Unique Characteristics
Our goal as growers has remained consistent and simple over the last 100 years -- the best fruit we can grow reflects the unique characteristics of our vineyard and the growing season.
As wine producers our philosophy is much the same. We let the grapes inform and guide the winemaking process, essentially working to capture the flavors and characteristics for which Rutherford is world famous.
Our Winemaker
Chaix Wines is made in St. Helena at the Terra Valentine Winery by Sam Baxter. Sam is a second-generation winemaker who learned the profession through hands-on experience at the side of his father, Phil. Sam is also part of a new and exciting generation of Napa Valley winemakers who've earned degrees in Fermentation Science at UC Davis. He has worked in wineries in both California and Australia, including Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga. Sam began working at Terra Valentine as cellarmaster in July 1999 and became head winemaker in 2002.
Sam's modern approach to winemaking is tempered with a healthy respect for tradition. In keeping with old-world methods for making great wine, handpicked fruit is destemmed, handsorted and then begins fermentation.