It’s the perfect time to discover Calistoga’s finest wineries by participating in their third annual Winter in the Wineries Passport Program. Each passport costs $50 and lets you tour and taste wine from 17 different wineries now through February 5, 2012. Passport holders can visit any time during this two-month window to use all 17 tastings (one tasting flight per winery), as well as discounts at several of Calistoga’s finest restaurants and lodging properties. A Winter in the Wineries Passport provides an ideal way to explore what makes Calistoga a unique wine-growing region. To purchase a passport online, or for general information, visit the website at www.CalistogaVisitors.com.

Participating wineries include: Castello di Amorosa, Bennett Lane Winery, Chateau Montelena, Envy Winery, Jericho Canyon Vineyards, Lava Vine Winery, Madrigal Vineyards, Rios Wine Co., Sterling Vineyards, Summers Estate Wines, Tudal Winery, Twomey Cellars, Up Valley Vintners, Vermeil Wines/OnThEdge Winery, Von Strasser Winery, W.H. Smith Wines and Zahtila Vineyards. Participants must be 21 and over. Winery hours vary and participants are asked to look for instructions on their passport as some wineries require advance reservations.

Lodging properties offering special room rates to passport holders include: Best Western Plus Stevenson Manor, Brannan Cottage Inn, Calistoga Inn, Restaurant and Brewery, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Calistoga Wine Way Inn, Carlin Country Cottages, Chelsea Garden Inn, Christopher’s Inn, Comfort Inn Calistoga, Craftsman Inn, Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort, Eurospa & Inn, Mount View Hotel & Spa and Roman Spa Hot Springs.

Participating restaurants include All Seasons, Barolo, Brannan’s Grill, Calistoga Inn, Restaurant and Brewery, Hydro Bar & Grill and JoLe. Even Calistoga Balloons is offering some great packages to complete your Calistoga experience.

One of the most visited wineries is Sterling Vineyards and with views and amazing wines, it’s no wonder they top the list! Passport holders receive a self-guided journey including the aerial tram trip to the top as well as five tastings along the tour and a souvenir glass. For an additional $10, they are offering an upgrade to their Silver Experience which allows guests an additional two tastings in their cellar club room from either their small lot or single vineyard wines. Many of these wines are exclusive to the winery and they are offering some fantastic case discounts. The winery was built in 1973. Peter Newton took into account the surroundings and incorporated it in his design to end up with something that is so intertwined with nature that even while you are here, it goes unnoticed as to the actual size of the property. Even on the chilly day we visited, the views were amazing, the tasting rooms cozy, and the staff was so gracious. Reservations are not required and they are open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit their website at www.sterlingvineyards.com.

Almost directly across the street lies Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui’s authentic Tuscan castle. Even though this castle is just four years old, it was built with salvaged materials and replicas of period pieces are seen throughout the property. They produce primarily Italian style wines similar to the hand-crafted wines found in the central Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy, the homeland of Dario Sattui. The property has been planted with just red varietals of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their white grapes are grown in the Carneros district or in the Anderson Valley, as both of these cool areas are ideal for white wine grapes. Passport holders receive a guided tour of the winery, chapel, caves, torture room and tasting of five different wines with an optional upgrade to taste their reserve wines. This is an incredible value and makes for a completely unique wine tasting experience. While the architecture is fun to see, their premium wine will be the highlight of your visit as it is all exclusive to the winery. They are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (707) 967-6272 or at www.castellodiamorosa.com.

A little further north into Calistoga, you will find Summers Estate Wines located right off Tubbs Lane. This small family run winery boasts panoramic views of Mt. St. Helena, the Palisades and Old Faithful Geyser. Their laid-back tasting room provides guests with a personal wine-tasting experience that defines Calistoga wineries. Passport holders are able to taste four different small lot wines including their flagship wine, Charbono which is primarily grown in Calistoga. With all these views, they have an outdoor picnic area that you can enjoy or play bocce ball when the weather permits all while sipping Summers Wines. Reservations are not required and their tasting room is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bennett Lane Winery is just down the way from Summers Estate and is surrounded by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountains. Their tasting room is warm and welcoming and their focus is on wine and a personal tasting experience. They have created their own iPad app for use while tasting and the notes can be emailed or sent to facebook. With the passport, you are able to taste four award winning wines including their 2006 Maximus. There is a beautiful outdoor patio for guests who would like to enjoy their time in Calistoga with a lovely bottle of Bennett Lane wine. The tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-877-MAX-NAPA.