Ruby Hill Winery

Open: Year-round

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy at Ruby Hill Winery is simple. It begins in the vineyard growing and sourcing the best grapes we can find. Then continues in the cellar where one of Livermore Valley's premier winemaker's Chris Graves, hand-crafts each wine to perfection. Our wines are balanced and approachable, they can be enjoyed now, but can be treasured for the years to come. We offer our wines at reasonable price so everyone can afford to enjoy them. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will insure that you have an unforgettable day.

Our History:

In 1883 John Crellin planted the first vineyards into a red clay knoll and called it "Ruby Hill". By 1889, Ruby Hill Winery was one of the largest producers of wine in the Livermore Valley. John passed away in 1921 and the property went through a number of owners, Prohibition, and fire that nearly destroyed it all.

Protected by the Friends of the Vineyards since the 1980s, Ruby Hill Winery was resurrected by Mike Callahan in 2002 and our tasting room was opened in 2008. Joined by award-winning winemaker Chris Graves, Ruby Hill Winery continues to make history.

Our Winemaker:

Chris Graves grew up in the California Sierra Foothills where his love affair with wine began. By age 16, Chris knew he wanted to pursue a career in winemaking. Graduating from the world-renowned Viticulture and Enology program at University of California Davis in 2004, Chris was quickly hired by Wente Vineyards as their Enologist. A year later he was promoted to Assistant Winemaker and then to Winemaker of Tamás Estates (a Wente brand). There he specialized in Cal-Ital style wines.

In 2007, Chris partnered with Mike Callahan and resurrected Ruby Hill Winery. Chris produces award-winning wines using the best grapes possible from the Livermore Valley and Central Coast regions. Chris is also the Winemaker of our sister winery, Rubino Estates Winery. He lives on the property with his wife Juliet, son Ethan, daughters Ryan and Lexi Mae. He loves his family, spending his days in the vineyard and creating the best wines possible.

Our Vineyards:

Any successful winemaker will tell you great wine begins in the vineyard. At Ruby Hill Winery we practice the highest level of sustainable farming to ensure we produce the best quality grapes possible. The vineyards have excellent drainage, soil, and the hills surrounding us create a microclimate which allows the vines to thrive like no other vineyards in the Livermore Valley.

We grow many different varietals including: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah. When you combine the unique terrior of the Livermore Valley and our estate vines with the practices of our winemaker, you produce great wines.

Our Cellar:

Although great wine begins in the vineyard, it is in the cellar where it becomes truly extraordinary. At Ruby Hill Winery we use the best winemaking technology available, strict guidelines for quality and sanitation, and most of all the right people. Our wine production team works tirelessly to hand-craft the best quality wine possible. A labor of love makes Ruby Hill Winery the Gem of Wines.