Caymus Vineyards

Pre-prohibition Family Winery Reopened to Focus on Cab's

In 1885 a family named Wagner arrived in San Francisco from the Alsace region of France. They moved to Napa Valley after the 1906 earthquake, acquired land in Rutherford, and by 1915 were producing bulk wine commercially. Prohibition soon put an end to that endeavor.

It wasn’t until 1972 that two younger generations, Charlie and Lorna Wagner and their son Chuck, began making wine again on the family land. This time around the intent was to craft the finest Cabernet Sauvignon available.

It was a wise move: Caymus has since won many high-profile awards and was named to Wine Spectator’s Hall of Fame.

In warm seasons the rustic old winery is surrounded by a blaze of flowers. Tastings, limited to ten, have an intimate feel; they’re held in a pleasant room overlooking the cellar, with everyone sitting around a long table (be prepared to introduce yourself). You’ll learn about the winery’s history and the wines you sample, and at the end you’ll get to taste the famed Caymus Special Selection made only when exceptional grapes are produced. A helpful tip: Show up on time for your appointment, or you may not be seated.

Fascinating Fact:

The name Caymus comes from "Rancho Caymus,” a Mexican land grant that once encompassed much of the area surrounding what is now Rutherford.

Amenities:Gift Shop, Gardens
Founded: 1972
Signature Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel
Wine Tasting: By appointment only
Hours: Daily, 10–4

Caymus Vineyards
8700 Conn Creek Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
707-967-3010

website: www.caymus.com

Previous Winery | Next Winery | Map

Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

Find iNeTours.com on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for updates, Photo-of-the-Day, more.

return to top

Website and all photos copyright © 2001–2012 Lee W. Nelson