Rutherford · Napa Valley
Visit Bello Family Vineyards with a Private Chauffeur
A father-and-son Cabernet estate on the Rutherford Bench, inspired as much by a champion racehorse as by the vines, visited by appointment, and a suggested six-hour day around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Michael Bello, who built his career in residential construction, founded Bello Family Vineyards after buying land on the Rutherford Bench, with the goal of making Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest quality. His son Christopher, the winemaker and manager, runs the day-to-day work. The family opened a tasting room on Main Street in St. Helena in 2012 and sold it three years later.
Michael had a second dream: a champion racehorse. In 2001 he bought a small thoroughbred filly named Megahertz in Great Britain, and the winery says she came to stand for the family's drive to succeed. The Bellos call themselves Cabernet specialists, growing on their replanted estate vineyard in Rutherford and sourcing grapes from other top Napa Valley sites.
Since December 2015 Bello has welcomed guests at the Rutherford estate on Highway 29 rather than in town; Michael told the Napa Valley Register that guests had a much better experience there. The winery is not open to the public, and visits are by appointment, arranged by phone. We set up the visit and confirm the details on your behalf.
Tasting Fees
Tasting fees to be verified upon reservation.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Rutherford
AVA
Rutherford
Visiting
Not open to the public; visits are by appointment only, arranged by phone (707-967-8833). We arrange it on your behalf.
Known For
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Founded
Rutherford estate; St. Helena tasting room 2012 to 2015
Good to Know
Visits are arranged by phone or email. The winery does not publish hours, fees, age or pet rules, so we confirm everything when we book. Wines are sold online and through the club.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Rancho Caymus Inn or Auberge du Soleil.
10:00 · Pickup at Rancho Caymus Inn or Auberge du Soleil
Stay close and the tasting starts right away. Rancho Caymus Inn, at the Rutherford crossroads, is about 5 minutes from the estate, and Auberge du Soleil, on Rutherford Hill, about 10 minutes. Bello confirms the time when we book, and we set the day around it. Extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Bello Family Vineyards
A hosted visit and tasting at the Rutherford estate, by appointment. The fee and length are confirmed when we reserve; we plan about 75 minutes.
11:45 · Fleury Estate Winery
About 8 minutes away. A small family winery on Galleron Road with private salon tastings of reserve wines and outdoor seating with panoramic valley views. The Reserve Wine Tasting is $95 for six wines, 45 to 60 minutes, waived with four bottles per guest. By appointment.
1:00 · Lunch at Rutherford Grill
About 8 minutes away. Lunch at Rutherford Grill at the Rutherford crossroads, a sit-down grill open daily. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:20 · MTGA Wines
About 15 minutes away. A small St. Helena winery on Rossi Road with optional barrel tastings. The Current Release Tasting pours at least five wines over 90 minutes for $75. By appointment, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3:50 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:05 p.m., about six hours after pickup.
About $170 per person in tasting fees for Fleury and MTGA, plus the Bello fee, confirmed when we reserve; each paid directly to the winery.
MTGA hosts Wednesday to Sunday, so plan this day for one of those days. Bello sets its visit time when we reserve, and we adjust the day around it.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Bello Family Vineyards?
Yes. The winery is not open to the public, and visits are by appointment only, arranged by phone. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Bello Family Vineyards?
Tasting fees to be verified upon reservation, as of September 2026.
Who owns Bello Family Vineyards?
Founder Michael Bello and his son Christopher, who is the winemaker and manager.
Why is a racehorse part of the Bello story?
In 2001 Michael Bello bought a small thoroughbred filly named Megahertz in Great Britain, and the family sees her as a symbol of its ambition.
Does Bello still have a tasting room in St. Helena?
No. The family sold the Main Street tasting room in 2015 and now hosts guests at its Rutherford estate.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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