Rutherford Hill Winery

What it's like

Rutherford Hill sits above Silverado Trail on its own road, which gives it more space and more view than many valley-floor tasting rooms. The experience menu is deep, so you can pick something short or build a longer afternoon around it.

The simplest option is Discover Rutherford Hill at $45 per person, 45 minutes, Monday through Friday. View of the Valley Wine Tasting is $75 per person for 90 minutes, daily. The Legacy Tasting is $95, and The Skyloft Experience is $130. On Friday through Sunday there is a Cave Tour & Tasting at $95 per person, for ages 21 and over, which takes you into the cellar caves.

Who it's best for

Groups of friends who want an outing, couples who want a view, and people curious about how wine ages underground. The ATV Vineyard & Cave Lounge Tasting at $195 per person (Friday to Sunday, up to five guests) is the splurge for a special occasion. In harvest season there is also a Harvest Crush Production Tour & Tasting at $145 per person.

What to book

Reserve through their Tock page. Tastings are for up to eight guests, and the ATV experience is capped at five. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead or the tasting fees are non-refundable. Optional add-ons include a charcuterie board at $60 per board with the View of the Valley tasting. Call (707) 963-1871 or email guestservices@rutherfordhill.com, and check current hours on their site before you go, since some experiences only run on certain days.

Plan your ride ahead of time. A designated driver, a rideshare or a tour is the safe way to do a hillside winery.

How it fits into a day

The drive up is short from Silverado Trail, so combine it with Rutherford neighbors or head up toward Napa for dinner afterward. A cave tour makes a good second stop after a lighter morning tasting.