Once a large thoroughbred horse ranch on a secluded hilltop property, RustRidge Winery traces its roots back to 1972 when Susan Meyer’s family purchased the land and developed select parcels into vineyards. Today, Susan, as winemaker, and her husband Jim, an experienced horse breeder and trainer, share their two passions on this precious spot of land. As the vineyard goes through its annual growing cycle, they continue to breed and race thoroughbreds and, as nature would have it, each spring, just when new buds form on the vines, the next generation of foals is born.

RustRidge is in the Chiles Valley region of Napa, approximately 1,000 feet above the valley floor and with a special microclimate that is integral to the character of the vines. While the daytime climate is similar to that of other noted Napa growing areas, the temperature is much cooler at night. That cooling influence, combined with higher elevation, extends the growing season and imparts distinctive wine qualities, with reds that are redolent of black cherry, raspberry and spice, and whites with pronounced flavors and aromas of green apple, ripe pear, pineapple and citrus.

Working exclusively with fruit from the organic, dry-farmed RustRidge estate vineyard, Susan is assisted by distinguished consultant winemaker Kent Rosenblum in handcrafting a spectrum of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.