Rutherford Hill Winery

What Rutherford Hill Winery does

Rutherford Hill Winery is a Terlato Wine Group estate founded in 1972 in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley, known for pioneering Merlot as Napa's signature varietal. The estate spans 110+ planted acres across Rutherford, Pope Valley, and Napa Valley, supported by 5,000-barrel hillside aging caves and 100% solar-powered operations certified by Napa Green and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2015. Winemaking combines traditional estate-farming practices with optical sorting, controlled fermentation trials across yeast strains and temperatures, and a curated French oak barrel regimen; the winemaker Stephanie Jacobs joined after 20 years at Cakebread Cellars.

The portfolio is organized across the NV Collection (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay), the premium AJT Collection honoring patriarch Anthony J. Terlato (Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino), and reserve offerings such as Heaven's Peak Red Blend and Episode Red Blend, with prices ranging from $8 (Zinfandel Port 375ml) to $195 per bottle. Revenue is generated through four streams: direct wine sales via a WineDirect/Vin65-powered ecommerce site shipping to most US states; a three-tier Hilltop Wine Club (4, 8, or 12 bottles per shipment, three annual cycles); on-premise tasting experiences priced $75-$195 per person including the newly launched Skyloft and ATV vineyard tours; and private/corporate events running $125-$375++ per person.

Customers are individual wine enthusiasts, tourists visiting Napa Valley, and wine club collectors, with secondary trade (retail/restaurant) distribution via a dedicated trade portal. Marketing leverages Instagram, Facebook, email/SMS, and earned media in Wine Spectator, Napa Valley Life Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Sister wineries under Terlato (Sanford and Chimney Rock) provide cross-property club benefits, while geographic shipping is restricted in seven US states.

Name

Rutherford Hill Winery

Legal name

Terlato Wine Group Ltd.

Website

https://rutherfordhill.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Rutherford Hill Winery is a Terlato Wine Group estate in Napa Valley's Rutherford AVA that produces estate-grown wines and offers tasting experiences, three-tier wine club memberships, and private events to wine tourists, collectors, and trade partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Production

NAICS

Wineries (312130), Wineries (31213), Grape Vineyards (111332), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine Production & Winemaking (AFAFAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB), Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD)

Keywords

• Estate wine production
• Napa Valley winery
• Wine club memberships
• Wine tasting experiences
• Direct-to-consumer wine

Headquarters

HQ city

Rutherford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Wine Sales (E-commerce): Online wine sales through the winery's website with shipping to most US states. Wine prices range from $8 (Zinfandel Port 375ml) to $195 (Episode Red Blend), with direct-to-consumer pricing model.
2. Wine Club Memberships: Three-tiered wine club (4, 8, or 12 bottles per shipment) with three annual shipments in Winter, Spring, and Fall. Provides recurring revenue with average shipments of $210-$265 (4-bottle), $390-$490 (8-bottle), and $590-$735 (12-bottle).
3. Tasting Experiences: Revenue from paid tasting experiences including Valley Vista Terrace tastings ($75), Legacy Tasting ($95), Skyloft Experience ($130), Cave Tour & Tasting, and ATV Vineyard tours ($195). Additional revenue from private events and large group tastings.
4. Private Events & Dining: Private event hosting including Al Fresco Lunch experiences ($250++ per person), Savor the Vista multi-course experiences ($375++ per person), rehearsal dinners, and corporate events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Rutherford Hill Winery produces and sells estate-grown Napa Valley wines from 110+ acres of sustainably-farmed vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and specialty blends under labels such as NV Collection, AJT Collection, Angels' Peak, and Heaven's Peak. The winery also operates a tasting room and contributes substantial revenue through paid tasting experiences, a three-tier Hilltop Wine Club subscription, and private event hosting at the Rutherford property.

Product overview

Rutherford Hill Winery is a Terlato Wine Group estate established in 1972 in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley, known for pioneering Merlot as Napa's signature variety. The winery offers a portfolio of estate-grown wines including the NV Collection (Angels' Peak, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Merlot, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Chardonnay), the premium AJT Collection (Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford Vermentino), single-vineyard wines from sub-appellations (Stags Leap District Merlot, Carneros Merlot, Oak Knoll Merlot), and specialty wines (Heaven's Peak Red Blend, Episode Red Blend, Winemaker's Blend, Zinfandel Port). Visitor experiences center on the new Valley Vista Terrace with Skyloft floating tasting decks, offering multiple tasting formats (Skyloft Experience, View of the Valley, Legacy Tasting, Cave Tour, ATV Vineyard Tour). The Hilltop Wine Club offers three membership tiers (4, 8, or 12 bottles per shipment) with benefits including complimentary tastings, exclusive experiences, and tiered Buyer's Rewards Program. The winery operates as a 100% solar-powered facility certified by Napa Green Vineyards and Winery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AJT Collection: Premium collection celebrating Anthony J. Terlato's legacy, featuring estate wines from Rutherford AVA including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vermentino.
• Angels' Peak
• Heaven's Peak
• HillTop Selection

Products and services

• 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bold Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, aged in French oak with vibrant dark fruit, vanilla, and structured tannins; awarded 94 points from Decanter. Sold to individual wine consumers through the winery's e-commerce store and tasting room.
• 2023 AJT Collection Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Single-vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 8 of the AJT Estate Vineyard with bright black raspberry, boysenberry, spice box, and chai notes; awarded 93 points from Decanter. Premium tier estate wine for collectors and wine club members.
• 2022 Napa Valley Merlot Estate-grown Napa Valley Merlot representing the winery's founding varietal since 1972, with dense dark red fruits and subtle toasted oak. Awarded #2 in Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wine Values of 2025. Sold to individual wine consumers nationally with shipping to most US states.
• 2024 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc crafted from 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sauvignon Gris, aged in stainless steel tanks and French oak puncheons with notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and white peach. Awarded 93 points from Tasting Panel. Sold to individual wine consumers.
• 2023 AJT Collection Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc Estate Sauvignon Blanc from the AJT Estate Vineyard in Rutherford, composed of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Sauvignon Gris, aged in French Oak Puncheons and Stainless Steel. Premium tier wine for wine club members and collectors.
• 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay Barrel-fermented Carneros Chardonnay with 100% barrel fermentation and aging in 30% new American oak, featuring peach, citrus blossom, and butterscotch aromas. Sold to individual wine consumers.
• 2025 AJT Collection Rutherford Vermentino Single-vineyard Vermentino from the AJT Estate Vineyard, stainless steel fermented and aged, featuring goldenberry, lime, jasmine, and white peach notes. Premium tier estate wine for collectors and connoisseurs.
• 2025 Angels' Peak White Blend White blend of 57% Sauvignon Gris and 43% Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley, featuring orchard fruit, stone fruit, and bright citrus. Awarded 95 points from Tasting Panel. Sold to individual wine consumers.
• 2022 Heaven's Peak Red Blend Premium red blend of 58% Rutherford Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Carneros Merlot, selected from the finest barrels and aged in 100% French oak. Awarded 95 points from Tasting Panel. Sold to collectors and wine club members.
• Skyloft Experience Exclusive private wine tasting experience at $130 per person featuring a curated cheese and charcuterie selection with panoramic views of Napa Valley from the Skyloft floating tasting decks. For adult individual guests and small groups.
• View of the Valley Wine Tasting Seasonal selection of five current releases at $75 per person (complimentary for Club Members), showcasing terroir and winemaking artistry with breathtaking valley views. Entry-level tasting experience for individual visitors.
• Legacy Tasting Immersive comparative tasting of sub-appellate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at $95 per person, led by a Wine Educator with stories of tradition and innovation. Available 7 days per week for individual wine enthusiasts.
• ATV Vineyard & AJT Cave Lounge Tasting Premium experience including ATV tour of Rutherford Estate Vineyard with sustainable farming education, cave tour, and reserve-tier wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie pairing. $195 per person ($150 for Wine Club Members). For individual wine enthusiasts seeking immersive experiences.
• Harvest Crush Production Tour & Tasting Intimate harvest-season experience limited to 8 guests at $145 per person, featuring behind-the-scenes look at optical sorter, tank tasting, barrel sample, and Skyloft cheese and charcuterie pairing. For individual wine enthusiasts and oenophiles.
• Hilltop Club 4-Bottle Membership Entry-level wine club with 4 bottles per shipment, 3 shipments annually (Winter, Spring, Fall). Includes 15% savings, $20 ground shipping, 6 complimentary tastings, and 1 Estate Cave Tour Experience. Average $210-$265 per shipment. For individual wine enthusiasts.
• Hilltop Club 8-Bottle Membership Mid-tier wine club with 8 bottles per shipment, 3 shipments annually. Includes $15 ground shipping, 8 complimentary tastings, 1 Skyloft Experience, 1 Cave Tour, 1 Legacy Tasting, and 10% discount at sister wineries. Average $390-$490 per shipment.
• Hilltop Club 12-Bottle Membership Premium wine club with 12 bottles per shipment, 3 shipments annually. Includes 20% savings, complimentary shipping, unlimited complimentary tastings (4 persons), 2 Skyloft Experiences, 2 Cave Tours, 2 Legacy Tastings, and 15% discount at sister wineries. Average $590-$735 per shipment.
• Private Events Hosting Private event hosting including View of the Valley Tasting (7-20 guests), Reception Style Tasting (12-30 guests), Al Fresco Lunch (6-10 guests), and Savor the Vista culinary experience (12+ guests). Pricing from $125/person to $375++/person. For wedding planners, corporate event organizers, and individuals hosting special celebrations.
• Merlot Appellation Collection Four-bottle set showcasing Napa Valley Merlot from four iconic terroirs: Carneros, AJT Rutherford, Oak Knoll, and Stags Leap District. Priced at $280. Targeted at wine collectors and gift purchasers.
• Zinfandel Port 375ml Non-vintage Zinfandel Port aged 24 months in French Oak, featuring black fruits, graham crackers, white pepper, and soft tannins. Priced at $8 per 375ml bottle. Entry-level fortified wine for individual consumers.
• Wine Direct Shipping Service Wine shipping service available to most US states (excluding Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Utah), with hot/cold weather shipping options and FedEx/UPS delivery requiring adult signature. For individual wine consumers and wine club members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wine Spectator #2 Top 10 Wine Values of 2025 for 2022 Napa Valley Merlot
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Terlato Wine GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996Terlato Wine Group acquired Rutherford Hill Winery in 1996. The family has invested in the estate and refined the character and complexity of every bottle. Terlato Wine Group operates multiple winery properties including Chimney Rock Winery and Sanford Winery.
• Sanford WineryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister winery under Terlato Wine Group. Wine club members receive complimentary tastings at Sanford and Chimney Rock. 8-bottle members get 2 complimentary tastings for two per year; 12-bottle members get unlimited complimentary tastings for two at sister wineries.
• Chimney Rock WineryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister winery under Terlato Wine Group. Wine club members receive complimentary tastings at Chimney Rock and Sanford. 8-bottle members get 2 complimentary tastings for two per year; 12-bottle members get unlimited complimentary tastings for two at sister wineries.
• Bosq Restaurant (Aspen, CO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChef Barclay Dodge of Bosq partnered with Rutherford Hill for Golden Hour: Tour de Fork Dinner at Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival. Multi-course dinner featuring Rutherford Hill wines including Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, AJT Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Merlot, and Heaven's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sterling Vineyards: Napa Valley winery producing premium Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Merlot with an aerial tram-led tasting experience. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on Napa estate production, experiential tasting model, and mid-premium price positioning.
• Chimney Rock Winery: Sister property under Terlato Wine Group located in Stags Leap District, Napa Valley. Produces premium Cabernet Sauvignon and offers tasting experiences. Directly comparable to Rutherford Hill via shared ownership, shared wine club benefits, and adjacent Napa estate positioning.
• Silver Oak Cellars: Napa Valley (and Sonoma) producer of premium Cabernet Sauvignon with broad DTC and tasting-room footprint. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on Napa estate production, DTC emphasis, hospitality-driven tasting experiences, and family ownership structure.
• Beaulieu Vineyard: Historic Napa Valley winery (founded 1900) with Cabernet Sauvignon focus and estate hospitality in Rutherford AVA. Closely comparable to Rutherford Hill on Rutherford AVA geography, heritage Napa positioning, and tasting-room DTC.
• Robert Mondavi Winery: Iconic Napa Valley winery (founded 1966) offering premium Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on Napa heritage, premium tasting experiences, broad wine club, and trade/distribution scale.
• Cakebread Cellars: Family-owned Napa Valley winery in Rutherford AVA focused on premium Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Highly comparable to Rutherford Hill on heritage (founded 1973), premium DTC model, wine club, and Rutherford AVA location.
• Joseph Phelps Vineyards: Multi-generational Napa Valley producer of premium Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah with Insignia flagship. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on family-owned Napa estate model, premium hospitality, and DTC wine club.
• Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: Napa Valley (Stags Leap District) premium Cabernet-focused winery with tasting-room hospitality. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on premium Napa positioning, hospitality-driven DTC, and 90+ point award pedigree.
• Duckhorn Vineyards: Napa Valley premium winery best known for Merlot, with portfolio including Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Closest comparable to Rutherford Hill on Merlot-led identity, premium DTC positioning, and Napa estate scale.
• Beringer Vineyards: Historic Napa Valley estate (founded 1876) producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc at premium price points. Comparable to Rutherford Hill on Napa heritage, broad premium portfolio, tasting-room hospitality, and wine club distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/RutherfordHillWinery
• Instagraminstagram.com/rutherfordhillwinery
• Xx.com/RutherfordHill

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rutherford Hill Winery