Rutherford Hill Winery

In early 2025, Rutherford Hill entered a new era with the appointment of industry veteran Stephanie Jacobs as Winemaker. Jacobs, who spent two decades crafting 100-point wines at Cakebread Cellars, brings a strategic focus on vineyard-driven precision to the portfolio.

The winemaking program centers on 130 acres of estate vineyards, including the premier AJT Vineyard in Rutherford. By blending fruit from these rocky hillsides with cooler-climate lots from Pope Valley, the winery produces a sophisticated range of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay that balances Napa's signature power with refined acidity.

Rutherford Hill is home to one of the most extensive cave-aging programs in North America. The mile-long tunnel system houses approximately 8,000 oak barrels in a naturally climate-controlled environment.

• Energy Efficiency: The 59°F temperature and high humidity of the caves minimize evaporation and energy use, a core part of the estate’s 100% solar-powered sustainability mission.
• Winery Within a Winery: A specialized facility equipped with small-lot fermentation tanks allows the winemaking team to isolate and bottle individual blocks of the AJT Vineyard, showcasing the famous 'Rutherford Dust' profile.

• What is the best wine at Rutherford Hill?

  While their Napa Valley Merlot is a global benchmark, the AJT Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the Reserve Merlot are the top-tier flagship expressions of the property.

• When was the winery renovated?

  A complete brand 'reimagining' began in late 2023, with the newly renovated Valley Vista Terrace and hospitality suites opening fully in 2024 and 2026.

• Is Rutherford Hill sustainable?

  Yes. The winery is fully solar-powered and practices sustainable farming, including the use of owl boxes for natural pest control and advanced water monitoring systems.

• Who owns Rutherford Hill?

  The winery is owned and operated by the Terlato Family, who acquired the estate in 1996 and have stewarded its rise as a luxury Merlot specialist.