In 1943, Joseph Judson Cohn, an MGM Executive Producer of films such as The Wizard of Oz, acquired the 195-acre (79 ha) property of Rutherford land adjacent to Inglenook Winery founded by Gustave Niebaum. In 1945 he was persuaded by his neighbor in charge of Inglenook since 1939, John Daniel Jr., to plant grapevines on his estate. 80 acres (32 ha) were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fruit from the Cohn estate was sold to Inglenook. In later years, the fruit from the J.J. Cohn Estate was sold to Opus One, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Beaulieu Vineyard.

Today, the Scarecrow label pays tribute to the endearing and indomitable character from J.J. Cohn's 'The Wizard of Oz'. Scarecrow evokes a distinctly American agricultural icon and American optimism. And most importantly, Scarecrow honors the remarkable life of J.J. Cohn.