Dry Creek Valley · Sonoma County
Visit Cardinal Rule Wines with a Private Chauffeur
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet from a family vineyard planted more than 30 years ago, shared by three Los Angeles families. Cardinal Rule 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
Cardinal Rule began with the Scharf family, who planted the first grapes in their family vineyard in Dry Creek Valley more than 30 years ago. Years later, three Los Angeles families, the Scharfs, Louis and Akens, came together over wine, food and family to make wine of their own, with help from winemakers and farmers at Kokomo and Alexander Valley Vineyards. The first releases were a 2011 Cabernet and a 2013 rose, and the name comes from the families' motto: "Drink what you love, love what you drink."
The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the family vineyard, while Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Pinot Noir come from neighboring families in Dry Creek and the Russian River Valley. The 2013 Cabernet was chosen as the governor's selection for the Stanford wine program. The online shop lists Cabernet and Reserve Cabernet vintages from 2013 to 2017 at $45 to $55, the CR Cuvee, and a 2021 rose.
Cardinal Rule sells online and to the trade, with no tasting room or visit program, so it does not receive visitors. The day below stays in Dry Creek Valley and includes Kokomo, whose winemakers Cardinal Rule counts as family.
Tasting Fees
Cardinal Rule does not offer tastings.
The day below visits Dry Creek Vineyard ($30 to $50), Kokomo ($30) and Ridge Lytton Springs ($35), about $115 per person in tasting fees.
Tasting fees as of October 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Healdsburg
AVA
Dry Creek Valley
Visiting
Cardinal Rule is not open to the public; its wines are sold online and to the trade.
Known For
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Scharf family vineyard
Founded
First vintage 2011
Good to Know
Buy through the shop at cardinalrulewines.com, where trade buyers can also get in touch.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Hotel Healdsburg or h2hotel.
10:00 · Pickup at Hotel Healdsburg or h2hotel
Since Cardinal Rule does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Hotel Healdsburg and h2hotel are both on the Healdsburg Plaza, about 15 minutes from the first stop in Dry Creek Valley, where Cardinal Rule's vineyard grows. The day runs about six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:20 · Dry Creek Vineyard
About 15 minutes away. The family winery that restarted Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition. Guided tastings are $30 to $50; open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., reservations strongly encouraged.
11:50 · Lunch at Dry Creek General Store
About 5 minutes away. Lunch at Dry Creek General Store, a country store and deli on Dry Creek Road, with sandwiches to eat on the porch. We confirm lunch hours when we book. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
1:00 · Kokomo Winery
About 10 minutes away. Hoosier hospitality in a barrel-lined cellar lounge at Timber Crest Farms, with bocce over the valley. The seated tasting of five wines is $30, about 1.5 hours, with seatings on the hour. Cardinal Rule counts the winemakers at Kokomo as part of its extended family.
2:45 · Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs
About 10 minutes away. Century-old Zinfandel vines and a straw-bale winery. The Lytton Springs Estate Tasting of five single-vineyard wines is $35, about 75 minutes; open daily until 4 p.m.
4:00 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 4:15 p.m.
All three wineries are open daily. Kokomo seats tastings on the hour, so we book the 1 p.m. seating; Ridge closes at 4 p.m.
About $115 per person in tasting fees at Dry Creek Vineyard, Kokomo and Ridge Lytton Springs, paid directly to each winery.
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 Cardinal Rule Wines?
No. Cardinal Rule has no tasting room or visit program, as of October 2026. We can plan a Dry Creek Valley day at wineries that host.
How can I buy Cardinal Rule wine?
Through the online shop at cardinalrulewines.com. Cabernets run $45 to $55, and the 2021 rose is $20.
Who is behind Cardinal Rule?
Three Los Angeles families, the Scharfs, Louis and Akens. The Scharfs planted the family vineyard in Dry Creek Valley.
Where do Cardinal Rule's grapes come from?
The Cabernet comes from the Scharf family vineyard in Dry Creek Valley; Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Pinot Noir come from neighboring families in Dry Creek and the Russian River Valley.
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 833-915-2436.
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