When it comes to wine tasting in Napa Valley, Calistoga offers experiences that are imbued with a rich sense of the region’s history.
(Photo: Larkmead Vineyards)
Located at the northern end of California’s Napa Valley, the small city of Calistoga is home to a large number of long-standing wineries that have helped make the region one of the world’s most historically important wine-producing areas. These estates are home to incredible grounds, picturesque views, and – most enticingly – extravagant wine tasting experiences. Here’s our round-up of the best luxury wine tasting on offer in Calistoga.
Larkmead Vineyards
Originally established in 1895, the family-owned Larkmead Vineyards’ Estate Tasting includes a walking tour of the vineyards and winery, focusing on the family’s sustainable growing methods and long history in Napa Valley. Following the tour, guests sample one of the vineyard’s limited-production white wines, before moving on to four red wines, including prestigious library selections and complemented by a light selection of cheese and charcuterie. There’ll also be ample opportunity to enjoy the scenic grounds, amble around the vineyards and pollinator gardens, and take in the panoramic vistas. From $125 per person.
Chateau Montelena Winery
(Photo: Chateau Montelena Winery)
The tasting at Montelena Estate is a semi-private, seated experience in which guests will begin with a library Chardonnay – the variety that won the highly sought-after Judgment of Paris Tasting in 1976 – followed by a comparative tasting of four Estate Cabernet Sauvignon vintages. Th experience is designed to provide insight into the way that vintages dictate the nuances of a given wine, as well as showcase the way the region’s terroir produces age-worthy Cabernet year after year. be sure to walk the beautiful gardens and catch a glimpse of the colourful koi fish that reside in the onsite Jade Lake. From $125 per person.
Brian Arden Wines
(Photo: Curtis Patterson / Courtesy Brian Arden Wines)
At Brian Arden Wines, visitors can soak up beautiful views of the Vaca Mountains while working their way through the Reserve Private Tasting, which includes a guided tour of the tasting room, winery, and vineyards, followed by a seated wine and cheese pairing experience. Wines that you’ll sample include five Cabernet Sauvignons together with an in-depth look at the estate’s Clone Series. Cabernet lovers won’t want to miss this deep dive into the influence of clonal selection. From $135 per person.
Schramsberg
(Photo: Schramsberg)
For bubbles aficionados and history buffs, Schramsberg won’t disappoint, marrying the two harmoniously. The estate’s history dates back to the 19th century when German immigrant Jacob Schram first made his home – and started his own winery – on Diamond Mountain in Calistoga. In 1965, the estate was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davies and, ten years late, the Davies family set out to produce their own sparkling wine. Today, the Cave Tour with All Sparkling Wine Tasting is a steal at its price point, offering guests a chance to look around their wine caves before sitting down to a tasting of five limited-production sparkling wines. From $85 per person.
Davis Estates
(Photo: Davis Estates)
The Estate Wine & Food Pairing at Davis Estates is a seated, private-table tasting that offers a mix of select varietals from their current-released wines. These wines are accompanied by seasonal delicacies that have been artfully paired by the Executive Chef to showcase the versatility of their wine collection. Current-release varietals include Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. From $100 per person.