Napa Valley, Rutherford

The Rutherford Dust Society

Information provided by The Rutherford Dust Society

The Rutherford Dust Society was founded in 1994 by growers and vintners in tribute to the legacy of our grape-growing and winemaking forebears.

Since the late 19th century, the growers and vintners of Rutherford have played a significant role in the development of Napa Valley as a world-class winegrowing region.

The late, revered winemaker André Tchelistcheff said:

“It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.”

What we now fondly refer to as “Rutherford dust” has come to reflect an enduring commitment to quality, a spirit of achievement, and a deep connection to Rutherford’s soil, rather than any specific sensory component in the appellation’s wines.

The Society’s mission is to encourage and promote the highest quality standards in grape growing and winemaking in the Rutherford Viticultural Area, and to help wine lovers and the wine trade discover Rutherford’s expression of its unique terroir. Please join us in enjoying the fruits of our labor and in preserving the heritage and vineyards of Rutherford in the Napa Valley.

Rutherford’s Uniqueness

Commitment

Since its earliest days, Rutherford’s growers and vintners have been committed to quality. Today, they maintain the spirit of Rutherford’s proud history through their commitment to building upon this standard. This attitude toward quality is the driving force behind the vineyards and wines of this distinguished district.

Geography

The Rutherford Viticultural Area is approximately 6 square miles, beginning just south of Cakebread Cellars and BV Vineyard #2 along Highway 29. It ends at Zinfandel Lane, 3.3 miles to the north, and stretches across the valley 2 miles at its widest point, from Mt. St. John in the west to the Vaca Mountain Range in the east.

Soil

Soils from three alluvial fans are primarily gravelly, sandy, and loamy. The fans are formed from shattered, well-bedded sandstone, and their deposits are high in gravel. Deep and well-drained, the fans have pockets that allow runoff to easily flow to the streams and Napa River.

Rutherford soils are dominated by Franciscan marine sedimentary materials, with some volcanic deposits, primarily Bale, Pleasanton, and Yolo loams.

Sun Exposure

One of the more unusual aspects of Rutherford is that it has a higher radiant value than other parts of Napa Valley. Because the area is located at Napa Valley’s widest point, it spends more time in the sun.

The University of California, Davis categorizes Rutherford as a Region II, with over 3,000 degree-days during the growing season.

Climate

Warm summer days ripen Rutherford grapes, giving way to cool evenings. An average summer day may drop 12 degrees Fahrenheit immediately after sunset.

This fluctuation allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace. Temperatures north and south of Rutherford can vary by as much as 10 degrees. Rutherford has an average rainfall of 26–36 inches per year.

Although typically mild, spring can bring freezing temperatures at night during March and April.

Topography

Although bordered on the west and east by two mountain ranges, the Rutherford Viticultural Area does not extend above 500 feet in elevation.

Regardless, the elevation is quite pronounced. Vineyards creep up the nearby hillsides from the Napa River in the center of the appellation, which lies just 172 feet above sea level.

Terroir

Rutherford offers a multitude of microclimates and soil types for vintners and growers. Nevertheless, wines produced from grapes grown here reflect a distinct Rutherford character.

Rutherford AVA

Information provided by Napa Valley Vintners

Climate

Moderately warm, still marginally influenced by early morning fog. The western bench area is cooler, with less late-afternoon sun, tempered by afternoon marine winds. This AVA averages a bit warmer than Oakville and Stags Leap District.

Usual summer peak temperatures are in the mid-90s°F (34–35.5°C), with a large diurnal range.

Elevation

155 to 500 feet (47 to 152 m).

Rainfall

38 inches (95 cm) annually.

Soils

The western benchland is sedimentary, gravelly-sandy, and alluvial, with good water retention and moderate fertility. The eastern side has more volcanic soils, which are moderately deep and more fertile.

Principal Varieties & Characteristics

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel: Quite intense cherry and mineral, almost earthy aromas. Flavors are full, ripe, and notably currant, with firm but supple tannins for extended aging.

Rutherford also produces Sauvignon Blanc.

Rutherford Hill Winery

200 Rutherford Hill Rd.
Rutherford, California

Phone: (707) 963-1871
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM

Atmosphere

A stunning winery on a hill just off the Silverado Trail.

Service

Servers were friendly, and the tour guide was charming.

Tasting Tools

Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets were handy, and water was nearby. No crackers. Great lighting in the tasting room, although the lighting in the cave is dim.

Wine Availability

Wine is available in the tasting room and through their website.

Cost

$25–$40 for a flight.

Cave Tour & Barrel Tasting

Featured in Visit Napa Valley’s “Most Unique Wine Tours in Napa Valley.”

Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. Reservations are recommended.

Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Reservations are recommended.

$40 per person; complimentary for Club members (up to 4 guests).

Groups of 15 or more require a private experience.

No children under 12 are allowed in the caves.

For additional information, call (707) 963-1871, ext. 2249.

Picnic Prospects

Reserve your own picnic table for $75, including glassware for your entire group. The reservation fee is waived with equal or greater-value wine or experience purchases.

Picnic tables are complimentary for Wine Club members with prior notice.

To reserve your table, call 707-963-1871, ext. 2249, or email guestservices@rutherfordhill.com.

We apologize that we are not permitted to sell food to pair with your wines. Please note that, in the case of inclement weather, alternative venues are not available at the winery.