While shooting photographs for Nathan Chroman's "Treasury of American Wines", Jack and Dolores Cakebread casually offer to buy the Sturdivant Ranch in Rutherford. The Sturdivant's take them up on the offer, and soon the first Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc is planted on AXR1 rootstock. The initial winery is built pondside after two years of evening and weekend work, and Cakebread Cellars releases its first wine- a 1973 Chardonnay (157 cases total).
With nowhere of our own to crush, we crushed some Cabernet Sauvignon up at Keenan Winery, also helping them to keep their winery permit active. The original winery is enlarged, and Mondavi enologist, Larry Wara is brought on as wine consultant. Also, a drought year, only 9 of rain! Produced three Cabernets for '78 vintage: JTL1, Napa Valley, and Lot 2. Steve Kubicki, a high school friend of Bruce, helps with this harvest.
With nowhere of our own to crush, we crushed some Cabernet Sauvignon up at Keenan Winery, also helping them to keep their winery permit active. The original winery is enlarged, and Mondavi enologist, Larry Wara is brought on as wine consultant. Also, a drought year, only 9 of rain! Produced three Cabernets for '78 vintage: JTL1, Napa Valley, and Lot 2. Steve Kubicki, a high school friend of Bruce, helps with this harvest.
Services
Looking for our wines in your local area? Call (800) 588-0298 to speak with our guest and member services team, or contact one of our fine distributors below. We can be found in many fine wine shops across the United States. Please keep in mind that our wines are typically on allocation, which means they cannot be found year round.
We would be thrilled to welcome you to our new Visitor Center. For the health and safety of our guests and employees, Cakebread Cellars tasting experiences are limited. For those who prefer a single-household visit, private experiences are available for smaller parties with an equivalent expenditure.
We love sharing our Napa Valley wines, recipes, experiences and much more with wine club members-our extended Cakebread Cellars family! Quarterly shipments with first access to current release wines, limited-production wine and wine solely available at the winery. Invitation to Wine Club events, which include live and virtual cooking classes, special winery events and excursions.
From small-bite wine and food pairing sessions with our resident chefs to seated wine dinners and in-depth cellar tours, visit Cakebread Cellars for a unique Napa winery experience. Private events are available for groups of 10 to 50 guests. Contact us at (800) 588-0298 or cellars@cakebread.com to explore our private event offerings.
Our family's story began with a 22-acre parcel of land in Rutherford that Jack Cakebread first secured with his $2,500 photography commission. Yet our pursuit of prime vineyard sites didn't end there. Over the years we've added to our family's estate vineyard collection throughout Napa Valley and Anderson Valley, totaling 16 vineyards or 1,600 acres, approximately 600 of which are planted to vine.
Reviews (22)
Lucy L.
Feb 01, 2022
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We had the BEST time!!! Arrived to the winery and we were immediately greeted with a glass of wine. Our guide was fantastic and hilarious - ask for Art if you can!!
We got a nice little tour of the grounds and learned a lot about the history of this winery and of the actual wine making process. I felt this tour was way more informative (got more bang for your buck) compared to other wineries we stopped at during our time in Napa.
Also, the views are amazing and the grounds are very nice. Felt like an intimate experience and not touristy, cheesy, etc. Would 10/10 return. Even joined the wine club
We got a nice little tour of the grounds and learned a lot about the history of this winery and of the actual wine making process. I felt this tour was way more informative (got more bang for your buck) compared to other wineries we stopped at during our time in Napa.
Also, the views are amazing and the grounds are very nice. Felt like an intimate experience and not touristy, cheesy, etc. Would 10/10 return. Even joined the wine club
Sammi M.
Jan 23, 2022
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I came here with my husband on a Thursday afternoon to enjoy a tasting. Our tour started right on time with Art and I can't say enough great things about it. Art was so informative, funny, and engaging that he truly made the trip! It helped as well that the grounds were stunning of course and there was lovely wine.
The wine was very good, I was a big fan of their chardonnay which wasn't buttery or oakey at all. Honestly I enjoyed everything that we tried.
I'd highly recommend a stop in. You aren't able to go around the grounds unfortunately but you do get to enjoy a nice walk
The wine was very good, I was a big fan of their chardonnay which wasn't buttery or oakey at all. Honestly I enjoyed everything that we tried.
I'd highly recommend a stop in. You aren't able to go around the grounds unfortunately but you do get to enjoy a nice walk
Emily M.
Jan 21, 2022
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My manager recommended that I check out Cakebread as it's one of her favorite vineyards in Napa Valley. My friends and I booked a tour and we were thoroughly impressed with how informative and personable the experience was! Dean, our tour guide, did a phenomenal job answering all of our questions, keeping the energy light-hearted, while educating us on the history of Cakebread and how their wines came to be. My group had a good dynamic and my favorites were the Sauv Blanc and the Pinot Noir from Annahala Ranch. I'd recommend this tour if this is your first time in Napa Valley and looking
Barbara H.
Dec 24, 2021
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I cannot say enough good things about this place. Went here for a wine tasting and tour on Tuesday, December 7th. The staff were incredibly helpful. We did not have a reservation (I recommend one as they require this due to covid) but there was room on the next tour and they got us all set up. Amy was our guide and was very friendly and knowledgeable about the property and the wine (which was fantastic). She went above and beyond to make the tour memorable and really connected with each person. Property was also beautiful. The tour was short so if you're looking for an all day thing, this is not
Jo B.
Nov 14, 2021
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Ashlyn Reiswig
Nov 02, 2021
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Absolutely fantastic experience! We tried multiple different wineries during our stay in Napa and this one was easily our favorite. We were greeted at the door with a glass of wine as we waited for the tour to began. The wait was short and the group was small so it was perfect. We walked the grounds while our tour guide led us to various stops where we would taste and he would discuss the selection. The tour guide was very informative as well as entertaining, and the wines we tasted were all very enjoyable. We felt very exclusive and catered to throughout our entire experience. 10 out of 10 will
Jesus Lancharro
Oct 25, 2021
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Great winery, great building but in the middle of a worldwide pandemic are you really sitting me and my family in a closed not ventilated tasting room 1 foot from another couple not wearing masks while we eat 4 bites of “tapas” paired with wine for $100 per person?
Please think about the reputation you will get the moment Cakebread Cellars will appear in the papers for spreading out the virus.
BTW after 1hour we were pretty much led to the wine shop and kicked out of it… I was in another 5 wine tastings in Napa this week and never was rushed to get the hell out of the building especially
Please think about the reputation you will get the moment Cakebread Cellars will appear in the papers for spreading out the virus.
BTW after 1hour we were pretty much led to the wine shop and kicked out of it… I was in another 5 wine tastings in Napa this week and never was rushed to get the hell out of the building especially
Stephanie R.
Sep 26, 2021
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Mustafa Hussain
Sep 13, 2021
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I have been a member for several years. Delicious wine with master craftsmanship of all varietals. While whites are popular their reds are the most luscious you can find. The cabs are heavenly. Lower star rating today due to our experience with tour. We were not informed when we booked that their members area was closed, and we received no dispensation for the inconvenience. Tour guide Amy was shrill and dismissive when we asked about member services. Cakebread prides itself on being an intimate family run operation with personalized service. I felt Amy delivered none of these qualities today.
Helen L.
Sep 13, 2021
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I have been a loyal Cakebread Chardonnay drinker for decades. And was so excited to stop in (would be my 3rd or 4th visit in Napa). I had come from Caymus, Rombauer, Opus One and most excited to stop in at my favorite and had the WORST experience. Before my husband and I even walked through the doorway, one of the three women stopped us with their hand and said "mask!"
I completely understand but my mask had fallen on the gravel and blown a few feet. I politely asked, would you have a mask? Abrupt response - "no we don't." Ummm ok so if it is required? Shouldn
I completely understand but my mask had fallen on the gravel and blown a few feet. I politely asked, would you have a mask? Abrupt response - "no we don't." Ummm ok so if it is required? Shouldn
Alissa Stone
Aug 31, 2021
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The grounds at Cakebread were so unique and inviting - they have a small selection of herbs growing in a mock garden, and they have larger gardens farther away from the visitor center. There was lavender and rosemary planted across the property that smelled incredible as I walked through my tour. The wine was good, but the overall atmosphere definitely elevated it. I enjoyed seeing the tanks and eggs where some of their wine is made since I hadn't seen that on my trip until this winery. I would love to try a wine and food pairing here next time I'm in the Valley - I imagine their food is delightful
Meghan M.
Jul 14, 2021
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We had a great experience doing a tasting at Cakebread. Our tour guide, Art, was very kind, funny, and knowledgeable about the vineyard and the wines. We tried 5 different wines while we were there and even got to get up close with the grapes! The whole tour was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Thanks to Art for the great tour!
Reyna M.
Jul 12, 2021
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Visited Cakebread Cellars today with some dear friends of ours and we had a blast. This was our first time visiting Cakebread Cellars and we had a reservation for the family tour and tasting. We did not know what to expect, but left having a really good experience and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Our tour guide was Lisa and she was amazing! What I loved about this tasting and tour was that it was not pretentious and very laid back. I enjoyed learning about the founders and history of the winery. I even picked up a few tips on how to really enjoy wine through sight, scent, and taste. Our group
Our tour guide was Lisa and she was amazing! What I loved about this tasting and tour was that it was not pretentious and very laid back. I enjoyed learning about the founders and history of the winery. I even picked up a few tips on how to really enjoy wine through sight, scent, and taste. Our group
Frances C.
Jun 22, 2021
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Esha P.
Jun 08, 2021
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Mel T.
Jun 02, 2021
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My friend found this winery for a bach party of six because it was one of the only ones in the area we were staying, who would take groups of six, and had a tour of the vineyard, as opposed to just a tasting. It's pricey at $75 per person but I've never been to Napa before so I have no reference if that's the average price or not.
Still, we enjoyed the tour. Shout out to our tour guide (I can't remember her name but it was the 10 AM tour on 5/21/21), who had to put up with our incessant picture taking. She even let us pick our own carrots from their garden, where they repurpose
Still, we enjoyed the tour. Shout out to our tour guide (I can't remember her name but it was the 10 AM tour on 5/21/21), who had to put up with our incessant picture taking. She even let us pick our own carrots from their garden, where they repurpose
Kathryn G.
May 23, 2021
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M. B.
Apr 16, 2021
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This was a very well organized, structured, relatively small pour tasting on a gorgeous afternoon in the large, nicely shaded garden. Unlike many other vineyards, there was little opportunity to explore the area. Each tasting group was individually escorted to the parking lot at the end.
In our opinion, the wines did not showcase Cakebread at its best, as we have consumed a lot of Cakebread in the past. Our server was not particularly engaging either.
We anticipated a much better experience.for a family owned winery.
In our opinion, the wines did not showcase Cakebread at its best, as we have consumed a lot of Cakebread in the past. Our server was not particularly engaging either.
We anticipated a much better experience.for a family owned winery.
Scott K.
Mar 25, 2021
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On March 21,2021 we had a 2 pm tasting appointment, we were exciting ! Over the years we've always enjoyed the Cakebread wines. As we entered the tasting area dedicated for us we immediately noticed our tasting wines sitting in the hot sun ( you can see the sweat on our wine glasses ), it was approx. 65 degrees that day. Additionally our cheese platter was also hot! We immediately mentioned this to our host Alissa. She claimed that's how she does it !? I'm far from a wine expert, but serving hot wine isn't part of a tasting experience! Overall Alissa didn't care, brushed
Jamee S.
Feb 16, 2021
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We came here as guests of wine club members. We received lovely customer service and they have a lovely outdoor seating area for wine club members.
Our wine server was very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. She was very passionate about her job and I loved hearing the history of Cakebread and how the owners purchased the land and started many years ago!
Covid procedures are in place. They took our temps before we entered and masks are required. Staff wore gloves and masks.
We were given a wine list and each wine was introduced and given a little bit of background before poured. I
Our wine server was very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. She was very passionate about her job and I loved hearing the history of Cakebread and how the owners purchased the land and started many years ago!
Covid procedures are in place. They took our temps before we entered and masks are required. Staff wore gloves and masks.
We were given a wine list and each wine was introduced and given a little bit of background before poured. I
J. E.
Dec 02, 2020
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When planning our trip to Napa, a visit to Cakebread was definitely something we wanted to be sure we included in the itinerary. We've always enjoyed the Cakebread Napa Chardonnay and consider it one of our favs, so we hope for a nice visit which would open us up to more wine we would enjoy from them.
Their grounds are beautiful! Our wine educator explained how Mrs. Cakebread is into gardening and it definitely showed, as they have beautiful gardens and landscaping throughout.
When it came to the tasting, it was rushed, which is very unfortunate. Other wineries would provide extra wines
Their grounds are beautiful! Our wine educator explained how Mrs. Cakebread is into gardening and it definitely showed, as they have beautiful gardens and landscaping throughout.
When it came to the tasting, it was rushed, which is very unfortunate. Other wineries would provide extra wines
Rachel Royer Denzer
Nov 28, 2019
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I’ve always loved Cakebread but I didn’t expect to have such a fantastic experience when we grabbed a reservation. The staff was welcoming and with they’re new tasting rooms it creates a beautiful atmosphere I don’t see often. The only caught is that you have to have a reservation, which is pretty simple to get. Once you have one, the whole experience (including a tasting, a tour of the grounds and other wine tasting at the end) was great and lasted 45 minutes. I can’t recommend this place enough, so grab that reservation and check it out!
