Jack and Dolores Cakebread bought their first vineyard in 1972, a 22-acre site. The next year, they founded their Rutherford-based winery, Cakebread Cellars. The winery now holds 1,100 acres spread over 13 sites in Napa Valley and Anderson Valley with about 560 of those acres under vine. Cakebread is still owned and operated by the family.

Cakebread Cellars is best-known for its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. It also produces Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Lake County Zinfandel and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Merlot.

The wine styles are flavorful and generally fruit-driven, but still reflective of terroir. New French oak is used moderately and enhances the wine without obscuring natural complexity.