Beaulieu Vineyard

What it's like

Beaulieu Vineyard, usually shortened to BV, is a long-established name in Rutherford, and the visit program is built around that heritage. The menu runs from a quick introduction to the wines to longer, more guided experiences, so you can pick the depth you want.

The entry point is The 1885 Tasting at $50 per person, about 60 minutes. Step up to the Heritage Tasting at $80 per person (90 minutes), or A Walk with the Maestro at $95 per person (90 minutes). The Georges de Latour Table is $150 per person over two hours, and The Time Traveler Experience is $300 per person, also two hours.

Who it's best for

Visitors who like wines with a backstory and want a choice of how long to stay. The shorter tastings suit a first-timer with a packed day. The longer experiences suit couples or small groups celebrating something, or Cabernet drinkers who want to go deep into older bottles.

What to book

All experiences require advance booking, and you do that through their Tock page. Guests must be 21 or older. The tasting rooms are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and experiences are timed, so pick your slot with the duration in mind. Groups of 15 or more can ask about a customized private experience. Call +1 707 257 5749 with questions, and check current offerings on their site before you go, since the menu changes.

Plan the driving ahead of time. A designated driver, rideshare or a tour company keeps a multi-stop day safe, particularly if you pick one of the longer, wine-heavy experiences.

How it fits into a day

BV is on the Rutherford stretch of Highway 29, so it pairs naturally with Inglenook, Grgich Hills and Caymus nearby. A 60 or 90 minute tasting fits comfortably before lunch, and a longer table experience can be the centerpiece of an afternoon.