up is scenic! Parking is available, and the winery is accessible.
🍷 Wine Club Perks
Many visitors find the wine so good they join the wine club on the spot!
📸 Photo Opportunities
The views and cave interiors offer incredible photo ops. Don't forget your camera!
🧺 Picnic Options
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy with your wine on the grounds.
👨🏫 Knowledgeable Staff
Staff like Ryan and Cameron are praised for their hospitality and wine education. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rutherford Hill Winery for its stunning panoramic views, unique and impressive wine cave tours, and exceptional hospitality. The newly remodeled outdoor tasting areas and the quality of their wines, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally a positive experience, some may find the tasting fees to be on the higher side, typical for Napa Valley.
"My friend and I did a cave tour with Steven and it was very interesting and informative! He was also kind enough to offer to take our photo in all the cool spots along the way. Wine was delicious, tour was fun, and views were incredible. Worth the money!"
Sarah Kelly
"A truly memorable experience at Rutherford Hill Winery!
We were hosted by Ryan, who did a fantastic job accommodating our family’s diverse wine preferences. I’m a red wine enthusiast (who will happily enjoy a white), my wife prefers white and just lightly sips reds, and our daughter leans toward white but loves experimenting with new reds. Ryan navigated all of that with ease and curated a tasting that delighted each of us.
The setting was just as spectacular as the wine—perched high on the hill with sweeping views of the valley below. We stayed cool under a canopy of umbrellas while sipping through a generous and varied lineup of wines. Everything we tasted was so good that we ended up joining the wine club on the spot!
The team was so efficient with our order that the shipment nearly beat us home! A huge thanks to Ryan and everyone at Rutherford Hill for an unforgettable afternoon in wine country. We’ll definitely be back!"
kelli frank
"Wine tasting about hour and a half and thirty minutes for Lord of the rings wine cave tour. Unforgettable experience! Super chill with amazing views, outdoor tasting. Great wine, great hospitality, great education. Walking inside that man-made cave was unreal; like a giant ant hill you can walk through."
SPICY
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rutherford Hill Winery is located on a hilltop in Napa Valley. Driving is the most common way to get there, offering scenic routes. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options are limited in Napa Valley. It's best to arrange a private car service, rideshare, or join a guided wine tour that includes Rutherford Hill.
The winery is situated off Highway 29. GPS navigation is recommended, as the final approach involves a scenic drive up a hill.
Yes, Rutherford Hill is in the heart of Napa Valley, surrounded by numerous other wineries like Frank Family Vineyards and dining options such as Goose & Gander.
Many visitors opt for organized wine tours or hire a driver for the day to safely enjoy tastings and avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for cave tours and tastings, as they can fill up quickly.
Typical hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current information.
Tasting fees vary depending on the experience chosen, with options ranging from standard tastings to more in-depth selections. Expect prices to be in line with other premium Napa Valley wineries.
Cave tours are often part of specific tasting experiences or offered as a standalone tour. It's advisable to book the cave tour in advance as it's a popular attraction.
Tastings typically include a selection of their wines, often paired with insights from knowledgeable staff. Some packages include outdoor seating with views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave tour takes you through a mile-long underground system where wine is aged. It's described as an unforgettable, surreal experience, like walking through a giant ant hill.
The winery offers spectacular, panoramic views of Napa Valley from its hilltop location, especially from the Valley Vista Terrace. +1
Yes, Rutherford Hill has a beautifully remodeled outdoor area, including the Valley Vista Terrace, perfect for enjoying wine with a view. +1
While some wineries have strict policies, Rutherford Hill is known to be accommodating for picnics, especially when combined with a tasting experience.
They are well-known for their Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Their 'Barrel Select' and 'Cask Reserve' bottlings are also highly regarded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Rutherford Hill Winery does not have a full-service restaurant on-site, but they do offer picnic options and encourage guests to bring their own food to enjoy with their wine.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a popular way to enhance your tasting experience. The scenic grounds provide a lovely setting for an outdoor meal.
Absolutely! The Rutherford AVA and surrounding areas in Napa Valley are home to world-class dining establishments, from casual bistros to fine dining.
Their Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons pair beautifully with red meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. Their Chardonnay complements poultry, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes.
Yes, you can typically purchase wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy at their tasting areas or picnic spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The Valley Vista Terrace offers stunning panoramic shots of Napa Valley. The wine caves also provide unique, atmospheric backdrops for photos.
Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, but be mindful of other guests and the lighting conditions. Some areas might have restrictions.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for landscape shots of the valley. Mid-day can be bright but still offers great views.
Professional photoshoots may require special arrangements and permissions. It's best to contact the winery directly to inquire about their policies.
Visitors often recommend capturing the sweeping valley views from the terrace and the unique barrel-aging environments within the caves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tasting that allows for outdoor enjoyment, where kids can relax while adults savor the wine. Bringing snacks or a full picnic is highly recommended to keep everyone happy. The staff are known for being accommodating, so communicate your family's needs when booking.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Look for tasting experiences that offer a good balance of wine selection and time spent enjoying the views. The cave tour is a unique experience that many find worth the price, offering more than just a standard tasting.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
+1Consider bringing a gourmet picnic to share while overlooking the valley, or book a tasting that allows for a more leisurely pace. The unique wine cave tour also offers a memorable shared adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Wine Caves
During a cave tour, you'll see thousands of barrels of wine maturing, learning about the meticulous process of winemaking and aging. The unique environment offers a fascinating glimpse into the winery's operations and is a highlight for many guests. The atmospheric lighting and sheer scale of the caves make for a memorable and visually striking experience.
It's highly recommended to book your cave tour in advance, as these popular excursions often sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons. The tour typically lasts about 30 minutes and is often combined with a tasting, offering a comprehensive introduction to Rutherford Hill's wines and their production.
Elevated Tasting Experiences and Views
+1Beyond the views, the winery offers a range of tasting experiences, including their Signature Selection Tasting. These tastings are praised for their exceptional hospitality, with staff like Ryan and Cameron noted for their ability to cater to diverse wine preferences within a group. Visitors often find the wines so compelling that they join the wine club on the spot.
The newly remodeled outdoor areas are designed for comfort and enjoyment, often featuring umbrellas for shade and a relaxed ambiance. This focus on enhancing the guest experience, from the wine itself to the setting and service, makes Rutherford Hill a top destination for wine enthusiasts.
+1A Legacy of Merlot and Cabernet
The winery also produces highly-regarded Barrel Select and Cask Reserve bottlings, which represent some of their finest expressions. These limited production wines showcase the best of their vineyards and winemaking expertise. Visitors often rave about the quality and flavor of the wines they taste, leading many to become wine club members.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, exploring the range of Rutherford Hill's red varietals offers a deep dive into the classic styles of Napa Valley. Their commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit