Rosé is the queen of summer wine for a reason: this delicate, delicious pink wine is refreshing and sophisticated. There are a variety of different ways to make rosé and, in fact, you can make rosé from just about any grape varietal. You’ll find rosés of zinfandel, pinot noir, charbono and more at wineries in Calistoga, each with their own unique flavor profile and shade of pink.
Check out these six wineries that produce rosé wine, each from a different varietal, so you can think pink this summer in Calistoga!
Castello di Amorosa: “Gioia”, Rosato di Sangiovese
Castello di Amorosa is the famous castle of Calistoga, a winery built to resemble a 13th century Tuscan castle, complete with crumbling tower walls, a dungeon and a torture chamber. Though you might have come for the views and ambiance, stay for the wine, especially Castello’s Italian-style rosé made from sangiovese grapes.
Laura Michael Wines: “Michael’s Muse”, Dry Rosé of Zinfandel
Once a popular grape in Calistoga, zinfandel has become rarer and rarer as cab has taken the throne of king in the Napa Valley. Laura Michael Wines is one such rare producer, still growing zinfandel grapes and producing not only complex, estate zinfandels but also this delicious dry rosé of zin! The winery is named for the couple who owns it, Laura and Michael. The rosé continues this eponymous tradition of honoring their love story, so it’s the perfect wine to enjoy on a romantic picnic for two.
Maldonado Family Vineyards: Rosé of Pinot Noir
Though most of California’s pinot noir grapes are grown in cooler, more coastal regions, some wineries are able to produce delicious pinot noirs even in Calistoga warmer climate. Maldonado Family Vineyards produces a lovely and refreshing rosé made from pinot noir grapes, making this downtown Calistoga tasting room a must-stop location.
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars: Petit Verdot Ruby Rosé
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars boasts one of the most relaxing patios in downtown Calistoga, complete with abundant shade from the property’s redwood trees. This verdant patio is the perfect spot for sipping the winery’s “ruby rosé”, made from petit verdot grapes. Petit verdot is a classic Bordeaux grape that used to be used primarily in blending, but Romeo Vineyards has really given this grape a chance to shine in the spotlight in this refreshing rosé.
Tamber Bey Vineyards: Provence-style Rosé of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre
Known in the industry as a “GSM” rosé, Tamber Bey Vineyards’ rosé of grenache, syrah and mourvedre is one of few truly Provence-style wines made in Calistoga. This blend is noted for its light, blush pink hue and a deliciously complex flavor that still manages to be refreshing when served chilled on a hot summer day. Sip this wine on your own front porch this summer or enjoy it at the winery, which resides on Calistoga’s Sundance Ranch, a world-class, 22-acre equestrian facility.
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So if you’ve been wearing rose-colored glasses this summer but haven’t found the right wine to match your mood, hopefully one of these Calistoga rosés will do the trick!