Terlato Family Celebrates 20 Years of Rutherford Hill Winery Ownership

RUTHERFORD, Calif., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In August 1996, the Terlato family purchased their first winery in Napa Valley. On the property this week to celebrate the 20-year anniversary were Tony and John Terlato and 60 winery team members. The group enjoyed lunch in the picnic area on a sunny, warm day overlooking beautiful Rutherford vineyards. 

"I'm very proud of what we've accomplished at Rutherford Hill in the last 20 years," said Anthony Terlato.  "When my sons and I purchased the winery, we decided we would cut production in order to focus on quality, and not quantity.  In these 20 years we have accomplished our goal. The quality of Rutherford Hill wines has come a long way, and that is only the beginning, as the plan now is to continue to improve the quality every year."

Terlato notes that, "To accomplish this, we have created two relationships that will significantly move us forward on this plan.  In 2012, we engaged world-renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland. He was brought on as a consultant in blending the more than 8,000 barrels in the Rutherford Hill caves.  And In 2014 we engaged Simonit & Sirch, renowned for their viticultural work around the globe, working with some of the most famous winemaking families in the world."

Michel Rolland is involved in the blending of EPISODE, Rutherford Hill and Terlato Vineyards wines. The relationship with Simonit & Sirch, is focused on the viticulture of all the Terlato family California properties, as well as the production of Terlato Pinot Grigio from Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy.

From the first day of ownership of Rutherford Hill  in 1996, Anthony Terlato's goal was to create exceptional wines that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great wines marketed by Terlato in the U.S.  In recent years, Rutherford Hill wines have received numerous 90-plus point reviews, and the winery has become a must-see Napa Valley destination. 

Winemaker and General Manager Marisa Taylor crafts wines that are widely available throughout the U.S. including Rutherford Hill Merlot, Barrel Select Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  She also produces the special Bordeaux-style blend that Anthony Terlato conceived, named EPISODE, in honor of Rutherford Hill marking the newest episode of the Terlato family's wine business.  Every vintage of EPISODE since its inception in the 2001 vintage has received a review of 90 points or higher. 

Rutherford Hill is in Napa Valley, just off Silverado Trail.  Visitors have a diverse array of experiences to choose from including tastings and tours, "Blend Your Own" sessions in the famous mile long Rutherford Hill caves, picnics in an olive tree-shaded grove overlooking Napa Valley, or simply relaxing on the patio with a good bottle and good friends.  This summer, Rutherford Hill hosts "Chill on the Hill" on select Fridays featuring bites from the area's best food trucks, lively music and of course Rutherford Hill wines.  Visit www.rutherfordhill.com for more information, or call 707-963-1871. 

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SOURCE Rutherford Hill Winery