Major city · United States
Rutherford
Base in St. Helena or Yountville and treat Rutherford as a half-day: 2–3 wineries on Hwy 29, lunch, then drive on. One night only if you have a booked tasting.
Rutherford is a 164-person township on Highway 29 between St. Helena and Oakville, in the middle of Napa Valley's Cabernet country. There is no town centre to walk: the draw is a handful of wineries, two or three restaurants and one very expensive resort, all strung along the highway and Rutherford Road. Almost everyone arrives by car and stays 1–2 nights as part of a wider Napa Valley trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, 35 °C (95 °F)+ afternoons), harvest weekends in Sep–Oct when tasting rooms and hotels fillavoid Jul–Aug (hot, 95 °F (35 °C)+ afternoons), harvest weekends in Sep–Oct when tasting rooms and hotels fill
- Airports
- SFO · OAK · APC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Rutherford911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Napa County Sheriff (non-emergency)707-253-4451
- CHP (road incidents, non-emergency)707-648-4180
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rutherford, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyRutherford itself is quiet and safe; the real risk is the road.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 707-253-4451 Napa County Sheriff (non-emergency) · 707-648-4180 CHP (road incidents, non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSFO San Francisco International (About 1 h 45 min by car via US-101, CA-37 and CA-121/CA-29; allow 2 h+ on Friday afternoons.).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: wineries sit 1–5 km (0.6–3.1 mi) apart along a highway with no pavement and no useful bus.A car is effectively required: wineries sit 0.6–3.1 mi (1–5 km) apart along a highway with no pavement and no useful bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or pastry in St. Helena$5–9
- Sit-down mealDinner, prix fixe, one of the valley restaurantscheck$90–200 per person
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Budget bedValley inn or motel double (St. Helena or Napa), a night, per roomUS$180
- Mid-range bedValley inn or motel double (St. Helena or Napa), a night, per roomUS$320
- High-end bedValley inn or motel double (St. Helena or Napa), a night, per roomUS$600
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$400
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFO San Francisco International (About 1 h 45 min by car via US-101, CA-37 and CA-121/CA-29; allow 2 h+ on Friday afternoons.) · OAK Oakland (About 1 h 30 min by car via CA-29 through Napa.) · APC Napa County Airport (No scheduled airline service; private and charter aircraft only.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Care
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Apr–Jun. Mixed: Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Dec (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (10 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rutherford: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required: wineries sit 1–5 km apart along a highway with no pavement and no useful bus. Napa Valley's VINE bus runs on Hwy 29 but stops are sparse and service ends early. If you taste, book a driver, a hired car or a group tour — do not drive yourself after more than a taste or two.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 15 min
CA-29 north, about 10 min by car
Main street with shops and lunch; the natural pairing with a Rutherford tasting morning.
Door to door: 20 min
CA-29 south, about 15 min by car
Best dinner and hotel choice in the valley; walkable centre.
Oakville
goDoor to door: 10 min
CA-29 south, about 8 min by car
More tasting rooms on the same road; combine with Yountville.
Door to door: 35 min
CA-29 north through St. Helena, about 30 min by car
Hot springs and mud baths; a good second-night stop north.
Napa
goDoor to door: 35 min
CA-29 south, about 30 min by car
Bigger city for supplies, the Oxbow market and more hotels.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Rutherford Road and Hwy 29
The only in-town beds: Auberge du Soleil up Rutherford Hill and Rancho Caymus on Rutherford Road. Both are expensive; book months ahead for Sep–Oct.
St. Helena (10 min north)
More rooms, restaurants and a walkable main street; the usual base for a Rutherford tasting day.
Yountville (15 min south)
Best choice if you want to walk to dinner and not drive after tasting.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–300 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Rutherford in-town double (Rancho Caymus or similar)1 × 1 night × US$500 | US$500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$180 | US$360 |
| Winery tasting, per person2 × US$75 · check — fees rise at reserve and library tastings | US$150 |
| Hired car and driver, half day1 × US$400 · check | US$400 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$90 | US$90 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$154 |
| Trip total≈ US$847 per person per day, bed included | US$1,694 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax and tasting fees vary by venue. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or pastry in St. Helena | $5–9 |
| Winery tasting, standard flightcheck — reserve flights run higher | $40–75 per person |
| Lunch main at Rutherford Grill | $18–35 |
| Dinner, prix fixe, one of the valley restaurantscheck | $90–200 per person |
| Glass of valley Cabernet | $18–35 |
| Rental car, one day | $60–150 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not taste and drive. California's limit is 0.08% BAC and CHP patrols Hwy 29 heavily, especially at weekends.
- Most Rutherford wineries are appointment-only or sell timed tastings; walk-ins are often turned away in high season.
- Tasting fees are charged per person and are rarely refunded against a bottle purchase at this price level.
- Hwy 29 backs up badly on weekend afternoons; plan tastings for the morning.
- Summer afternoons regularly pass 35 °C (95 °F) and there is little shade between vineyards.Summer afternoons regularly pass 95 °F (35 °C) and there is little shade between vineyards.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Napa County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 707-253-4451
- CHP (road incidents, non-emergency)
- 707-648-4180
Pocket card
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RutherfordRutherford
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Napa County Sheriff (non-emergency)707-253-4451
- CHP (road incidents)707-648-4180
Embassy
No consulates in Rutherford. Nearest consulates-general are in San Francisco; embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SFO → Rutherford by car: about 1 h 45 min, 110 km (68 mi) (check)about 1 h 45 min, 68 mi (110 km) (check)
- Rutherford → St. Helena by car: about 10 min, 8 km (5 mi)about 10 min, 5 mi (8 km)
- Hired car and driver, half day: $250–700 per group (check)
Say or show
- We have a tasting reservation — We have a tasting reservation
- Two glasses, please — Two glasses, please
- Can we split the tasting? — Can we split the tasting?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Could we get the check? — Could we get the check?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink at a bar, 15–20% for taxis and hired drivers.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rutherford. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, 35 °C+ afternoons), harvest weekends in Sep–Oct when tasting rooms and hotels fill · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SFO and OAK: drive times by time of day, hired-car fallback, one overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Hwy 29 tasting strip, Rutherford Road, Rutherford Hill.
- Place pages with verified tasting cutoffs and last seating times for the wineries and restaurants named here.
- Harvest-season fixtures so Sep–Oct dates can go green or warn.
Sources
- officialVisit Napa Valley — official destination site
- officialNapa County Airport
- officialBeaulieu Vineyard
- officialGrgich Hills Estate
- officialFrog's Leap Winery
- officialAuberge du Soleil
- secondaryWikivoyage: Rutherford (California), revision 4891871 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Rutherford
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