Family keeps improving Rutherford Hill Winery with Reimagined grand opening

Rutherford Hill Winery has been a pioneer in the development of California Merlot since 1972, the year it was founded.

The grape growers who founded Rutherford Hill carefully studied the geography of the region and noticed the climate and soil conditions resembled those of Pomerol, the small but distinctive Merlot-growing region of Bordeaux. These lush, purple-black grapes have contributed greatly to Rutherford Hill’s success.

Starting with the 1975 vintage, Rutherford Hill was one of the early California wineries to focus on Merlot at a time when most were only using it as a blending grape to soften the tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot caught on in the late 1980s as a standalone varietal and acres increased to meet the demand.

Rutherford Hill holds a special place in the hearts of the Terlato family as the first winery purchase made by them in 1996 and the realization of a dream of owning a winery for the late Tony Terlato. The family’s commitment to quality, above all else, is expressed by wines of great complexity and character.

Wine country tourism has changed dramatically since 1972 and even more so since 1996. Bill Terlato, President and CEO of Terlato Wine Group, admitted that a winery update was long overdue.

Rutherford Hill Reimagined had their Grand Opening in October featuring the Valley Vista Terrace. Three large sky lounges can be rented out for private wine tastings 400 feet above Napa Valley’s Oakville and Rutherford Bench. There is a beautiful 1200-square-foot Reception Pavilion with a welcoming luxury concierge on board.

The winery kept its popular picnic option available for the price of one bottle of wine per two people. All of the oak and olive trees were saved, and serene landscaping and a grand granite water fountain were added. A tasting with a 360-degree view on the Vista Terrace is one option or the extensive Legacy Tasting. Other options are the ATV Vineyard/AJTCave Tasting or the Cave Tour/Tastings.

The Terlato family has been improving the quality of Rutherford Hill’s wines and has added two new estate vineyards. One is the highest hillside vineyard in the Rutherford sub-region and can be reached by taking the ATV tour. The new winemaker is Michael Coode. He has worked in 18 harvests, including Chateaux Margaux in Bordeaux, Paul Jaboulet Aine in the Rhone Valley, Napa Valley’s Inglenook Winery and Wolf Blass in Adelaide.

Rutherford Hill Winery is located at 200 Rutherford Hill Road. Just turn east off of the Silverado Trail, go past the Auberge du Soleil restaurant and now the No. 2 best valley view. Congratulations to the Terlato Family for reimagining Rutherford Hill Winery. Well done!

What’s On Our Table

We drink our share of dry Roses. Most think they’re just a summer poolside beverage, not so, in our house.

The Navigator recently proclaimed that all pinkies, either still or sparkling, are a perfect match with the Easter ham and fantastic with the Thanksgiving Day turkey. Pink wines have pushed white wines into the No. 3 spot and I do miss Sauvignon Blanc, my favorite white.

Here are five 90+ rated 2023 Sauvignon Blancs that have crossed our table and should be available in your local market: SEAGLASS $13, Line 39 $11, Castle Rock $10, Bonterra $13 and Bogle $11. Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.

This story was originally published November 13, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Family keeps improving Rutherford Hill Winery with Reimagined grand opening."