Our History

It began in the late 1960's when William (Bill) P. Jaeger, II had a vision. He saw the 650 acres around the intersection of Big Ranch Road and Oak Knoll Avenue to be instrumental to the development of what the Napa Valley has become today. Hindsight being 20/20, we know it takes a person of vision to change the world and that is what Bill was and continues to be. Drive east on Oak Knoll Avenue from Highway 29 and you will experience the vision of quality that Bill had when he planted the walnut trees defining the avenue and the vineyards on either side.

With only a handful of wineries in the Napa Valley, Bill and his business partners became the owners of Freemark Abbey Winery in 1967. Could they have really known what lay in store for the valley over the next 30 years? It appears that visionaries know it in their hearts.

In 1976, this vision of excellence continued to expand as Bill, his wife Lila and their four children Betsy, Billy, Jeff and Jack purchased a recently established winery just east of the Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Under their ownership, the winery was renamed Rutherford Hill. Now known for its wine caves, outrageous views of the valley and its scented olive groves, Rutherford Hill Winery continues to enhance the grace and elegance of the Napa Valley.

Today, the Jaeger Family continues to follow their commitment to excellence in our community. The Family owns and farms over 225 acres in the Napa Valley. They are involved in many businesses and projects that include improvements to the town of American Canyon, the theatre/arts programs of St. Helena High School, Charter Oak Bank, Barrel Associates, Premier Wine Cask, Jaeger Family Olive Oil and more.

Contact us now to join this amazing family's tradition of excellence by making us your wine-grape grower, both this year and for many years to come.