Rutherford Ranch Winery

1680 Silverado Trail S., Saint Helena, CA 94574

Website: http://www.rutherfordranch.com/

There are 3 different wineries in Napa with “Rutherford” in the name.  The only connection between all of them is that they are located in the Rutherford appellation.  Rutherford Ranch Winery has been family owned and managed for three generations.  It is located off of the Silverado Trail on the site of the original Round Hill Winery.  The winery was started in 1978 by Ernie and Virginia Van Asperen and Charlie Abela.  In 2000, the winery changed hands to Marcko and Theo Zaninovich when the Van Asperen’s retired.  They had been long-time shareholders with the Van Asperens.  The new owners renovated the winery and vineyards.  Today Rutherford Ranch is part of the broader Rutherford Wine Company portfolio that also includes Scott Family Estate, Predator Wines, Lander-Jenkins Wines, Rhiannon, Silver Buckle, Round Hill and other Private Label offerings.

The primary reason why I wanted to visit this winery was actually because of one of the other brands in the portfolio.  My husband and I had tried the Predator Zinfandel at a restaurant back home and loved it.  When I looked up where the winery was located I was pointed to Rutherford Ranch.  That worked out perfectly because I was planning another trip to Napa and I hadn’t visited this winery before.

Rutherford Ranch Tasting Lounge

This winery has quite a few tasting options to choose from.  An added bonus is that the tastings include wines from both Rutherford Hill and Scott Family Estate, as well as Predator wines.  The first step is to choose tasting option – Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon only, or Estate.  Then you can add a food pairing, tour, or seminar to any of the tasting options.  They also offer a Reserve wine and chocolate pairing, a boxed lunch in the 100-year-old Olive Grove or on the patio, or a sensory seminar.

Don’t let the name “ranch” fool you.  This place has a modern look and feel.  Upon driving up to the winery, you will immediately notice the tables and chairs under red umbrellas on the front patio.  There are pretty pink and white flowers lining the walkways to the tasting room.  The tasting room is clean, spacious, and bright.  Off to the right of the entrance is a tasting lounge with multiple tables.  I reserved a Bistro food and wine pairing for my husband and me.  Our hostess sat us at a table for two in front of the windows looking out on the patio.

Couches in the Rutherford Ranch Tasting Lounge

Across the room were a couple other tasting corners with coaches and coffee tables.  The lounge has a very laid back, comfortable atmosphere.  Our Bistro food and wine pairing included cheeses, meats, and nuts.  We sampled the Ranch Reserve Chardonnay, Scott Family Estate Pinot Noir, Rutherford Ranch Merlot, Ruther Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, and two of the Predator wines.  The Chardonnay was my personal favorite.

We had a fun time to experimenting with the food and wine.  We enjoyed the overall experience.  I think this is a good winery to hang out at with friends or a loved one.  Sit back and relax with some yummy snacks and wine.