Inglenook

What it's like

Inglenook is one of the older names in Rutherford, and the visit leans on that history. The chateau, the gravity-flow winery and the courtyard give you plenty to look at before the first pour. The tasting menu is wide. There is a sit-down Legacy Tasting at $100 per person, built around library estate reds and finishing with Rubicon, and a tour-and-tasting that walks through the winemaking story from the 1800s to today at $85 per person plus tax.

If you want something more relaxed, the Bistro serves wine by the glass or bottle with small bites in the courtyard, priced a la carte, during the daytime hours.

Who it's best for

People who like wine with a sense of place and a bit of history, and who want a choice between a structured tasting and a casual sit. The cave and library experiences suit small groups of friends who want to go deeper into Cabernet. The private cave tour and private library tasting are set up for parties of four or more, with 48 hours' notice.

What to book

Book ahead on their experiences page. The tour and tasting runs Thursday through Monday at 11:00 AM and is 21 and over. The Legacy Tasting is offered Wednesday through Monday and is aimed at parties of four or fewer. Guests are asked to give a card to hold a reservation, with no charge until the day of your visit. For same-day or private requests, call (707) 968-1161. Check current times and availability on their site before you go, since these shift by season.

Arrange the driving before you arrive. Use a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour company, and keep in mind that several tastings include a full flight of Cabernet-focused reds.

How it fits into a day

Inglenook works well as a late-morning start, since the tours begin at 11:00 and most tastings wrap up by mid-afternoon. Rutherford neighbors like Caymus, Grgich Hills and Honig are close by, so you can build a Rutherford-only day without much driving. Leave time for lunch in St. Helena or Yountville afterward.