Cakebread Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most enduring and respected family wineries, renowned for its balance of quality, consistency, and hospitality. Founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, the winery began with a single plot of Sauvignon Blanc and quickly grew into a benchmark for approachable yet serious Napa wines. Over the decades, the family expanded vineyard holdings across prime sites in Napa and beyond, always with a focus on sustainable farming and careful stewardship of the land.
The winery’s reputation was built on Chardonnay, which became one of the defining expressions of California white wine. Crafted in a style that balances richness with freshness, Cakebread’s Chardonnay won acclaim for its food-friendly character and helped establish the winery’s presence in restaurants across America. Cabernet Sauvignon soon followed, drawn from estate vineyards in Rutherford, Howell Mountain, Oakville, and other Napa AVAs, showcasing the diversity of Napa terroir and delivering wines that combine ripe fruit with structure and longevity.
Today, Cakebread farms more than 1,600 acres, with about a third under vine, all managed with a commitment to sustainability. The estate is certified Napa Green, and vineyard practices emphasize biodiversity, water conservation, and soil health. This dedication to the environment reflects the Cakebread philosophy that great wine begins with great vineyards, and that farming must sustain future generations.
In the cellar, the winemaking team blends tradition with innovation. Gentle handling of fruit, precise fermentation, and thoughtful oak use are central to the style, producing wines that are polished yet never overbearing. While Chardonnay and Cabernet remain the core, the portfolio also includes Merlot, Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, and other varietals, offering a broad yet consistent range.
Beyond the wines, Cakebread has become synonymous with warm hospitality. Its tasting experiences, culinary programs, and community events have helped shape the culture of Napa Valley tourism. For many visitors, a trip to Cakebread is an introduction to the region itself, reflecting the family’s longstanding belief that wine is meant to be shared.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a Napa Valley icon, Cakebread Cellars has remained true to its founding principles: family ownership, sustainable farming, and wines of clarity and character. It is a producer that embodies the evolution of Napa — modern in outlook, rooted in tradition, and committed to excellence.