Sterling Vineyards, Calistoga

The winery is located at the top of a hill that commands a view of much of Napa Valley. It is a beautiful setting. The 'tour' is a wonderful self-guided tour, the winery beautiful. Don't expect a tour guide, though, because you don't get one. The $20 visitor fee includes a gondola ride from the parking lot to the winery, a self-guided tour (including some videos about the history of the winery and the wine-making process), and 4-5 tastes of wine. There are no options. It is $20 or no entrance to the winery. The view from the patio at the top of the winery is wonderful, with a great view of nearby Castello di Amorosa. $20 is a lot to pay to enter a winery. Is it worth it? It may be if this is your first visit to Napa Valley and you are not planning to visit many other wineries in the same day (paying $5-10 each).

Yes, they are a winery. But Sterling is recommended by most probably because the ride up is VERY scenic. But when visting you need to ask about their Reserve wines. Unlike me, my wife doesn't really care for wine, but the staff at Sterlings spent time with us and helped us find styles and vintages she really liked. Their staff is GREAT! 110% about the vistors and great to talk with. Be sure to take advantage of your visit by tasting their Cellar Reserves. These limited production wines are fantastic and unless you visit and taste them you'll never know how really spectacular wine can be. It's the difference of just another wine tasting and a visit you'll always remember. Well worth the trip.

Includes an aerial tram ride to the winery which has stunning views of Calistoga and the surrounding Napa valley. World renowned wine tasting .. we tasted wines that will be served at the 2007 Academy Awards Dinner! I live in Calistoga & highly recommend this tour. It's a great experience to share with out of town guests.