Rutherford Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation to Rutherford in Napa Valley with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, stay, eat, and more.


Introduction to Rutherford

Rutherford is a small town located in the heart of California’s Napa Valley. Famous for its vineyards and wineries, Rutherford is a popular destination for wine aficionados from all over the world. But Rutherford offers much more than just wine tasting. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, Rutherford has something for everyone.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, stay, eat, and enjoy in Rutherford. From natural attractions to must-try local dishes, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags, and let’s plan your dream trip to Rutherford!

List of Places to Visit in Rutherford

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, Rutherford has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top places to visit in Rutherford:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beaulieu Vineyard: Founded in 1900, Beaulieu Vineyard is one of the oldest wineries in Rutherford. The vineyard offers guided tours and wine tastings, and has a historic tasting room that dates back to the 1800s.
  • Round Pond Estate: Round Pond Estate is a family-owned winery that offers guided tours of its vineyards and olive groves, as well as wine and olive oil tastings.
  • Rutherford Hill Winery: Founded in 1972, Rutherford Hill Winery is known for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery offers tours and tastings, as well as stunning views of the valley.

Natural Attractions of Rutherford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Conn Creek Winery: Conn Creek Winery offers a unique blend of wine tasting and blending classes, where visitors can create their own blend of wine to take home.
  • Sterling Vineyards: Sterling Vineyards offers a unique aerial tram ride to the winery, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the valley while sipping on their favorite wine.
  • Rutherford Dust Society: The Rutherford Dust Society is a group of local wineries and vineyards that work together to promote Rutherford as a wine destination. They offer tastings and events throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rutherford

Rutherford is home to some of the most stunning hiking and biking trails in Napa Valley. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • The Rutherford Hill Trail: This 2.5-mile trail offers panoramic views of the valley, and is suitable for both hiking and biking.
  • The Napa Valley Vine Trail: This 47-mile trail runs from the town of Napa to Calistoga, and passes through some of the most picturesque vineyards and wineries in the region.
  • The Bay Trail: The Bay Trail is a 500-mile trail that circles the entire San Francisco Bay. The Rutherford section of the trail offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do in Rutherford: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and wine tasting, Rutherford offers plenty of other exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Rutherford:

  • Balloons Above the Valley: Balloons Above the Valley offers hot air balloon rides over Napa Valley, with stunning views of the vineyards and the surrounding hills.
  • Napa Valley Wine Train: The Napa Valley Wine Train is a three-hour ride through the valley, with gourmet food and wine pairings.
  • Rutherford Ranch Winery: Rutherford Ranch Winery offers guided horseback rides through its vineyards, followed by wine tastings at the winery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rutherford

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Rutherford:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and check-in at your hotel. Wine tasting at Beaulieu Vineyard.
Day 2 Hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley. Visit Round Pond Estate for wine and olive oil tastings.
Day 3 Walk the Rutherford Hill Trail. Lunch at Yountville. Visit Sterling Vineyards for wine tastings.
Day 4 Napa Valley Wine Train.
Day 5 Guided horseback ride at Rutherford Ranch Winery. Afternoon picnic at Conn Creek Winery.
Day 6 Bay Trail hike. Dinner at the Rutherford Grill.
Day 7 Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Rutherford

No trip to Rutherford is complete without indulging in its food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried chicken and waffles at the Rutherford Grill
  • Grilled lamb chops at the 1313 Main
  • Fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co.

Local Beverages

  • Rutherford Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Round Pond Estate Olive Oil
  • Napa Valley Brewing Company beer

Where to Stay in Rutherford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rutherford offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top places to stay in Rutherford:

  • Auberge du Soleil: A luxury resort with stunning views of the valley.
  • Rancho Caymus Inn: A boutique hotel with rustic charm and cozy rooms.
  • Napa Valley Lodge: A peaceful retreat with a Mediterranean-style courtyard and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Rutherford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring a piece of Rutherford back home with you. Here are some souvenirs and local products to look out for:

  • Rutherford Dust Society wines
  • Handcrafted soaps and candles from Napa Soap Company
  • Olive oil from Round Pond Estate

Local Culture and Customs of Rutherford

Rutherford has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its history as a wine-producing region. Here are some local customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Wine tasting is a big part of Rutherford’s culture, so make sure to indulge in the local wines.
  • The locals are friendly and welcoming, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with them.
  • Be respectful of the vineyards and wineries, and follow the rules when visiting them.

Best Time to Visit Rutherford

Rutherford is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, visit between November and April. If you want to experience the beauty of the valley in full bloom, visit between April and June.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rutherford

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Rutherford:

Do:

  • Book your wine tastings and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Tip your servers and guides.

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive. Make sure to designate a driver or book a tour that includes transportation.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rutherford

Rutherford is a safe town with low crime rates. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions when traveling, such as keeping your valuables safe and staying in well-lit public places at night.

Health in Rutherford

Rutherford is a relatively healthy destination, with no major health risks for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before traveling and to make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

Getting to Rutherford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rutherford is located about 80 miles north of San Francisco, in the heart of Napa Valley. Here are some transportation options and logistics to keep in mind:

Airports Near Rutherford

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 75 miles (2 hours drive)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK): 61 miles (1.5 hours drive)

Bus Stations Near Rutherford

  • Greyhound: Santa Rosa Bus Terminal (20 miles)
  • Amtrak: Martinez Bus Terminal (40 miles)

Other Options

  • Rental car: A rental car is the most convenient way to get around Rutherford and Napa Valley.
  • Limousine service: Limousine services are available for wine tours and transportation.
  • Uber/Lyft: Uber and Lyft are widely available in the Napa Valley region.

How to Get Around in Rutherford

Walking and biking are the best ways to get around Rutherford and explore its attractions. Rental cars and limousine services are also available for longer trips and wine tours.

Where to Go Next from Rutherford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rutherford is surrounded by other charming towns and attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • St. Helena: A quaint town with charming architecture and high-end shopping.
  • Calistoga: A charming spa town with natural hot springs and world-class restaurants.
  • Lake Berryessa: A beautiful lake with plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views.
  • Sonoma Valley: Another famous wine-producing region, with stunning vineyards and wineries to explore.

Conclusion

Rutherford is a beautiful and charming town that offers a unique blend of wine, nature, and culture. From wine tastings to hot air balloon rides, Rutherford has something for everyone. Plan your next vacation to Rutherford with our comprehensive travel guide, and make sure to explore everything this delightful town has to offer.