When Tony and Herta (H.B.) purchased their 30-acre Rutherford, California, property in 1982, the vineyard grounds were wild and overgrown. Through passion and hard work, the Peju family has transformed their Rutherford Estate into Peju—a wine, architecture, and art lover’s paradise.
Today, 30 years later, Peju remains a family-owned and family-run estate winery with the next generation of the family, daughters Lisa and Ariana, taking over the day-to-day operations and leading the winery into the future.
Peju is a certified Bay Area Green Business; its Rutherford Estate also holds the distinction of being one of only 21 certified organic wineries in the Napa Valley. From the earliest days, the Peju family has had a deep connection with the land, and has been committed to sustainable farming practices at all of its vineyard properties to ensure the land that produces award-winning wines will be preserved for future generations.
Situated in the famed Rutherford appellation, known for its legendary Cabernet Sauvignon, Peju produces stellar varieties, including its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the proprietary red and white Cuvée, Provence.
Upon arrival, visitors to Peju are delighted by this beautiful oasis, located surprisingly close to Highway 29. The signature arching sycamores welcome you into the property and provide a dramatic backdrop to the exquisite gardens, stunning sculptures, and dancing fountains. Wine tasting is taken to a new level at Peju, where its 50-foot French Provincial tower serves as the expansive tasting room and centerpiece of the property.
Peju has been named Top Artisan Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top California Cabernets Producer by Wine Spectator. Guests call ahead to reserve the Premier Peju Experience of their choice: Cépage, a private tour of the beautiful gardens and reserve barrel tasting followed by a classic wine tasting; Privé, an intimate, private reserve tasting in the stunning Peju tower; Fromage, a selection of local artisan cheeses paired with estate grown wines.
What to Buy Wines
’11 Cabernet Sauvignon – $50
Light thyme, sage, vanilla, red fruits, anise
’09 Merlot – $35
Juicy cherry, cranberry, brown sugar, oak notes
’12 Chardonnay – $28
Vanilla, orange blossom, apple cobbler, candied ginger
’12 Sauvignon Blanc – $22
Pineapple, passion fruit, apricot, crème fraiche, lychee
Special Notes
Certified organic, Bay Area Green Business, solar powered, pet friendly, wine club member discounts, Premier Peju Experiences.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
