Popular by appointment winery
This is one of the top ten restaurant wines for high end eateries, so when patrons visit, they want to go to Cakebread. Also, the family name Cakebread, is easy to remember. The sales/welcome space is an airy, wood lined tank room. That is where you start the tasting with Sauvignon Blanc, with the stainless steel tanks hovering over your shoulders, and the Sauv Blanc vines across the parking lot from where you are standing. They’re famous for their Chardonnay, but like every Rutherford winery, their greatest pride is their Cabernet Sauvignon.
They do a sit down tasting in the garden, and a brief tour, a thoroughly social, delicious experience. The only hitch is they’re by appointment and popular. You enter as part of a group, so arrive 10 minutes early, or lose your spot. Tours take 90 minutes and their Chardonnay smells just like their winery. Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rubaiyat (blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah & Zinfandel). AWG Rating 89
Navigation Tip: Finding the driveway is tricky because the sign isn’t visible from the road. Going north on Rt 29 they are just past Turnbull. Watch for the black mailbox which has their name in white block letters. Just north are Sawyer, St. Supéry and Peju Province. Just south are Turnbull, Sequoia Grove by appointment Nickel & Nickel and Opus One.
8300 St Helena Hwy (Rt 29). Rutherford CA 94573
www.cakebread.com
(800) 588-0298
TF: $$ - $$$
Hrs: 10-4 by appointment
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