Elizabeth Spencer Wines

As the former Rutherford Post Office, built in 1872, this storefront tasting room has plenty of charm and grace. Visitors to the small downtown of Rutherford can stroll along the street and find this little gem across from the town’s current post office. The little brick building has been completely renovated and serves as a very warm and attractive place to sample the custom-made wines of Elizabeth Spencer.

The name comes from Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham, who joined forces in 1988 to create this boutique label, making well-balanced and food-friendly wines. The small, zinc-topped tasting counter, with its base made from the building’s original wood ceiling, serves guests with at least two tasting options that change regularly. There is a patio out back and a side yard for larger, more casual groups.

The winery uses a custom crush facility to produce their wines that are sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from select vineyards in the Napa Valley; the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah come from the Sonoma Coast appellation. In 2005, they also produced very small quantities of Napa Valley Chardonnay, Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc and Sonoma Coast Rosé of Syrah.