Rutherford is a small town in the Napa Valley in Northern California located between St. Helena and Oakville, along Hwy 29. This area of the valley was originally owned by General Vallejo and through a series of gifts became the property of Thomas and Elizabeth Rutherford as a wedding present 1964. The Rutherfords developed a winery, which grew to be one of the best wineries of the area. Now the town is home to high quality wineries and restaurants, a beautiful location to enjoy the wine country.
Frog's Leap Winery, 8815 Conn Creek Rd (between Hwy 29 and Silverado Trail), ☎ Reservations: +1-800-959-4704, [3]. Monday - Saturday 10AM - 4PM. Organic vineyard and garden, offering vineyard tours and wine tasting in their Red Barn. In order to tour or taste call in advanced and make a reservation, during the high season call well in advanced.edit
Swanson Vineyards, 1271 Manley Ln, ☎ +01 (707) 967-3500, [4]. Swanson Vineyards offers wine tasting by appointment only, but it is well worth making that appointment. Cirgue Tasting is $20 and their one hour Harvey Tasting is $55edit
Beaulieu Vineyard, 1960 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy 29), ☎ 1-800-273-5028, +1 (707) 967-5200, [5]. Daily 10AM-5PM. This century old winery is know for its Cabernet which the founding winemaker said required the Rutherford dust to grow. Wine tasting $10, Reserve Tasting $25.edit
Grgich Hill Cellars, 1829 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy 29), ☎ Toll Free: +1-800-532-3057, +1 (707) 963-2784, [6]. Daily 9:30AM-4:30PM. Wine tasting: $10, Winery tour and VIP room tasting $15.edit
Bonaventura Balloon Company, ☎ +01 (707) 944-2822. Fly high above the wine country in a hot air-balloon. For a romantic adventure or a group delight.edit
Rutherford Grill, 1180 Rutherford Road, Phone: +1 (707) 963-1792. Su-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F, Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Known for its BBQ ribs and cornbread. $10-$26.
Auberge du Soleil, 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Phone: +1 (707) 967-3111, [8]. Serving Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. An classic Californian cuisine menu with a prix fixe menu and two tasting menus; meat and veterinarian parings with wine. Expensive
La Toque, 1140 Rutherford Cross Road, Phone: +1 (707) 963-9770, [9]. W-Su dinner seatings 5:30-6:30; 8:30-9:30. Make reservations well in advance. For weekends at least 6 weeks ahead. $49 - 88 prix fixe.
Auberge Du Soleil Resort, 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Phone +1 (707) 963-1211, Fax: +1 (707) 963-8764, [10]. Elegant and luxurious doesn't even begin to describe Auberge De Soleil. Offers "private maisons" rooms, beautiful view and romance.
Rancho Caymus, 1140 Rutherford Road Toll free: +1 800-845-1777, Phone: +1 (707) 963-1777, [11]. A Californio (Spanish/California in the early and mid 1800's) style rancho, makes you feel as though you are staying in General Vallejo's home. Top notch and expensive.
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