What to do and see in Calistoga, United States: The Best Places and Tips

Located at the extraordinary Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, Tamber Bey Vineyards is renowned for its 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. These hand crafted wines are meticulously cared for from the vineyards to the winery to make extraordinary Napa Valley character wines. With estate vineyards in the Oakville and Yountville appellations, these cool-climate grapes are designated for the Tamber Bey signature single-vineyard wines. The winery is located in a beautiful working horse ranch, and visitors will be treated to a truly unique experience of wine and horses.

Pride Mountain Vineyards specializes in Red Wine production, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The property is only open for wine tasting appointments to adult guests with a prior appointments. In compliance of our local codes and use-permits all appointments must be made in advance of arrival. Thank you, Pride Mountain Vineyards

Castello di Amorosa is one of Napa Valley's most unique wineries. At over 136,000 square feet, the authentically-built 13th-century Tuscan-style castle and winery offers a variety of tour options including Reserve wine tours, food and wine pairing tours and a cheese and wine tour. Castello di Amorosa makes a variety of award-winning wines from its location on the hillside above Calistoga. Try "Il Barone," the wine that Robert Parker rated 94 points. The Castello also produces Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Rose, Pinot Bianco, Sangiovese, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Il Brigante blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend, Il Raggio del Sole, Fantasia, Il Passito Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, the top dessert wine at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for two consecutive years.

Rudy’s passionate interest in Cabernet Sauvignon lead him to discover a family connection to Eric de Rothschild, and he wrote a letter asking to do an internship at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Each year the Chateau had been hiring an intern from the French winemaking program at Montpellier. Thinking that two minds are better than one, Mr. Rothschild invited Rudy to work for the 1985 harvest as their first American intern. Upon completion, Rudy returned to Napa Valley in the spring of 1986 and became the enologist at Trefethen Winery and Vineyards. In 1988, he became the assistant winemaker in charge of production at Newton Vineyards in St. Helena. Shortly after their marriage in 1989, Rudy and Rita von Strasser set out looking for a vineyard property to serve as a home for their future family as well as future brand. Having already developed a deep passion and talent for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Rudy was committed that the property must be in a microclimate blessed with the ability to grow and produce the finest red wines in Napa Valley. Coincidentally, the old Roddis Estate Winery on Diamond Mountain had just been put on the market, and in a bold move, the von Strasser label was born. From 1990 through 2016, von Strasser Winery made their mark on Napa Valley with their Diamond Mountain District Cabernets. Not only did Rudy spearhead the effort to turn Diamond Mountain District into a distinct AVA (American Viticultural Area), he assembled a core of the AVA’s best vineyards to partner with. On top of his Estate Vineyard, he has made vineyard designated wines from Sori Bricco Vineyard, Spaulding Vineyard, Post Vineyard, Agira Vineyard, Diamond Terraces Vineyard, Rainin Vineyard and Vineyard 2131. Over this period, he achieved unparalleled success as a Cabernet producer. Von Strasser Winery was named Wine and Spirits Magazine Winery of the Year for an unbelievable 13 times over this span. Starting in 2017, von Strasser is making another bold move by relocating their winery and expanding their labels. In late 2015, von Strasser Winery added Lava Vine Winery to their portfolio. Lava Vine, a small Calistoga winery, is known for its ‘alternative varietal’ portfolio of wines. The facility at Lava Vine is currently being expanded to include an ultra-modern fermentation and barrel aging building. The Lava Vine brand already has a loyal following thanks to their great wines and friendly tasting room. Over the next few years, Rudy will slowly expand the Lava Vine brand to focus on Pinot Noir, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Grüner Veltliner. However do not be surprised when offered a taste of Verdehlo, Tempranillo, charbono, or old-vine Zinfandel, and many other treats. And of course, Rudy will also continue to make his world class Von Strasser label single vineyard cabernet sauvignons.

Located 2000 feet above St. Helena, Schweiger Vineyards discovered by those in search of the authentic family winemaking experience. Enjoy incredible views overlooking Napa Valley, savor artisan style wines at this lovely Spring Mountain winery and just relax. Sip wines on the balcony, sit down to a paired tasting or tour the barrel room. Savor the signature Bordeaux-style blend “Dedication”, and the Cabernet Sauvignon along with the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings are by appointment.

This old winery has a castle-like main building.

When planning your visit to Calistoga, you’ll learn a lot if you make your first stop at the Welcome Center for guidance to get the most out of a visit. The Welcome Center is easily located at 1133 Washington Street, behind Brannan’s Grill.

A visit to Sherwin Family Vineyards, at the top of Spring Mountain above St. Helena, is like no other tasting experience. You will be treated to world-class wines in an idyllic setting overlooking the Estate’s vineyards and picturesque lake and fountain. Relax on the patio and sip a glass of Estate Cabernet while you enjoy a peaceful picnic on the deck. Or, on those chilly winter days, relax in front of a blazing fire in the beautifully appointed Tasting Room while enjoying Sherwin Family’s current releases. Whatever the season, your visit to Sherwin Family Vineyards will be a memorable experience that will linger, and the memory will enhance your enjoyment of the wines that you take home with you. We would love to show you a little Spring Mountain hospitality on your next visit to Napa Valley.