Caymus Vineyards

What it's like

Caymus is a Cabernet house first and foremost. The Wagner family has been making wine here since 1972, and the visit reflects that focus. You come to a retail shop and tasting area on Conn Creek Road, sit for a seated tasting, and spend about an hour and a half working through the lineup with a host.

It is a straightforward visit. There is no elaborate tour or multi-course pairing menu to decode, just a clear tasting at $50 per person.

Who it's best for

Cabernet lovers who already know the label and want to taste it at the source. It also suits anyone who prefers a single, simple booking over a menu of experience tiers. If you are building a day around Rutherford producers, it is an easy anchor.

What to book

Seated tastings run roughly 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and are by appointment only, so book through their Tock page before you go. The tasting takes about 1.5 hours, so allow that on top of the drive in and out. If you only want a glass, they pour wine by the glass from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the retail shop stays open until 5:00 PM. Call 707.967.3010 for questions, and check current availability on their reservation page, since slots fill up on busy weekends.

Plan your transportation before you go. A designated driver, a rideshare or a guided tour will keep the day relaxed, especially if you are stacking a few Rutherford tastings.

How it fits into a day

Because the tasting is 90 minutes and wraps up by early afternoon, Caymus makes a good late-morning stop. Pair it with neighbors such as Honig, Grgich Hills or Inglenook and you have a compact Rutherford day. Lunch in St. Helena or Yountville is a short drive from here.