Napa Valley, Rutherford ~ Wino Abroad

Napa Valley, Rutherford

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 – as opposed to any 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 build 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 on the West to the Vaca Mountain Range on 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 gravels. 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 the Franciscan marine sedimentary materials with some volcanic deposits (primarily Bale, Pleasanton and Yolo loams).

SUN EXPOSURE

One of the more unusual aspects about 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. 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 (F) immediately after sunset. This fluctuation allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace; temperatures north and south of Rutherford can vary 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 the grapes grown here reflect a distinct Rutherford character.

Rutherford AVA

Information provided by: napavintners.com

Climate: Moderately warm, still marginally influenced by early morning fog. 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 mid-90°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: Western benchland is sedimentary, gravelly-sandy and alluvial, with good water retention and moderate fertility. The eastern side has more volcanic soils, moderately deep and more fertile.

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

Rutherford Hill Winery
www.rutherfordhill.com
FB
200 Rutherford Hill Rd Rutherford, California
Phone: (707) 963-1871
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM

Atmosphere: A stunning winery on a hill just off of the Silverado Trail.
Service: Servers were friendly and the tour guide was charming.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great lighting in the tasting room. Lighting in the cave is dim.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and 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 daily (Monday through Friday) at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm. Reservations recommended.

Tours daily (Saturday and Sunday) at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00pm, 3:30 pm. Reservations 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 allowed in 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. Reservation fee is waived with equal or greater valued wine or experience purchases. Picnic tables are complimentary for our Wine Club Members with prior notice. To reserve your table now, please 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 weather alternative venues are not available at the winery