Calistoga: Wine, Dine and Unwind

Taste

Tedeschi Family Winery

Tedeschi Family Winery is a small, family-owned estate that prides itself on producing handcrafted wines with a deep connection to the land. The winery has been in the Tedeschi family for three generations, and their approach to winemaking reflects a commitment to quality over quantity. The tasting experience at Tedeschi is intimate and personal, often hosted by a member of the Tedeschi family. The winery specializes in small-batch wines, with their Petite Sirah being particularly noteworthy for its robust flavor profile and deep complexity. Guests can take part in private tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, including a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the cellar where the wines are aged.

Piazza Del Dotto

Piazza Del Dotto is part of the Del Dotto family of wineries, known for their opulent, Italian-inspired aesthetic. The Piazza itself feels like a piece of Tuscany transplanted into Napa Valley, with its grand architecture and elaborate cave tours. The winery offers an immersive experience that includes guided tours of their wine caves, where guests can sample wines directly from the barrel. The emphasis here is on sensory exploration, with tastings accompanied by artisanal foods designed to complement the wines. Piazza Del Dotto is particularly known for its wine-paired lunches, where guests can enjoy a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients alongside their tasting. The experience is designed to showcase the harmony between food and wine, with each course carefully curated to highlight the winery’s offerings.

Madrigal Family Winery

Madrigal Family Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has been a fixture in Napa Valley for over three generations. The winery is set against the backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for wine tasting. Madrigal specializes in Rhone varietals, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy high-quality wines in a casual setting. In addition to standard tastings, Madrigal offers vineyard tours that provide insight into their sustainable farming practices. Guests can also participate in blending sessions, where they can create their own custom wine blend to take home.

Von Strasser Family of Wines

Located on the slopes of Diamond Mountain, von Strasser Family of Wines is a boutique winery that specializes in single-vineyard wines. The winery’s remote location and serene setting make it a great discovery for wine enthusiasts looking to explore off the beaten path. Von Strasser is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is produced in small quantities from select vineyard blocks. The winery offers private tastings that include a tour of the vineyards and a detailed explanation of their winemaking philosophy. These tastings provide a deeper understanding of the terroir-driven approach that defines von Strasser’s wines.

Chateau Montelena

This storied (and well-known) winery is not only a producer of exceptional Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also a landmark in the annals of winemaking history. Chateau Montelena’s victory at the 1976 Judgment of Paris cemented its place in oenological lore. The estate itself is a sight to behold, with its ivy-clad chateau and tranquil Jade Lake offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely afternoon.

Unwind

Solage

Solage offers a sophisticated escape where contemporary design meets the healing powers of Calistoga’s natural springs. The chic, minimalist aesthetic of Solage is complemented by its geothermal pools, offering a serene environment where one can unwind and rejuvenate in style. The rooms and suites, each in its own “cabin”, are designed with a modern, understated aesthetic, each featuring outdoor spaces that connect guests to the natural beauty of the region. The resort’s signature Mudslide treatment is a highlight, utilizing the area’s volcanic ash to detoxify and rejuvenate. Solage offers a full-service spa with geothermal pools, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Solbar, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. The resort also provides bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside at their own pace.

Indian Springs Resort and Spa

Indian Springs is one of Calistoga’s oldest and most iconic spa resorts, with a history dating back to the 19th century. The resort’s geyser-fed pools and volcanic mud baths have been attracting visitors for over a century, offering a quintessential Calistoga experience. The resort’s volcanic mud baths are a signature offering, combining local volcanic ash with natural hot spring water in a therapeutic soak that soothes both body and mind. The mineral pools, including the historic Olympic-sized pool, are another highlight, offering a relaxing way to experience the healing properties of Calistoga’s natural springs.

Day trips

Should you have more than. a weekend, and have tasted and done the spa, venture out to the wider wine country area- St. Helena, Napa, Yountville, Sonoma, and even a drive over to the Guerneville area will give you new landscapes (think Redwoods), more tasting and dining options.

Calistoga Depot

Built in 1868, Calistoga Depot is California's second oldest train station and a key historical landmark. Restored with modern amenities, it now features a distillery and diverse dining options, including a Mexican restaurant in a train car and al fresco oyster dining in landscaped gardens. This blend of history and contemporary charm makes it a must-visit.

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

Since 1920, this beloved spot on Lincoln Avenue has been a hub for dining and social gatherings, even playing a clever role during Prohibition. The rustic restaurant and brewery offer house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and one of Napa’s first microbreweries. Its outdoor beer garden provides a charming setting by the Napa River.

Evangeline Restaurant

This cozy bistro brings New Orleans flair to Napa Valley, housed in a charming early 20th-century building. The intimate dining room and shaded patio set the scene for French Creole-inspired dishes like gumbo and beignets, all made with local ingredients. The curated wine list features Napa and French selections.

Sarafornia Café

Fondly known as "Sara's," this nostalgic café celebrates Calistoga's history with a diner vibe featuring checkered floors and vintage memorabilia. Known for hearty American breakfasts and lunches, signature dishes include fluffy pancakes and the "Hangtown Fry," an homage to the Gold Rush. It's a delightful spot to start your day with unpretentious charm.