There are 115-ish miles between Modesto, California, and Rutherford. Translated, that means there is about 2 hours and 15 minutes of drive time to this highlight in the middle of Napa Valley. It is likely that you've been there and enjoyed the trip. Rutherford is a destination in our reach that is the appellation of Rutherford. 

Getting to the juice of this story, Rutherford is located in the heart of Napa Valley. It is the widest part of the valley with the longest amount of sunlight of any valley floor appellation. It has deep, gravely soils along its benchland and cool evenings that offer protection while contributing to a series of unique microclimates. The outcome of this complex combination is winegrapes that create the only Cabernet Sauvignons of their kind. It is only here, from this place, that you will experience tastes like those produced from these grapes.

Famous Cabernet Sauvignons are so prevalent in Rutherford that it becomes easy to overlook the absolute epic irony of their value. The travesty is easily solved by the simple acknowledgment of the level of reverence the wines deserve. Visiting the area and tasting its wines is an occasion to apply intention to each sip. Your trip can have its enjoyment level boosted by the idea that it took these exact 6650 acres to produce what has been crafted for the glass you hold. It's a small mental tally, but wow.

 Take some family or friends to a place with an experience you can't have anywhere else. Check the websites of the wineries included here for details and reservations; they are unparalleled, and these gems are right in your backyard.

Mathew Bruno Napa Valley

1151 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573

Honig

850 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573

Frogs Leap

8815 Conn Creek Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573

Round Pond

875 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573

Caymus Vineyard

8700 Con Creek Road, Rutherford