Rudd Estate

An Eastern Oakville Estate

Rudd Estate was founded by Leslie and Susan Rudd in 1996 with a long-term ambition: develop an Oakville property around the character of its land rather than a house style imposed in the cellar. The estate sits at 500 Oakville Crossroad on the eastern side of the appellation, where volcanic core stone and alluvial sediments create iron-rich, well-drained soils. In April 2026, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery acquired Rudd Estate. St. Supéry, itself owned by Chanel, stated that Rudd's existing estate wines would continue to be produced and sold, making the acquisition a change in stewardship rather than a conversion of the property to a different concept.

Farming, Caves, and Winemaking

Rudd's Oakville vineyards are farmed organically by a full-time estate team. The planted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux red grapes used in the estate blend. A second estate on Mount Veeder supplies Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and the fruit for Leslie's Blend. The winery describes its objective as site expression with as little intervention as the fruit allows.

The estate's cave system was expanded after the Rudd family acquired the property. It now extends to roughly 20,000 square feet, with separate temperature and humidity zones for barrel aging and a wine library. Stone removed during excavation was reused in walls and other structures across the property, connecting the working cellar to the estate's physical landscape.

The Wine Portfolio

The flagship Rudd Oakville Estate Red brings together mature vines from the property's volcanic and alluvial sections and is composed for longevity. Samantha's Cabernet Sauvignon is a Cabernet-focused selection from Oakville blocks. The Mount Veeder estate contributes Leslie's Blend, Susan's Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Crossroads by Rudd offers Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc from organically and biodynamically farmed Napa Valley vineyards as a more immediately accessible introduction to the house. Natalie Bath became Rudd's winemaker with the 2021 vintage after working at the estate since 2012.

Planning a Visit

Visits are by appointment only and should be requested directly through Rudd Estate. The experience centers on the working Oakville property, its vineyards, caves, gardens, and current releases rather than a walk-in tasting room. The estate lists 707-944-8577 extension 1 for visit requests and info@ruddwines.com for general and allocation inquiries. Because access is arranged rather than scheduled as public opening hours, guests should confirm the exact format and availability with the estate before building an Oakville itinerary around the visit.