Located north of San Francisco, California; in the Napa Valley, the Rutherford American Viticultural Area is approximately 6 square miles, beginning just south of Cakebread Cellars and BV Vineyard #2 along Highway 29. It ends at Zinfandel Lane, 3.3 miles to the north, and stretches across the valley 2 miles at its widest point from Mt. St. John on the West to the Vaca Mountain Range on the East.
Several wineries call the Rutherford AVA home including: Beaulieu Vineyard, Caymus Vineyards, Frogs Leap Winery, Tres Sabores and Quintessa.
Quick Facts:
Total Gross Acreage: 6,840
Total Vineyard Acreage: 3,263
Percentage of Vineyard Acreage Planted to Cabernet Sauvignon: 70%
Vineyard Acreage by Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon: 2,253
Merlot: 427
Cabernet Franc: 71
Chardonnay: 158
Sauvignon Blanc: 182
Other Varietals: 172
Average Rainfall: 26-36 inches per year
Vineyard Estates by Vineyard Acreage:
Over 100 acres: 7
50-99 acres: 13
25-49 acres: 10
Under 25 acres: 37
Number of Property Owners: 79
Total number of wineries: 40
Oldest Bonded Winery Still in Operation: Beaulieu Vineyard, 1900
