Calistoga - WineCountry.com

10 Must-Visit Calistoga Wineries

Hana-Lee Sedgwick — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:01:41 +0000

At the northern end of Napa Valley is the quaint town of Calistoga, known for its mineral waters and mud baths as much as for its small town charm. This area of Wine Country is also home to a wide assortment of world-class wineries, where you’ll find impressive tasting rooms offering welcoming ambiances and plenty of complex wines. Whether you have a couple of days or a full week to visit, here are a few wineries we adore in Calistoga.

Wineries / Calistoga

Tamber Bey

Located at Sundance Ranch, a 22-acre equestrian training facility, Tamber Bey Vineyards specializes in handcrafted cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and chardonnay grown on their estate vineyards. The tasting room is located in the original barn clubhouse, where you can observe the horses while sipping your wine as you take in the views of Mount St. Helena.

Insider Tip

You can add a gourmet picnic box to either of the tasting experiences offered, which can be enjoyed on reserved picnic tables looking out at the picturesque grounds, but be sure to also ask about the signature savory cookie pairing for something a little different.

Image courtesy of Tamber Bey

Details Visit Website

Wineries / Calistoga

Bennett Lane Winery

Bennett Lane is a worthy stop while touring Calistoga, recognized for its friendly staff and portfolio of 50 wines that have scored over 90 points from top critics and publications. Choose from three different tasting options served in their intimate tasting room, located only a few minutes from downtown Calistoga.

Insider Tip

Ever wanted to be a winemaker for a day? Bennett Lane offers private blending sessions, so you can create your own custom wine blend to take home with you.

Image courtesy of Bennett Lane

Details Visit Website

Wineries / Calistoga

Frank Family Vineyards

Frank Family Vineyards’ popular tasting room is located within the property’s original yellow Craftsman house. Here you can taste a wide selection of the handcrafted wines they’ve become known for, such as chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, as well as port and a Late Harvest chardonnay. In fact, many of these limited-production wines are only avaialble in the tasting room.

Insider Tip

To the Frank family, good hospitality is as important as making good wine, which is why the winery hosts several events throughout the year. Don’t miss their popular Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner, taking place in the summer.

Image courtesy of Frank Family Vineyard

Details Visit Website

Wineries / Calistoga

CAMi Art + Wine

At this contemporary studio in downtown Calistoga, vintner and artist Laurie Shelton showcases her passion for both art and wine. Within the modern space, you can sample CAMi’s estate grown Bordeaux varietals and blends while admiring a curated collection of modern artworks. As with any art gallery, the art on display changes a few times a year.

Insider Tip

This boutique winery is uber-small, producing only 300 cases or less a year, so if you like the wines be sure to sign up for the Collector List, which gives you guaranteed access to new releases, along with discounts and invites to special events.

Image courtesy of Visit Calistoga

Details Visit Website

Wineries / Calistoga

Canard Vineyard

This private winery, which recently opened its doors again to visitors, offers its guests the opportunity to taste premium wines made from sustainably-grown, dry-farmed grapes. Owners Rich and Carolyn Czapleski lead by the philosophy that “if you take care of the vines, the vines will take care of you,” which is evident in the wines made from this picturesque 25-acre property.

Insider Tip

While you’ll find cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot grown here, don't miss the zinfandel, which contains fruit from their dry-farmed vines planted over 135 years ago.

Image courtesy of Canard Vineyard

Details Visit Website

Wineries / Calistoga

Larkmead Vineyards

Established in 1895, the historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. While the 110 acres of estate vines are mostly dedicated to cabernet sauvignon, there’s also merlot, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, and petit verdot planted, as well as a small block of 100-year-old tocai friulano. Make an appointment to taste their sought-after wines while you relish in the winery’s peaceful setting.

Insider Tip

Larkmead is one of the most diverse single vineyards in the valley, where seven different soil types and varied topography shows the depth of character of this site. While the red wines are a must for serious oenophiles, their crisp and mineral-driven sauvignon blanc shouldn't be overlooked.

Image courtesy of Larkmead - Jimmy Hayes | JMB Photo

Details

Wineries / Calistoga

Jericho Canyon Vineyard

Tucked in a beautiful canyon just outside of Calistoga, Jericho Canyon Vineyard is a boutique winery specializing in premium cabernet sauvignon sourced from their surrounding estate vineyards. With an intimate tasting experience that takes you through the underground caves and through the vineyards by ATV, this off-the-beaten path winery makes for a memorable, one-of-a-kind visit.

Insider Tip

While the red wines are sure to impress, don’t miss their sauvignon blanc, which is grown on the coarse, rocky soils of the property, resulting in a wine with bright minerality and complex flavors.

Image courtesy of Jericho Canyon

Details

Wineries / Calistoga

Storybook Mountain Vineyards

Earning accolades for its zinfandel since 1983, the family-owned Storybook Mountain has remained dedicated to crafting wines using an artisanal approach. The personalized tasting experience includes a tour of the property and 130-year-old caves, and a chance to taste their prized wines in a casual, intimate setting.

Insider Tip

Storybook Mountain is a true family business. The winery was founded by Jerry and Sigrid Seps, and their daughter, Colleen Williams, is the associate winemaker. Colleen’s husband, Rick, manages sales and marketing. Chances are, you’ll meet at least one member of the family during your visit.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Storybook Mountain Vineyards

Details

Wineries / Calistoga

Brian Arden Wines

Situated along the Silverado Trail, Brain Arden is a small, family-owned winery specializing in limited-production Bordeaux varietal wines and blends. Tastings include five wines of either current releases or various vintages of cabernet sauvignon, depending on the tasting experience chosen, enjoyed alongside views of the Palisade Mountains.

Insider Tip

Foodies, take note: Brain Arden offers a gourmet food and wine experience, which includes a tour of the gardens, grounds, and production facility, followed by a five-course, wine-paired meal cooked in front of you by the winery’s own estate chef.

Image courtesy of Brian Arden

Details

Wineries / Calistoga

Elusa Winery

Located at the Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga, Elusa is the newest project by famed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who brings a vineyard-focused, minimalist approach to making Bordeaux varietal wines. You can taste the wines at Elusa’s elegant tasting salon, which highlights a contemporary-rustic design and neutral color palette, adding to the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of the space.

Insider Tip

Cabernet fans may want to upgrade to the Evolution of Elusa tasting, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the winery and winemaking philosophies. Following a guided tour of the winemaking facility, this experience concludes with a vertical tasting of library cabernet wines in the chic setting of the vintner’s lounge.

Courtesy of Elusa Winery | Kim Carroll

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Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Hana-Lee Sedgwick, based in her hometown of Santa Barbara, California, specializes in West Coast wine, food and travel. Her work has appeared in publications including Santa Barbara Magazine, The Tasting Panel, and 7×7. She loves to travel, stay active, and share food and wine with friends. Follow her on Instagram at @wanderandwine or visit her blog, wanderandwine.com.

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Destination-Worthy California Wine Country B&Bs & Inns

Hana-Lee Sedgwick — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 18:41:39 +0000

California has no shortage of beautiful resorts worth checking into, but there’s something a little more personal about staying at a smaller bed and breakfast or inn. And, while there’s certainly nothing wrong with the traditional B&Bs of yesteryear, today’s modern version of the bed and breakfast inn offers so much more than just breakfast.

Yes, you can expect to nosh on daily gourmet breakfasts, but you’ll also get to take advantage of beautifully-appointed rooms, luxurious amenities, and little details such as afternoon wine hours. From Sonoma and Napa Valley all the way down to Santa Barbara, here are our top picks for best Wine Country B&Bs and inns throughout the Golden State.

French Flair in Napa

Lavender – A Four Sisters Inn

Courtesy of Lavender Inn

Originally a country farmhouse from the 1850s, this historic property is one of the oldest homes in Napa Valley and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the house and its cottages have since been renovated with modern details like peaked ceilings and private outdoor courtyards, it still retains its historic charm from its early days as a B&B. Each guest room features a fireplace, king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, and a color palette that adds a touch of Provençal flair. Outside, a lavender garden further adds to the feeling of being in the French countryside. Each morning, you’ll get to savor the inn’s signature breakfast buffet, featuring hot items, baked goods, granola, fruit, coffee, and tea. Feeling like staying in bed? Breakfast can be delivered to your room for $10.

2020 Webber Avenue, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-1388

A Moment of Zen in Glen Ellen

Gaige House + Ryokan

Courtesy of Gaige House + Ryokan

Just a short drive from downtown Sonoma is the quaint community of Glen Ellen, where the zen-like retreat of Gaige House + Ryokan awaits. Featuring 23 guest rooms set amongst the tranquil property, this one-of-a-kind B&B is accented with modern Asian elements — think private zen gardens and bamboo lined paths — to help one to fully embrace a feeling of serenity. To enhance your experience even more, make time for the inn’s wellness treatments, such as the in-room spa services, outdoor private meditation classes, and private yoga sessions. Jasmine green tea service and matcha cookies at check-in further the inn’s homage to Japanese traditions, while locally-inspired breakfasts and artisan wine and cheese happy hours remind you that you are indeed in California Wine Country.

13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, (707) 935-0237

Romantic Napa Valley Escape

Poetry Inn

Courtesy of Poetry Inn

Perched on a hillside and nestled amongst cabernet sauvignon vines in the heart of the Stags Leap District, this quaint, five-room inn is a welcome respite for those seeking a romantic escape in Napa Valley. Designed by the famed Wine Country architect Howard Backen (and owned by the team behind Cliff Lede Vineyards), Poetry Inn offers spacious rooms outfitted with king-sized beds, large soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and private balconies with picturesque views. Further adding to the peaceful vibe at this adults-only inn are plush amenities such as Italian robes, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, twice daily housekeeping, personalized concierge service, and gourmet three-course breakfasts prepared daily. It’s the perfect hideaway for those seeking serenity and romance just minutes from downtown Yountville.

6380 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944-0646

Sophistication in Santa Ynez

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Courtesy of Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, founded by the late actor turned vintner, Fess Parker, is located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Each of the 19 rooms at this welcoming inn displays tasteful décor, along with an in-room Keurig coffee maker, gas fireplace, and a King-sized, pillow top bed. Included with a stay here is a delicious, made-to-order breakfast at the inn’s on-site restaurant, The Bear and Star, where most of the offerings are sourced from the Fess Parker ranch just a few miles away. After breakfast, lounge beside the inn’s heated pool or venture down the street for a 2-for-1 tasting at sister winery, Epiphany Cellars. The Fess Parker is an especially convenient place to stay if you enjoy tasting wine, as there are over 30 tasting rooms within walking distance.

2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441, (805) 688-7788

Historic Luxury in Calistoga

Francis House

Courtesy of Napa Valley Register

This restored historical hotel offers a welcome dose of Parisian elegance right in the heart of Calistoga. Built in 1886, the five-room, adults-only luxury inn occupies a gorgeous chateau — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and though it was abandoned for more than 50 years, extensive renovations have brought this Calistoga landmark to a state of polished refinement. Inside the inn’s stone walls, you’ll find meticulous guest rooms featuring antique furniture and custom headboards, as well as posh amenities like heated toilets and floors. A gourmet breakfast highlighting locally-sourced ingredients will start your day off right, but don’t think you need to venture off property to experience a magical day in Wine Country. Though intimate, the inn offers a variety of amenities to keep you occupied, such as billiards, an infrared sauna and salt room, a heated outdoor pool, gardens, and a fire pit.

1403 Myrtle Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3536

Riverside Retreat in Napa

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

Courtesy of Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

Situated on three acres overlooking the Napa River just outside of downtown Napa, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is an inviting place to rest your head in Wine Country. Each of the 11 guest rooms offer a taste of relaxed sophistication, with thoughtful amenities that add to the inn’s peaceful ambiance. Expect king-sized beds, in-room fireplaces, oversized hydrotherapy tubs, separate sitting areas, and river views, as well as the option for in-room massages (while the spa undergoes renovations). In true Wine Country B&B style, breakfast is included with your stay, featuring eggs, pastries, waffles, and more — available to be delivered to your room, balcony, or anywhere else on the property you wish to start your day.

1815 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-1197

Vineyard Views in Paso Robles

SummerWood Winery & Inn

Courtesy of SummerWood Winery & Inn

Located in the middle of a vineyard a few minutes outside of downtown Paso Robles, SummerWood Inn is a welcoming, peaceful place to stay in Wine Country. This contemporary farmhouse-style inn offers nine comfortable rooms overlooking the vineyard, with inviting in-room amenities that make it easy to cozy up at night — think pillow top beds and fireplaces. A stay here means you’ll have access to the grand living room and dining room, as well as an outdoor dining space overlooking the gardens, where farm fresh breakfasts, seasonal appetizers, wine, and desserts can be enjoyed (on the house!) each day.

2175 Arbor Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 227-1365

Southern-style Hospitality in Sonoma

Beltane Ranch

Courtesy of Facebook: Beltane Ranch

This Southern-inspired bed and breakfast inn on a beautiful ranch in Glen Ellen is operated by fourth and fifth generation owners, who work hard to ensure a stay at the resorted 1892 Victorian is anything but ordinary. Highlighting the house’s original architectural charm, updated guest rooms offer private entrances, plenty of natural light, organic in-room amenities, and vineyard or garden views. Not surprisingly, breakfasts here feature a selection of items straight from the ranch, including eggs from heritage breed hens, homemade jams, and fresh produce. You can even take your farm-to-fork experience one step further by booking one of the wine and food experiences offered exclusively to guests, such as gourmet picnic baskets prepared by the chef and more elaborate al fresco dinners overlooking the vines.

11775 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, (707) 833-4233

Country-style Charm in Santa Ynez

Ballard Inn

Communal living room at Ballard Inn, Courtesy of Ballard Inn / Tenley Fohl Photography

This inviting, farmhouse-style inn is located in the sleepy township of Ballard, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Originally built in 1985, the inn has since been extensively renovated to reveal a cozy, contemporary space complete with inviting communal areas, a super charming wrap-around porch, and simple yet comfortable rooms (some with in-room fireplaces). While on the quaint side, little details like afternoon wine and cheese, cookies at turn-down service, and complimentary tea and coffee all day make a stay here feel special. Complimentary breakfast is enjoyed in the inn’s popular on-site restaurant, The Gathering Table, where the menu includes a short list of homemade egg dishes, oatmeal, and tasty daily specials.

2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard, CA 93463, 805-688-7770

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Your Travel Guide to a Perfect Weekend in Calistoga

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 08:00:10 +0000

Napa Valley’s northernmost town is also its most chill. Little Calistoga, pinched between the narrow northern end of Napa Valley’s two mountain ranges is a relaxed oasis of historic wineries, cozy restaurants, world-famous spas, and breathtaking natural sights. Hunker down in this Wine Country town for a long weekend of relaxed fun with our 72-hour guide to the perfect weekend in Calistoga.

Day 1: The Great Outdoors

Image Source: Yelp

Breakfast: Eat breakfast at one of Café Sarafornia’s sidewalk tables for a sunny start to your day. You can’t go wrong with eggs at this classic American diner, including the omelettes, huevos rancheros, or a simple sunny-side up.

Insider tip: If you’re going wine tasting later, order a side of the irresistible Caggiano Country Ham to help “soak up the tannins,” as the locals say.

Hiking: Take a hike in Bothe Napa Valley State Park before the day heats up. The park boasts over 2,000 acres of wilderness, criss-crossed by scenic hiking trails. Ritchey Canyon on the Fern Trail is a shady, quiet place to stop for a picnic lunch.

Insider tip: Feeling hot? Bring your swimsuit and take a dip in the park’s outdoor swimming pool.

Lunch: Grab sustenance for your picnic in Bothe Napa Valley State Park at the Palisades Deli Café. Classic American lunch items like soups and salads are served, but their Mexican dishes are to die for. Tacos, burritos, posole: you can’t go wrong.

Insider tip: Order a bunch of tacos to go—they have fish, shrimp, chicken, beef, and carnitas—and share them on the trail.

Image Source: Storybook Mountain Vineyards, Yelp

Wine tasting: Keep the outdoor theme going with a wine tasting at Storybook Mountain Vineyards, where you’ll explore the organic vineyards on a walking tour, then taste their estate wines (they’re renowned for mountainside Zinfandel) in a private, seated tasting.

Insider tip: Grab a bottle of the Zin Gris if there’s still some left. It’s a rare dry Rosé made from Zinfandel, and it’s delicious!

Dinner: Dine under the stars at Sam’s Social Club. The outdoor patio at this newly opened restaurant, named for California’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan, offers a bucolic spot to dine at the foot of Mt. Lincoln. Located next to Indian Springs Resort and within walking distance to the rest of downtown Calistoga, it’s a convenient place to base your evening.

Insider tip: A cheeseburger isn’t just a cheeseburger at Sam’s Social Club. The house-made bun, garlic aioli, aged cheddar, and top-notch beef make it a burger to remember.

Sleep: After a long day of outdoor activities, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to crash. Luckily, Calistoga is home to many comfortable inns and hotels within walking distance of restaurants and activities. The Craftsman Inn is an upscale bed and breakfast lodged in a craftsman house, built in 1910. For luxury amenities try The Bergson, a boutique inn designed for magical romantic weekends. Brannan Cottage Inn has been winning awards and rave reviews since its renovation and re-opening in 2015; for history coupled with top-notch service, look no further. Hotel d’Amici combines wine and lodging with a comfort-focused lodge in downtown Calistoga owned by the Pestoni family, and special wine experiences at the family’s Rutherford Grove Winery a few miles away.

Day 2: All About the Wine

Breakfast: Eat a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you’ll need it for the day to come.

Insider tip: The Bergson serves a complimentary continental breakfast in the tranquil hotel courtyard.

Image Source: Amici Cellars, Yelp

Wine tasting: There’s no shortage of places to taste wine around Calistoga. Amici Cellars was founded by four friends bonded by a love of wine, and their Napa Valley Cabernets and Sauvignon Blancs, plus their Sonoma-sourced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, are well-crafted and well-balanced. Dutch Henry is where the Chafen family makes beautiful Cabernet Sauvignons, and the tasting experiences include cave tours and picnics by the bocce ball courts. Castello di Amorosa is an authentic medieval Italian castle with real dungeons and lush Napa Valley wines: a great stop for families or history buffs.

Insider tip: Bennett Lane Winery offers proposal packages for anyone looking to pop the question, so call the winery for more details if there’s a wedding in your future.

Lunch: Combine two great pleasures with lunch and wine tasting at Tamber Bey Vineyards. This remote horse ranch boasts a beautiful ranch-style tasting room where the welcoming staff pour bold, structured wines. Sign up for the Vineyard Series tasting, which is followed by a picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds.

Insider tip: Request to upgrade to the Signature Series tasting for just $10 more: it’s definitely worth it. Dijon Chardonnay clones, grown in some of the best vineyards in Napa Valley, as well as Cabernet from Oakville, await.

Dinner: After a restorative nap (you’ll need one at this point), work up an appetite by walking to dinner in downtown Calistoga. Bosko’s Trattoria is in the heart of downtown, and serves classic Italian fare that’s perfect for pairing with robust Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignons.

Insider tip: The Crispy Polenta Stack is a scrumptious starter for everyone at the table, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike: skillet-fried polenta layered with tomato sauce, basil, olives, ricotta salata is sure to please.

Wine Bar: Solbar —Solage’s Michelin-rated restaurant—has a bar that is the perfect place to wind down your night with a glass of Napa Valley’s best. Be sure to arrive by sunset for an incomparable view.

Insider tip: Try the Butterscotch Rum Pudding, a savory/sweet delight with amaretto cookies and creme fraiche.

Day 3: Calistoga History

Image Source: Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, Yelp

Breakfast: Celebrate Calistoga’s history with the town’s newest restaurant, Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar. Johnny’s is named after Johnny Ghisolfo, four-time mayor of Calistoga and founder of the Original Johnny’s Restaurant in 1930. Located on Lincoln Street, this Calistoga classic serves an artful blend of American, Mexican, and Italian dishes in an open space that’s divided into an upscale dining room and a more casual bar.

Insider tip: Order the Huevos Motulenos for a crispy, satisfying start to the day.

Geysers and Goats: The Old Faithful Geyser is one of three “faithful” geysers in the U.S., erupting every 5-55 minutes up to heights of 80 feet, depending on the time of year. But there’s much more to do in this park, including interacting with the four-horned sheep, llamas, and famous Tennessee Fainting Goats. Gardens, bocce ball, a gift shop, a geology museum, and picnic areas round out the affair, making this a lovely place to spend a few hours with the family.

Insider tip: The park stays open until 8 p.m. during the summer (May through August), so plan a picnic dinner and watch the geyser erupt against the sunset.

Lunch: Stop by the quaint Calistoga Kitchen for a peaceful lunch at this French-inspired restaurant housed in a craftsman-style home. The outdoor patio is situated to allow you to watch the neighborhood pass by while enjoying the simple joy of a well-made sandwich.

Insider tip: The duck soup is unforgettable, bringing many guests back each time they visit Calistoga. Give it a try.

Image Source: Mount View Hotel & Spa, Yelp

Take a dip: In the mud baths, that is. Book an appointment for one of Calistoga’s famed mud bath experiences at the Mount View Hotel & Spa to experience luxury and history in one go. The hotel was founded by Johnny Ghisolfo (of Johnny’s!) in 1920, and while it has undergone many additions, renovations, and new owners, the historic charm remains.

Insider tip: Opt for the Lavender Mudtini version of a mud bath, with relaxing lavender oil added.

Dinner: Dine on the spacious patio at theCalistoga Inn, located next to the Napa River. At the back of the patio is a beer garden served by the on-site Napa Valley Brewing Company: there’s hardly a better place to spend a warm summer evening. The basil pesto pizza and smoked baby back pork ribs are both local favorites.

Insider tip: Stay after dinner Wednesday through Sunday nights for live music on the patio.

Calistoga manages to pack world-class wine tasting, diverse and delicious dining, exquisite spas, and amazing outdoor experiences into a small area that still feels like the resort town it was founded as over a century years ago.

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Take a Gourmet Retreat

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:46:28 +0000

CALISTOGA, CA – What better way to experience the essence of wine country cuisine than with a gourmet retreat? If you are an avid home cook or food enthusiast, then take your cooking to the next level with a culinary vacation in Napa Valley.

At Gourmet Retreats, located in Calistoga, CA at CasaLana B&B, sign up for hands-on cooking classes taught in a professionally equipped kitchen. To ensure personalized attention and one-on-one attention, classes are limited to only 9 participants. They include printed recipe handouts and a generous sampling or meal of the food prepared served with wine/beverage. All kitchen equipment is, of course, provided as well.

Gourmet Retreats offers Culinary Vacations, Boot Camp, One-Day Wine Country Classes, and Gourmet Weekend Retreats as well. Choose from a variety of class lengths ranging from as little as 5 hours to 5 days.

View sample Itineraries for a Culinary Vacation

You can also book accommodations at the on-site bed & breakfast Casa Lana. The Mediterranean architecture, tranquil river setting and lush gardens creates a secluded and relaxing atmosphere to help you unwind from the day’s culinary activities. Guest rooms are spacious and feature a private entrance, private bath and many other amenities. Additionally, the Napa Valley bed and breakfast is only a short walk from downtown Calistoga offering world-class restaurants, spas, and boutique shops.

Book your Culinary Vacation today!

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Winter in the Wineries

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:20:52 +0000

The town’s tagline is “Hot Springs, Cool Wines, and Warm Welcome”. Warm welcome is exactly what Calistoga is doing this winter when it invites travelers now through Febuary 6, 2011 to enjoy wine tasting, tours, and even the opportunity to meet a winemaker when you visit with your passport!

Passports are only $50 and offer an extreme value to anyone visiting Napa Valley. You can use the passport as many times as you would like throughout the passport season and in addition to wine tasting, it includes discounts at several Calistoga’s restaurants, hotels, and B&Bs. Restaurants are waiving all corkage fees and lodging partners are offering special room rates for all passport holders.

Sixteen wineries are participating

:
Bennett Lane Winery, Castello di Amorosa, Chateau Montelena, Envy Winery, Jericho Canyon, Kenefick Ranch Wines, Lava Vine Winery, Madrigal, Rios Tasting Room, Summers Winery, Tudal Winery, Twomey Cellars, Vermeil Wines/OnThEdge Winery, Von Strasser, W.H. Smith Wines, and Zahtila Vineyards.

Restaurants Include

:
All Seasons, Barolo, Brannan’s, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, JoLe

Lodging Partners

Brannan Cottage, Calistoga Inn, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Calistoga Wine Way Inn, Christopher’s Inn, Craftsman Inn, Euro Spa, Chelsea Garden Inn, The Lodge at Calistoga, Mount View Hotel & Spa, Roman Hot Springs, Stevenson Manor.

CLICK HERE for more details!

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Mini Travel Guide: Calistoga

admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:56:33 +0000

By Robert P. Farmer

The story goes that Calistoga got its name when Sam Brannan, who first ventured to these parts lured by the healing waters that were rumored to rival Saratoga Springs in New York, arrived and dubbed it the “Calistoga of Sarifornia,” obviously intending to say “Saratoga of California.” The name stuck, and so too has Brannan’s imprimatur. The pioneering spirit of the Old West is still evident in the charming small town at the northern end of Napa Valley. But Wine Country has grown up around it, and the “healing waters” still exist and continue to be part of the lure.

Calistoga is part geological wonder, part destination to for the good life, and still one of the most popular regions of California’s Wine Country–just as it was when it first became a destination in the 1880s, when travelers made their way here to soak in the warm, sulfuric waters of the many area hot springs. In its later life, visitors grew fonder of the excellent cabernets and chardonnays being produced in the region. Modern-day Calistoga combines the best of all worlds, and throws in for good measure a great collection of historic attractions, excellent resorts and tempting restaurants. WINE TASTING

Chateau Montelena
The argument can be made that modern-day Wine Country began here. While it otherwise likely would have happened eventually, Chateau Montelena is where the world took notice of California winemaking. This is one of the two Napa Valley wineries that famously took home the grand prize in the historic Tasting at Paris competition in 1976. They unseated the French from the throne and never looked back. The winery is elegant and secluded, and the tasting room is a great place not just to sample the excellent Chardonnays, Cabernets, and Riesling, but also to discover the roots of the industry. (Open daily 9:30a-4pm. Private library wine tastings available by appointment.)

>>Other Calistoga wineries

DINING
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
The restaurant and brewery is connected to the 18-room Calistoga Inn, a comfortable and affordable lodging option in town. But the restaurant has a life of its own, and is a popular refueling spot for sightseers and wine-tasters ambling along Lincoln Ave., Though it’s also a micro-brewery (the housemade beers sport the Napa Valley Brewing Company label), the restaurant also has a great family-friendly vibe. The patio is a sought-after spot on warm afternoons while the pub-style interior is a cozy option on cooler evening. The fare is reliably comforting and straightforward–venturing well beyond typical “pub grub” thanks to an abundance of readily available fresh ingredients and a kitchen staff who understands there are catering to a Wine Country audience.

>>Other Calistoga restaurants

STAYING

Calistoga Ranch
Since opening earlier this decade, Calistoga Ranch wasted little time establishing itself among the premiere lodging options in all of Wine Country. Hidden away in a small private canyon just south of the Calistoga town center, the Auberge-run Ranch is a study in tranquility and under-stated luxury. The rooms are more like precious private homes–indeed Calistoga Ranch offers fractional ownership opportunities. And what could be better in a home than sumptuous beds, an outdoor shower, indoor-outdoor living rooms, all surrounded by oak-studded hills, miles of hiking trails and a private lake. Amenities include a top-rated spa, a swimming pool, and an excellent restaurant open only to resort guests. This is Wine Country luxury at its finest and most indulgent. Room/cottages range from $450-$4500.

>>Other Calistoga Resorts, Hotels, Inns, B&Bs

The post Mini Travel Guide: Calistoga first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Explore the town of Calistoga!

admin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:53:41 +0000

Calistoga has drawn residents and visitors to the Napa Valley for over a hundred years. It offers an elegent mixture of old charm and rural sophistication. Hot springs, B&B’s, resorts, and the most picturesque wineries and vineyards you’ve ever seen, and more have made Calistoga a relaxing getaway in wine country.

We invite you to read the following set of articles, reviews, and recommendations on where to explore, what to see and taste, and of course stay in this small tour guide slice of what makes Calistoga so special!

Mini Travel Guide
The Comforts of Home – Stevenson Manor Inn

WINE TASTING

Wine Tasting Itinerary
Winemaking Stroll Down Bennett Lane
No Wine Over $25
Beyond the Tasting Room

THINGS TO DO

More To Do Than Just Drink
Upcoming Fall & Winter Events
Calistoga’s Michelin Star at the Bar

SPECIALS ALERT!
Sweet Lodging Deals
Calistoga Hotel & Resort Specials
Lavender Hill Spa – Harvest Treatment

The post Explore the town of Calistoga! first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Oatmeal, Chocolate, Cherry and Walnut Cookies

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:39:17 +0000

Gillian’s Famous Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Submitted from Gillian Kite – Innkeeper/Owner of Craftsman Inn

Ingredients:

1 Cup All Purpose Flour
½ tsp. Mixed Spice
½ tsp. Baking Powder
¼ tsp. Salt
1 Cup Unsalted Butter ( 2 sticks ) at room temperature
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg, Beaten
1 tsp. Vanilla Essence
3 Cups Oats
1 Cup Chopped Walnut pieces
1 Cup Chocolate Chips
½ Cup Dried Cherries

Preheat oven to 350 deg. F

In a medium bowl, sift flour, mixed spice, baking powder and salt.

In a freestanding mixer, with a whisk attachment, mix butter and sugar until softened. Add beaten egg and vanilla essence. Mix. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.

Add remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.

On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drop tablespoons of dough, spacing them well.

Cook for 16 minutes. Cool.

The Craftsman Inn

The post Oatmeal, Chocolate, Cherry and Walnut Cookies first appeared on WineCountry.com.