One of the Most Spectacular Wineries in Napa Valley

If you want a place to relax, take in the sunshine and sip a great glass of wine, stop by Sterling Vineyards. Known for bold and luscious Bordeaux-style red wines, the winery is perched on a hill 300 feet above the town of Calistoga. Many vistas offer panoramic views of Napa Valley including Sterling Vineyards’ estate vineyards which produced the valley’s first vintage dated merlot in 1969.

The winemaking team believes that their wines should express true varietal character. They craft each wine with this in mind, choosing gentle techniques tailored to bring out the aromas and flavors that each grape variety develops in the terroir it likes best. The resulting wines have exceptional quality that shines anywhere, with intriguing complexity that brings out the best in a wide variety of cuisines.

The winery sources wines of exceptional quality from the staggering slopes of Diamond Mountain Ranch, the flat valley floor of Three Palms Vineyard, and many other diverse terroirs throughout Napa Valley and other select California regions.

Single vineyard estates include Diamond Mountain Ranch and Three Palms Vineyard. These sites feature vastly different terroirs – Diamond Mountain Ranch has staggeringly steep slopes, while Three Palms, with its famous silhouette, stretches over the valley floor at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both produce single-vineyard wines of great distinction.

Your visit begins with a unique aerial tram ride that carries visitors up the hill to the winery, whose architecture was modeled after that of the Greek island of Mykonos, where Sterling Vineyards founder Peter Newton once lived. The brilliant white stucco stands out dramatically against the rugged Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley.

Once off the tram, you are greeted with a glass of wine to sip while you stroll through overlooks, and elevated walkways that allow guests to follow the winemaking process from grape to glass. As you tour the property, motion-activated flat-screen televisions provide detailed explanations. This arrangement lets guests tour the winery at their own pace, while tasting rich, opulent wines along the way.

As you stroll along the walkways, balconies and outdoor terraces, you will notice the winery’s towers housing eight bells from London’s Church of St. Dunstans-in-the-East, originally founded in the 10th century. The church was destroyed by fire in 1666, rebuilt, and destroyed again during the bombing of World War II. Each time, new bells were recast from the old metal to give them superior tonal quality. The rich tolling of these ancient bells sounds down through the valley on the quarter hour.

After your tour of the winemaking facilities you arrive at the elegant tasting rooms high atop this enchanted hill. You are welcomed to yet another perfect environment to enjoy exceptional wines while taking in forest, vineyard and mountain views. The extraordinary Mediterranean-style architecture, unique aerial tramway, stunning location, historic bells, and attention to visitors make Sterling Vineyards a top destination in Napa Valley. Reservations are not required and you are welcome to visit any time during normal operating hours: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sterling Vineyards is located at 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga. For more information, call 1-800-726-6136.

TASTING AND TOUR EXPERIENCES
Visitor fee includes aerial tram, self-guided tour, complimentary tasting of five wines and a souvenir wine glass.
General admission: $25
Under 21 General Admission: $10
3 and Under: Free

Reserve Wine Tasting Upgrade: $30
Includes additional tasting of a selected Reserve Wine, plus all of the General Admission features.

Sterling Silver VIP Experience: $35
Customized tasting of Single-Vineyard and Limited Release Wines.
Sterling Gold VIP Experience: $40
A three-wine flight of our "Best of the Best" Reserve wines!