Caymus offers a relatively straightforward contrast to some of Napa's more attraction-oriented wineries. The Rutherford winery emphasizes the Wagner family's wines and history rather than tours, castles, aerial rides or elaborate culinary experiences. The standard visit is a seated tasting lasting approximately 90 minutes, giving guests more time with the wines than the brief tasting-bar format common at some wineries.
The winery traces its modern history to 1972, when Chuck Wagner and his parents, Lorna and Charlie Wagner Sr., began Caymus with just 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. The family's Napa agricultural roots extend much further back, and that multigenerational story remains part of the property's identity. Visitors taste a variety of wines made by the family rather than being limited strictly to a single bottling.
Expect this to be primarily a wine visit. Someone looking for extensive gardens, architectural tours or a restaurant may find better choices elsewhere, but visitors who already know Caymus—or specifically want to taste wines from the Wagner family—should appreciate the focused format. Wine by the glass is also available separately, providing a more casual alternative to the full seated experience.
Caymus Vineyards photos
Caymus Vineyards details
- Address
- 8700 Conn Creek Rd, St Helena, CA 94573
- Phone
- (707) 967-3010
- Reservations required
- Mixed — seated tasting by appointment; by-the-glass/retail also offered
- Tasting price
- $50
- Typical visit time
- 90 min
- Wine focus
- Cabernet Sauvignon, especially Caymus and Special Selection; limited Zinfandel
- Discount available
- No tasting-pass discount listed
- Picnic
- No
- Food
- Not confirmed
- Group tasting
- Not confirmed for Rutherford property
- Distance from Saint Helena
- 5.9 miles
- Distance from SFO
- 74.6 miles
Common questions about visiting Caymus Vineyards
Do I need a reservation at Caymus Vineyards?
Caymus Vineyards is listed as reservation-required. Book this stop before you lock the rest of a Napa tasting day; this listing does not confirm last-minute walk-ins. Listing note: Mixed — seated tasting by appointment; by-the-glass/retail also offered. Confirm before you go; policies change by day and experience.
How much does a tasting at Caymus Vineyards cost?
Tasting fees at Caymus Vineyards are listed at $50. Published option: Seated tasting $50 / 90 min at the Rutherford winery. Fees and formats change; confirm with the winery before you book.
How long should I plan to spend at Caymus Vineyards?
Plan 90 min at Caymus Vineyards, not counting drive time to the next stop. Leave a buffer before any later reservation so you are not cutting a longer tasting short.
What should I expect at Caymus Vineyards?
Caymus Vineyards is listed with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, especially Caymus and Special Selection; limited Zinfandel. Food note: Not confirmed. Groups: Not confirmed for Rutherford property. The overview at the top of this page covers tasting styles and who the stop is for.
What wineries should I visit before or after Caymus Vineyards?
Wineries often paired with Caymus Vineyards include Honig, Round Pond, Frog's Leap, Mumm, and Elizabeth Spencer. Stay geographically tight rather than crossing Napa mid-day.
Where does Caymus Vineyards fit into a Napa tasting day?
Ninety minutes is relatively long for a $50 tasting. Use it as one of perhaps three meaningful stops, not four or five rushed ones.
Tasting options and prices
- Seated tasting $50 / 90 min at the Rutherford winery.
Tasting fees and formats change. Confirm current options with the winery before you book.
Discount available
No tasting-pass discount is listed for Caymus Vineyards right now. Recheck Napa tasting discounts or confirm current offers with the winery.
Other wineries near Caymus Vineyards
- Honig
- Round Pond
- Frog's Leap
- Mumm
- Elizabeth Spencer
Use the Napa winery map to compare drive miles and reservation windows.
Information last verified: September 2026. Visitor details (hours, tasting prices, reservations) are sourced from the official winery website. Confirm before you visit. How we maintain listings.