Located at the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, Calistoga is an AVA where the past and present intertwine. Calistoga wine country is an experience unlike any other, with a history steeped in pioneering spirit, a terroir that offers graceful wines, and wineries that embody the mountainous town.
In Calistoga, the people are warm-hearted, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the wines are compellingly complex—making Calistoga one of the most enchanting AVAs and a must-visit destination for wine lovers seeking authenticity.
The Roots of Calistoga: A Historic Haven
Calistoga’s story begins with the Wappo people, who revered its healing hot springs and abundant agricultural resources. In the mid-19th century, entrepreneur Samuel Brannan established the town, naming it Calistoga and envisioning it as a luxury resort modeled after Saratoga, New York. The region’s agricultural potential and geothermal springs quickly attracted settlers.
By the late 19th century, grape growing flourished alongside the spa culture, setting the stage for Calistoga’s future as a wine destination. This legacy was solidified in 1976 when Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris, a global wine competition that put Napa Valley—and Calistoga—on the map.
Through Prohibition, economic shifts, and Napa Valley’s rise as a global wine region, Calistoga has preserved its small-town charm while embracing innovation. Today, it remains celebrated for its rich history, geothermal springs, and exceptional wines, offering a timeless escape at the top of Napa Valley.
The Terroir: A Dance of Extremes
Calistoga’s dramatic terroir is shaped by its striking surroundings—Mount St. Helena, the Palisades, and the Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA experiences intense diurnal temperature swings, with the hottest days and coldest nights in Napa Valley. “This often leads to longer hang time for grapes, resulting in wines with bright cherry and berry notes,” said Stefanie Longton, General Manager of Bennett Lane Winery and President of Calistoga Winegrowers.
The region’s ancient volcanic activity has left its mark on the soils, but as Tom Eddy of Tom Eddy Winery explained, it’s not just about the soils. “Tremendous volcanic activity created the soils of the Calistoga area. . . and also led to changes in shifts, pressures, subduction and various bulges which created the Vaca range and Mayacamas.” This led to enhanced exposures, excellent drainage, and cooler nights, all contributing to superior wine flavor, color, balance, and structure.
Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in Calistoga, producing wines of depth and structure. Other French varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc play supporting roles in blends or as small components in single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon expressions. Zinfandel also finds a home, particularly at Chateau Montelena, where the varietal has been a hallmark since the estate’s early days.
The Wines of Calistoga: A Signature Style
Calistoga wines are graceful, structured, and deeply expressive of their origin. Cabernet Sauvignon stands out with notes of black currant, cassis, eucalyptus, and firm tannins, offering refinement and aging potential. Lesser-planted Zinfandel captures the region’s wild spirit, showcasing dark fruit and black pepper. Blending grapes like Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc add plush textures, heightened aromatics, and balance to the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating wines of remarkable elegance and personality that collectors adore.
A Taste of Calistoga: Notable Wineries
Calistoga’s over 50 wineries mirror the rich diversity of its terroir, each offering a glimpse into this storied AVA. From historic estates steeped in tradition to boutique producers crafting small-batch gems, these wineries embody the essence of Calistoga—authentic, character-driven, and home to the elegant wines that have defined the region’s reputation.
Photo courtesy of Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena
Few names are as synonymous with Calistoga as Chateau Montelena. With its ivy-clad stone château and renowned history, the winery offers a tasting experience steeped in legacy.
“We’re currently in the middle of the most comprehensive replant of the Montelena Estate in 50 years. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility,” said Matt Crafton, Chateau Montelena’s winemaker. “We’re fortunate to have five decades of local data, coupled with significant advances in both viticultural research and technology to drive our decision-making. We have the added benefits of deep institutional knowledge in our team and wonderful owners, the Barrett family, who share our long-term perspective and relentless pursuit of quality.”
Visitors can savor wines that reflect this meticulous stewardship while enjoying panoramic views of the estate’s manicured grounds, an idyllic jade-green lake, and picturesque walking paths framed by towering redwoods. The winery’s history, highlighted by its pivotal role in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, adds an air of reverence to every sip.
Tastings are held in the château’s intimate stone-walled spaces, blending elegance with a grounded connection to the land. “Calistoga is real,” said Crafton, and guests can expect a community-driven experience that feels authentic to the core.
Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family Vineyards
A cornerstone of Calistoga’s wine scene, Frank Family Vineyards seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary flair. “Frank Family Vineyards is known for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere,” said Liam Gearity, Director of Hospitality. Guests can enjoy outdoor tastings under the shade of 100-year-old elm trees, with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards, creating a tranquil, inviting atmosphere.
Inside the Historic Stone Building, built in 1884, visitors are transported to an era rich with winemaking heritage, while the Miller House offers a more modern, intimate setting for curated tastings. Frank Family’s commitment to storytelling shines in every detail, from its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons to its celebrated sparkling wines.
“We honor the building’s history by continuing to produce four sparkling wines using the traditional French champenoise method,” said Gearity. “Frank Family is honored to have inherited a century-long legacy of winemaking innovation and strives to carry on the tradition with each and every bottle shared with its guests.” Paired with warm hospitality and a rich sense of place, a visit to Frank Family Vineyards captures the essence of Calistoga’s timeless appeal.
Photo courtesy of Bennett Lane
Bennett Lane Winery
Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga specializes in approachable yet exceptional wines that showcase the region’s character. “We are a Cabernet house and are always excited about Cabernet Sauvignon in Calistoga,” said General Manager Stephanie Longton. But recently, the team has embraced Malbec, lauded for its rich, dark flavors. Alongside bold reds, their crisp, aromatic whites, like the signature Chardonnay, highlight Calistoga’s versatility.
Sustainability is key at Bennett Lane, with year-round cover crops reducing vineyard heat and ensuring balanced wines. “These crops help preserve the land and the quality of our grapes,” Longton explained. With Mount St. Helena as a backdrop, the tasting room exudes a welcoming, laid-back charm reflective of Calistoga’s ethos. Guests can enjoy intimate tastings of award-winning wines paired with educational insights. “We strive every day to be the friendliest tasting room in Napa Valley.”
Whether sipping their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon or exploring new blends, visitors leave with a sense of genuine hospitality and a deeper connection to this unique corner of Napa Valley.
Kerry’s Vineyard, photo courtesy of Ton Eddy Winery
Tom Eddy Winery
Perched on a tranquil mountainside, Tom Eddy Winery offers an intimate glimpse into Calistoga’s terroir and winemaking artistry. “My wife and I craft all winery visitations and include not just special tastings, but we share our property with guests and talk about the land, the vineyard, and the cave—and we explore everything at the estate, including our garden and our olive oil,” said owner, Tom Eddy.
Eddy’s focus on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the AVA’s potential for world-class wines. The PARCEL ONE label “is an illustrative storyboard of winemaking progress on the first and northernmost vineyard,” Eddy explained. Wines age in the winery’s subterranean caves, carved into the mountainside, where the nuances of terroir come alive. “Guests can enjoy a wine from a Parcel One bottle on the top of the mountain and almost taste the history in their glass!”
From meticulously tended vines to thoughtfully curated experiences, Tom Eddy Winery reflects a deep commitment to quality, place, and the timeless story of Napa Valley’s northernmost vineyards.
An Invitation to Explore
History, terroir, and hospitality converge in Calistoga, crafting wines as memorable as the landscapes that shape them. “When I ask first-time visitors how they had pictured Napa Valley, in their minds, they usually describe Calistoga,” said Crafton. “We’re down to earth, friendly, tied to the land, and accessible.” Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, Calistoga offers unpretentious charm, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable wines.
