Twice a year, in Spring and Winter, the Rutherford Appellation Wineries host an incredible weekend. Last Winter, visitors to the Winter Passport enjoyed wines from the Rutherford Appellation paired with creative, warming, delicious cuisine such as Chanterelle Hazelnut Soup, Brunswick Stew, and Wild Boar Chili. This year’s Winter Passport, on December 3rd & 4th, invites returning and new visitors to choose from 18 wineries and wine producers.

The View From Inside the Tasting Room at Alpha Omega, photo by Florence B

This event allows guests to taste wines from a variety of wineries located in the Rutherford Appellation. The list of wineries includes those that are historic, family-owned, well-known, off the beaten path, and open by appointment only. Some of these wineries use Green farming practices. Others do not have a tasting room.

Visit 5 Rutherford Wineries and Wine Producers at Rutherford Grange

The Rutherford Grange will provide as a venue for tastings from five wineries and wine producers. The list includes highly acclaimed creators of wine such as Lieff Wines, Pedemonte Cellars, and more.

Honig Vineyard & Winery: Solar Energy for the Winery & Sustainable Farming Practices

Sawyer Cellars, open only by appointment, will open its doors to all Winter Passport ticket holders. Sawyer Cellars will be sharing their 2007 Estate Merlot, 2007 Estate Bradford Meritage, 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and from the barrel – 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2007 Sawyer Cellars Estate Cabernet Sauvignon received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. A Lentil and Pancetta Soup will be served with these estate wines.

Mumm Napa Offers a Beautiful View of the Vineyards in Rutherford, photo by Angie M.

Franciscan Estates is open daily to the public. As a special treat for those attending Winter Passport, one of the wines Franciscan will be pouring is Clos Reserve 2007, a small case production wine available exclusively at the winery. Franciscan will also be pouring the highly acclaimed, award-winning 2007 Magnificat, Napa Valley. A Cabernet Cassoulet will accompany these very special wines.

Make sure to purchase your tickets to enjoy a weekend of conversations with winemakers, tastings of special release wines, and discovering or reigniting an appreciation for wines from Napa Valley’s Rutherford Appellation. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit a local Napa charity. Contact Napa Wine Tours for safe, private, chauffeured transportation for this special event.