Girard Winery produced wonderful wines, grown by utilizing the merits of all the estate-grown grapes. In addition, Girard consistently used small production levels, unique clones and excellent soil within one of the best appellations in the world (Napa Valley, CA). Girard wines have always been of high quality because the winemaking techniques were based on family tradition and consistently kept that way for many years. As with many family run wineries, there comes a time when the winery and vineyard must be updated with new equipment and vines in order to keep producing excellent wines. This is a costly endeavor. Not only because of labor and equipment costs but also because the vines need time to produce grapes which can mean two years of no wine releases, thus no sales of current releases.

The Rudd Estate story begins here. In 1996, Steve Girard sold the winery to Leslie Rudd. Under Mr. Rudd's ownership, the vineyards have been rebuilt to allow for gravity flow and minimal handling of the fruit. In addition, 21,000 square feet of caves have been added to allow all the wines to be aged in ideal conditions. Also, David Ramey, formerly of Dominus Estate has been hired as the Director of Vineyards and Winemaking.

Leslie Rudd's dream was to one day own a winery where a classic red Bordeaux wine style could be made. Mr. Ramey will have all the resources necessary to accomplish this under the new Rudd label. In addition, he will continue to produce wonderful Chardonnay's and Cabernets under the existing Girard label. While new vines emerge in the rich brick red soil on the Oakville Crossroad, the Girard wines continue to receive excellent ratings, as they have since their first release in 1981.

You can visit Rudd Estate, formerly Girard Winery in Oakville, CA and view the rich landscape, beautiful gardens and lovely tasting room.

By Bev Brock-Alexander

Rudd Estate
500 Oakville Crossroad
P.O. Box 105
Oakville, CA 94562
Toll Free: 1-877-944-RUDD