Calistoga Winter in the Wineries People’s Choice Awards
For the first time in 2017-2018, Passport holders were invited to vote on their favorite Calistoga wines and wineries in particular categories. Voters were entered to win an Instant Wine Cellar of 17 bottles of wine, one from each winery in the Passport.
Congratulations to Serena S. of Ocoee, FL for winning the Instant Wine Cellar!
Winter in the Wineries 2018-2019 Passport will run Saturday, December 1, 2018 through Sunday, February 3, 2019. Mark your calendars!
Congratulations to the People’s Choice Awards Winners!
Best Merlot 2017-2018:
Castello di Amorosa
Best Dessert Wine 2017-2018:
Castello di Amorosa
Most Informative Winery Staff 2017-2018:
Chateau Montelena
Best Sauvignon Blanc 2017-2018:
Tamber Bey Vineyards
Best Napa Valley View 2017-2018:
Sterling Vineyards
Friendliest Winery Staff 2017-2018:
Laura Michael Wines
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars
(tie)
Exclusive News Media Sponsor of Calistoga Winter in the Wineries 2017-2018
August Briggs Winery
August Briggs Winery is a craft producer of small lot wines focused on a winemaking philosophy that highlights provenance, not pretense. Upon visiting you will taste delicious wines from exclusive vineyards that were selectively chosen by owners, Matt and Colette, who live by their hands-on management style: ‘You get back what you put in’. Closed: 12/24, 12/25, 12/31, 1/1
Bennett Lane Winery
Bennett Lane is home to some of the valley’s finest wines and is the friendliest tasting room in the Napa Valley. The winery has garnered an incredible 41 90+ Point Scores from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Come try our top value Red Blend, Maximus, composed of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. Closed 12/25 and 2/3/18.
Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa is an authentically-styled 13th century Tuscan castle winery. Its 136,000 sq. ft. boasts a great hall, courtyard, chapel, dungeon, torture chamber, wine barrel room, and a variety of tasting rooms featuring hand-crafted Italian style wines. Award-winning wines include Il Barone Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (94 Points, Robert Parker). Closed 12/25.
Chateau Montelena Winery
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley winery whose chardonnay won the famous 1976 Paris Tasting, subject of the 2008 Hollywood movie, “Bottle Shock.” The winery is best known today for elegant, age worthy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and classic style Chardonnay. Visit the stately Chateau, built in 1882.
Hans Fahden Winery
Established in 1912, Hans Fahden Winery is a boutique winery located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Its mountain hillside terroir is a nutrient rich volcanic soil ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to its small production, wines are exclusively available at the winery or wine club. Closed 12/23 – 1/2/18.
Heibel Ranch Vineyards
This old school family vineyard & winery was established in 2001 and produces less than 500 cases per vintage “from dirt to bottle.” Its two-acre CCOF certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel & Petite Sirah vineyard provides the core of these small lot, hand crafted wines. Closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
Helena View Johnston Vineyards
Helena View Johnston is in its 25th year as a certified organic grape grower and wine producer specializing in Bordeaux reds. Estate wines are produced from 30+ year-old dry-farmed vines, then subject to extended fermentation methods before being aged in French and American oak barrels. Closed 12/25.
Laura Michael Wines
Laura Michael Wines is a family owned and operated boutique winery that produces less than 2,000 cases of wine per year. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel; these wines are not found in grocery stores or restaurants. Closed 12/25 and 1/1.
Madrigal Family Winery
Since the late 1930s, the Madrigal family has been farming some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards. Its family history is a constant source of inspiration, and guides in winemaking. Closed 12/25 and 1/1.
Maldonado Family Vineyards
Enjoy hand-crafted wines that give insight into these distinctive growing regions. Discover the unique dual role of winegrower and winemaker. With a combined wisdom from generations past and present, the Maldonado family farms the finest grapes possible to create balanced, rich wines. Closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
Picayune Cellars
Picayune Cellars is a négociant-style winery dedicated to making wines of outstanding quality that are also exceptional values. In addition to wine, curated gift items from both French and American artisans are featured. Closed 12/25 and 1/1.
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars has been producing elegant and enduring wines from its Calistoga Estate since 1997. Its vines, some over 46 years old, produce wine with full flavor, deep color and intense complexity. The tasting room is located in a converted 1870’s carriage house adorned with bespoke artwork by world-renowned artist Carlo Marchiori. Closed 12/25 and 1/1.
Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards has been long held as one of Napa Valley’s landmark, “must-see” wineries. Arrive at the hilltop winery via aerial tram and follow an informative self-guided tour with informational displays enhanced by a winemaker’s video tour. The Sterling staff is known for their gracious hospitality and extensive wine knowledge. Closed 12/25 and 1/1.
Tamber Bey Vineyards
Tamber Bey Vineyards is an ultra-premium winery that produces estate-grown wines at Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, a 22-acre equestrian facility dedicated to training endurance racehorses. Come taste delicious wines, meet the horses and enjoy stunning views of Mount St. Helena and the Palisades. Closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
Tank Garage Winery
Tank Garage Winery comes to life in a 1930s-era gas station featuring a small collection of one-off, uniquely-crafted wines that celebrate the heart and soul of vintage California culture and creativity. Never Dream Alone. Closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
T-Vine Winery
T-Vine Winery is built on a passion for crafting small lots of big, juicy red wines from unique varieties, old vines and seasoned growers. These wines are big, dark, balanced and brimming with fruit, reminiscent of jumping into a blackberry tangle on a bright summer’s day. Closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
von Strasser & Lava Vine Winery
Located in the heart of Calistoga, von Strasser & Lava Vine Winery is proud to offer a wide array of varietals in a delightfully casual environment. You are invited to indulge in Cabernet Sauvignon from the Diamond Mountain District as well as alternative varietals from all over California. Closed 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1.
2017-2018 Passport Featured Complimentary Tastings at 17 Calistoga Wineries
Passport holders were treated to complimentary wine tasting flights at 17 Calistoga wineries. They experienced every facet of the unique Calistoga wine region, from the towering hillside castle at Castello di Amorosa to the négociant-style wines featured in Picayune Cellars’ adorable downtown tasting room. The other wineries participating in the Passport included: August Briggs Winery, Bennett Lane Winery, Chateau Montelena, Hans Fahden, Heibel Ranch Vineyards, Helena View Johnston Vineyards, Laura Michael Wines, Madrigal Family Winery, Maldonado Family Vineyards, Romeo Vineyards & Cellars, Sterling Vineyards, Tamber Bey, Tank Garage Winery, T-Vine Winery and von Strasser & Lava Vine Winery.
Some restrictions may apply: Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and redeem passport offers. Most wineries limit group size to no more than 6-8 people. Most wineries closed on major holidays. Once you have your Passports, please read details of individual offers carefully.