Rutherford · Napa Valley
Visit Chaix with a Private Chauffeur
Organically farmed Rutherford Bench Cabernet from a family that has owned its vineyard since 1909. Chaix does not receive visitors; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Brothers A.P. and Jean Chaix came to Napa Valley from Provence in the 19th century with vine cuttings from the Médoc. Jean co-founded the Nouveau Médoc Winery in 1877, California's ninth bonded winery, and Brun & Chaix built a gravity-flow winery on Howell Mountain in 1886. A.P. bought the family's current vineyard on the Rutherford Bench in 1909. In 2008 his great-grandchildren, Kathy and John Chaix, marked the ranch's 100th year by making their own wine.
The 37-acre property sits in the shadow of Mount St. John, with seven blocks, each planted to its own clone and rootstock, and certified organic farming led by Mark Neal. The family sells most of its fruit to neighbors such as Phelps and Sequoia Grove and keeps a small selection for Chaix. Winemaker Sara Fowler, at Chaix since 2018, makes 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rutherford AVA.
Chaix wines are released once a year, in the fall, and the best way to get them is the wine club, which also brings invitations to a harvest and pick-up party and other events at the vineyard. Library wines are offered now and then on the website. Chaix publishes no tasting program, so it does not host public visits. The day below takes you to three estates nearby that do.
Tasting Fees
Chaix does not offer tastings.
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
Chaix does not host public visits; it publishes no tasting program. Its vineyard events, such as the harvest and pick-up party, are for wine club members.
Known For
100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon from an organically farmed Rutherford Bench vineyard
Founded
2008 (vineyard in the family since 1909)
Good to Know
Join the wine club on chaixwines.com for an annual fall shipment of 6 or 12 bottles and member events; there is also a mailing list. Questions go through the contact form.
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
Since Chaix does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Rancho Caymus Inn in Rutherford is about 8 minutes from the first stop, and Auberge du Soleil, a hillside resort above Rutherford, about 15 minutes, so we collect Auberge guests a little earlier. The day runs about six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Annulus Cellars
About 8 minutes away. A young family label of heritage-vineyard Cabernet, poured with artisan cheeses at Wheeler Farms on Zinfandel Lane. The Tasting Experience is $150, about 90 minutes. By appointment through the winery's request form; days and times are confirmed when the team accepts.
12:00 · Lunch at Market
About 8 minutes away. Lunch at Market, an American restaurant in a historic brick and stone building on Main Street in St. Helena, open for lunch Monday to Saturday from noon. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
1:30 · Moone-Tsai Wines
About 8 minutes away. MaryAnn and Larry Tsai's label of Howell Mountain, To Kalon and Pritchard Hill wines made by Philippe Melka, poured at the Brasswood estate north of St. Helena. The guided Wine Tasting is $125, about an hour. By appointment, daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2:50 · Hunnicutt Wines
About 12 minutes away. A family winery in the pines above the Silverado Trail, with caves cut into volcanic tuff and a tasting room hung with vintage skis. The Portfolio Tasting is $75, waived with three bottles per person; we allow about an hour. By appointment, daily until 3:30 p.m.
4:00 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:15 p.m., about six hours after pickup.
About $350 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Market serves lunch Monday to Saturday; on Sundays we choose another lunch spot. Annulus confirms its time when it accepts the request.
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
Can you visit Chaix?
No. Chaix has no tasting room and publishes no visiting program; its vineyard events are for wine club members, as of September 2026. We can plan a day at nearby estates that do host.
How can I buy Chaix wine?
Through the wine club, which ships each fall release, and on chaixwines.com, where library wines are offered from time to time in very small amounts.
Who owns Chaix Wines?
The Chaix family: siblings Kathy and John Chaix and John's wife, Michelle, descendants of A.P. Chaix, who bought the vineyard in 1909.
Where is the Chaix vineyard?
On the Rutherford Bench in the Rutherford AVA, beneath Mount St. John, with neighbors including Phelps, Inglenook, Staglin and Morisoli Vineyard.
What is Chaix known for?
A single 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from its organically farmed estate, made since 2008 to show Rutherford Bench character.
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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