Sterling Vineyards
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 942-3300
- Cross Street:
- Silverado Trail
- Hours:
- Daily 10:30am-4:30pm
Editorial Review for Sterling Vineyards – by Citysearch Staff
The Background
Founded in 1964 with 50 acres of grapevines, Sterling Vineyards first produced cabernet sauvignon, the acknowledged king of Napa varietals at the time. But the winery was also an early producer of chardonnay and merlot, an audacious step for the times.
The Experience
After the bumper-to-bumper traffic along Napa's winery-lined Route 29, the peace and quiet of Sterling Vineyards is worth the price of admission. Visitors leave their cars at the entrance, then board a "sky tram" for a breathtaking ride up the steep hillside. The winery itself is an imposing, white Mediterranean-style building surrounded by stunning views across the valley. Once there, guests can take a self-guided tour with informational placards explaining the wine-making process. A sunlit tasting room offers samples of current releases, and the Sterling Vineyards Portfolio of Art & Wine History, a collection of artifacts and artwork, is on display throughout.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkComplimentary tastings for four sterling wines at the Hilltop Visiter's Center are included in the admission fee.
Know Before You GoReservations are required for groups of nine or more.
Save MoneyThe summer season increases the adult admission fee to $20 between April and October.
The ExtrasAs a more comprehensive and intimate tour, the Reserve Tour & Tasting provides you with a knowledgable tour guide as well as a private tasting at an elegant room. The tour is available daily at 11am and the fee is $45.
User Reviews for Sterling Vineyards
07/02/2006 Posted by ironeagle48162
My husband and I just visited Sterling last week for the first time. We thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The air tram ride was fun and had great views. The self-guided tour was decent; it was nice to move at our own pace. Our tour culminated in the tasting of 5 wines in the tasting room. Service was prompt and courteous. I thoroughly enjoyed their 2005 Malvasia Bianca. I highly recommend that wine if you like sweet! We had never visited a winery before and we were afraid that it would be too frou-frou, but we fit in just fine. Definitely bring your camera! If you are going with children, which we weren't, the staff doesn't forget about them. I noticed the kids getting full-sized Capri Sun juices and coloring goodies to keep them occupied. Here's a tip: If you go to Sterling's web site, click on "Visitor Information". There, you can get a coupon that will allow you and up to 3 other adults to visit for only $10 if you go before 12:30.
Pros: Easy to find, easy parking, great service
Cons: None
03/21/2006 Posted by housemaidsknee
The views are great - the self guided tour is decent. the wine is pleabeian at best. there are much better wines to be had in napa. still, we enjoyed the views and the lift ride - and would recommend going once. dont waste your dollars on the wine.
Pros: tour, lift ride
Cons: wine
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