Welcome to Oakville-Rutherford
Miles and miles of history, located just minutes apart
Running alongside the St. Helena Highway in the midst of the Napa Valley lies Oakville and Rutherford. Just two miles apart, these twin towns are connected by a never-ending strip of cellars and tasting rooms, celebrating the culture of Northern California’s world-famous wine country. Homes in the area are spacious and private, many of which are located on multi-acre lots with scenic views of the many vineyards located close by.
Although rural and small, the region is popular with visitors and bursting with the history of the famous California wine industry. Many of these vineyards boast histories stretching back as far as the mid-1800s when the region’s first settlers were gifted and granted land and then began to dabble in wine production. By the end of the century, some vineyards were producing as much as 50,000 gallons of wine per year. As the industry grew and more vines were planted, the rest was history.
What to Love
- A small and rural community, affording residents a quiet and peaceful lifestyle
- Some of the country’s first wine vineyards were founded right here almost 200 years ago
- In the two miles connecting Oakville and Rutherford, there are dozens of tasting rooms, cellars, eateries, and shops for both locals and visitors to experience
Local Lifestyle
Oakville and Rutherford are two small communities, and the sense of belonging is mighty. In addition to the rich, historic wine industry, the many visitors year-round mark their calendars for special events like
Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series and
Harvest STOMP, an annual auction to raise funds to support land preservation and farm education. A favorite way to end this day is a meal at one of the quiet, local eateries featuring fresh, California-style takes on classic American cuisine.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Despite Oakville and Rutherford lying just two miles away from one another, this serene stretch of the St. Helena Highway is packed with various ways to make memories and establishments to pick out souvenirs to take home to loved ones. From mouth-watering seafood to hearty steaks, to perfectly-balanced wine and cheese accompaniments, there is always something to be discovered.
One local favorite is Rutherford Grill, serving American comfort food alongside a robust wine list. The charming eatery also features a large patio for al fresco dining and features top-rated dishes like the prime rib sandwich, grilled artichoke, and deviled eggs. Feel free to get comfortable and stay for a while; their wine list is extensive and spans across many pages of their menu.
One of the larger wineries of the area is the Alpha Omega Winery. Well-known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Alpha Omega Winery farms prized grapes right from their own vineyard and others located in the valley. They also offer a wine club membership including invitations to exclusive events, free tastings, and deliveries every other month.
Another historical site is Oakville Grocery. Serving the community since 1881, Oakville Grocery first began as a small market to serve the needs of the then-growing town. In more modern times, the shop acts as a gathering place for wine-lovers and hungry neighbors alike, with a unique selection of elevated pantry staples including olive oils, honey, chocolates, spreads, and more.
Things To Do
Without question, Oakville/Rutherford is best known for its central location within the Napa Valley. A smaller spot on the map, these towns are easily overlooked but this storied region is home to some of the best wine in the world. The scenic countryside is famous for its soils and the unique blends from which the wine is grown. The many shops along the St. Helena Highway sell dozens of these wines, in a variety of colors to sample, take home, or give away as unique souvenirs to visiting loved ones.
