Rutherford
Napa Valley
Famous for 'Rutherford Dust,' a distinctive earthy, mineral quality in its Cabernet Sauvignon. The benchland soils and warm, protected climate produce wines of richness and complexity that have defined Napa Valley since the earliest plantings.
The wines of Rutherford are made primarily from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Napa Valley varieties.
Vineyard Map
Climate
Protected by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges, Rutherford experiences warm days with significant diurnal temperature variation due to fog intrusion from San Pablo Bay. The benchland position creates a heat pocket that's warmer than the valley floor but cooler than the hillsides.
Terroir
Rutherford sits on deep alluvial fans deposited by Conn Creek and the Napa River, creating well-draining gravelly loams over Franciscan bedrock. The famous 'Rutherford Dust' stems from these ancient riverbed deposits mixed with volcanic ash from the Mayacamas Mountains, allowing deep root penetration while providing excellent drainage.
Notable producers
Estates that shape how this region tastes.
Caymus
Rich Rutherford Cabernet, Special Selection
Beaulieu Vineyard
Georges de Latour Private Reserve
Inglenook
Coppola-restored historic estate, Rubicon
What it tastes like
Body
Big
Acidity
Fresh
Tannin
Grippy
Oak
Oaky
Ripeness
Rich
Concentration
Concentrated
Big, concentrated and fresh with grippy, dusty tannin and a fair bit of oak; cassis and black cherry over dried herbs, cedar and dusty earth, polished and long.
black fruit · herbal · earthy · polished · built to age
Similar styles
Lands in the same glass.
Grapes of Napa Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Rutherford?▼
What soils are found in Rutherford?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)