It takes Rutherford Dust to grow great Cabernet Sauvignon.
 André Tchelistcheff

The Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench is renowned worldwide for producing remarkable Cabernet Sauvignons, with earthy aromatics and cocoa-powder-like fine tannins on the palate. The legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff coined the term “Rutherford Dust” to describe these distinctive characteristics. 

As proud members of the Rutherford Dust Society, we work to protect the Rutherford terroir that is so integral to the unique character of Chaix Wines. 

To know our wines, get to know this place.

Bench

Our historic, 37-acre property, planted in the shadow of the extinct Mount St. John volcano in 1909, occupies a sought-after parcel of the world-famous Rutherford Bench, surrounded by neighbors such as Peju, Phelps, Inglenook, Staglin, Cakebread, and Morisoli Vineyard.

Sky

Here at the Napa Valley’s widest point, vineyards enjoy more sun exposure than anywhere else in the region. At same time, the nearby Napa River and Lake Hennessey have a cooling effect that makes for ripe, flavorful fruit with firm acidity.

Dust

Our deep, taupe-colored, sedimentary soils—composed of shattered, well-bedded sandstone and gravel—were formed by alluvial deposits. Because our soils drain so efficiently, we take our commitment to organic farming seriously, with the health of local waterways in mind.

Vines

We use the plural (“vineyards”) to describe our property because it isn’t a monoculture. Each of our seven blocks is planted to a distinct vine clone and rootstock carefully selected for its unique microclimate. Our wines are terroir-driven explorations of this uniquely diverse site.

Partners

In addition to the small selection we vinify for our own family wine label, we also supply fine neighboring Rutherford wineries—such as Peju, Sequoia Grove, and Phelps—with Chaix Family Vineyards grapes.

Vine rows occasionally become available, allowing us to partner with additional colleagues in the winemaking community. If you are an interested producer, please give us a call at (800) 379-6911 or click the link below to email us.

grape clusters just after picking