About us

At Sullivan Rutherford Estate, we believe that wine is more than a drink; it’s an experience, a legacy, and a way to connect.

Nestled in the heart of Rutherford, our estate is rooted in history and driven by a passion for excellence. With a commitment to classical winemaking and an eye toward the future, we produce limited-production wines that reflect both the character of our land and the people who care for it.

Our mission is simple: to craft exceptional wines, foster meaningful relationships, and create moments that matter. Whether you're visiting the estate or enjoying our wine from afar, we’re here to offer a tailored, white-glove experience that’s as refined as it is personal.

We welcome those who appreciate quality, tradition, and a sense of discovery.

This is more than wine. This is Sullivan Rutherford Estate.

History

Sullivan Rutherford Estate was founded in 1972 by artist and designer James O’Neil Sullivan, a visionary who saw the potential of Rutherford’s exceptional terroir to produce world-class wines. Drawn by the harmony of land, art, and life, Sullivan established the estate with a deep commitment to quality, beauty, and authenticity.

From its earliest vintages, the estate became known for producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignons that spoke to the character of the Rutherford Bench—rich soils, balanced climate, and a timeless winemaking tradition. James’s passion set the tone for what Sullivan would become: a place where craftsmanship meets hospitality, and where wine is both art and legacy.

Today, we honor that original spirit while elevating the estate through innovation, sustainability, and a continued pursuit of excellence.

Vineyard & Terroir

Our estate is nestled in the heart of the Rutherford AVA, one of Napa Valley’s most prized growing regions. The vineyard lies along the Rutherford Bench, where deep, well-drained alluvial soils and ideal exposure produce wines of structure, elegance, and remarkable ageability.

We farm with intention, respecting the natural rhythm of the land and embracing sustainable practices that honor both our legacy and the future. Each block is meticulously cared for, allowing the unique character of our site to shine through in every vintage.

Winemaking & Aging

At Sullivan Rutherford Estate, our winemaking philosophy is rooted in classical techniques, guided by a deep respect for the vineyard and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

We take a minimal-intervention approach, allowing the purity of our estate fruit to express itself fully. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and sorted with precision before fermentation in small lots. Each varietal and vineyard block is vinified separately to preserve its unique character.

Our wines are aged in the finest French oak barrels—carefully selected for grain, toast, and cooper—to enhance complexity without overshadowing the fruit. Aging regimens vary by vintage and wine, but often span 18 to 24 months, with additional time in bottle to ensure balance and refinement upon release.

The result: wines of depth, elegance, and longevity that speak authentically of Rutherford and the soul of our estate.

At The Winery

Visiting Sullivan Rutherford Estate is a curated journey into the heart of Napa Valley hospitality. We offer private, appointment-only experiences designed to reflect the elegance and intimacy of our wines.

From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed as a guest of the estate, invited to explore our storied grounds, taste our limited-production wines, and engage in meaningful conversation. Each visit is personalized, guided by a dedicated host, and crafted to showcase the richness of our history and the beauty of our vineyard.

We don’t offer tastings, we offer experiences. Thoughtfully paced, deeply immersive, and tailored to your preferences.

This is not just a stop in wine country. This is an invitation to connect with the land, the wine, and with us.

Our Wine Club

Becoming a member of Sullivan Rutherford Estate means more than access to our limited-production wines; it’s joining a community that shares a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and exceptional experiences.

Our membership is intentionally small and highly curated, offering priority allocations of our most sought-after releases, including our estate and JO Collection wines. Members enjoy personalized service, invitations to private estate events, and exclusive access to library vintages and member-only bottlings.

Every detail—from your allocations to your in-person visits—is tailored with care, reflecting the white-glove hospitality that defines who we are.

This is not a club. This is a relationship, built on trust, quality, and shared appreciation for the art of fine wine.

Press & Awards

We’re honored that our commitment to excellence has been recognized by respected voices in the wine world. Over the years, Sullivan Rutherford Estate wines have consistently earned acclaim for their elegance, depth, and sense of place.

Our vintages have been featured in leading publications and awarded by esteemed critics, not only for the quality in the glass but for the story behind each bottle. These honors affirm what we strive for every day: to create wines of timeless character and to offer an experience worthy of the land we steward.

We don’t make wine for awards, but we’re grateful when our passion resonates.