Staying in Calistoga means having all of California wine country right at your fingertips. Instead of bouncing from hotel to hotel, you can settle in, unwind, and explore Napa, Sonoma, and beyond from one convenient home base. Situated at the northern tip of Napa Valley, it offers easy access to the entire Northern California wine region, all within a 30-minute drive. Spend a day wine tasting in Dry Creek Valley, tour the historic wineries of Sonoma, or venture to Russian River Valley for a cool-climate Pinot Noir experience, then return to your Napa Valley Lodging in Calistoga to relax, dine, and recharge for your next adventure.
Knights Valley: A Hidden Gem for Cabernet Lovers
East of Calistoga, sits Knights Valley, a region known for producing exceptionally bold Cabernet Sauvignons. Thanks to its volcanic soils and warm days, the wines here have deep, concentrated flavors that make them stand out, even among Napa’s legendary Cabs.
While there are 2,000 acres of vineyard in the region, there are surprisingly only two wineries with tasting rooms in the Knights Valley itself. Peter Michael Winery, founded in 1987, is revered for its Au Paradis Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, while Knights Bridge Winery recently unveiled a state-of-the-art facility featuring a stunning barrel cave and tasting salon with panoramic vineyard views.
At Ehret Family Winery, winemaking is more than a craft; it’s a legacy. As a third-generation farming family in Sonoma County, their approach blends tradition, sustainability, and luxury into a uniquely authentic experience. Their Bavarian Lion Vineyard at the base of Mt. St. Helena spans 1,800 acres, with 500 acres of meticulously cultivated vines thriving in some of the most volcanic soils in Sonoma County.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, embark on their private Vineyard Safari, where you’ll explore the estate’s foothills in a vintage off-road vehicle, taking in breathtaking views of vineyards, mountains, and local wildlife. Complete your visit at their downtown Healdsburg tasting room, where wines crafted by renowned winemaker Erin Green are poured with passion and precision, often by a member of the Ehret family themselves.
Alexander Valley: Bold Reds & Scenic Views
Just past Knights Valley, Alexander Valley’s warm climate and fertile soils produce renowned, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons with intense fruit flavors and velvety tannins. Some of the most iconic wineries in the area include Jordan Winery, known for its Bordeaux-style reds and elegant Chardonnay, and Silver Oak Alexander Valley, which offers tastings of its acclaimed Cabernets in a stunning setting surrounded by vineyards.
Alexander Valley’s rural charm makes it a relaxing destination to explore, whether you’re tasting wines, soaking in the views, or simply enjoying a picnic under the oak trees. And with its close proximity to Calistoga, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip.
Dry Creek Valley: Zinfandel & Rolling Vineyards
Just outside Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley is one of the easiest wine regions to navigate, making it a great option for a relaxed day of wine tasting. With over 150 winegrowers and 70 wineries, this valley is known for its world-class Zinfandel (some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California grow here).
Kick off your tasting journey with our friends at Passalacqua Winery. Known for its small-lot, handcrafted wines, Passalacqua offers a uniquely intimate tasting experience you won’t find at larger wineries. You won’t find their wine anywhere else either as its available exclusively through the winery. Tastings are limited to a handful of Wine Appointments each day, making your experience feel personal and special from the moment you arrive.
A few others in the area should also be on your list, like Dry Creek Vineyard, a pioneer of the old-vine Zinfandel movement, Beeson Ranch, where Zinfandel vines have been producing fruit for over a century, and Unti Vineyards, for their estate-grown Rhône and Italian varietals. After a morning of tastings, you’ve surely worked up an appetite. Grab a sandwich at the Dry Creek General Store, a local favorite, and find a spot for a scenic picnic with vineyard views.
For a truly indulgent experience, book a table at SingleThread, a three-star Michelin restaurant where farm-driven dining comes to life. Their meticulously cultivated gardens provide fresh, seasonal ingredients for the restaurant’s innovative dishes, creating a feast for both the palate and the senses.
Sonoma Valley: The Birthplace of California Wine
As one of California’s oldest wine regions, Sonoma Valley is steeped in history. Some of the state’s first vineyards were planted here in the 1800s, and today, the valley remains a hub for incredible wines ranging from Chardonnay and Cabernet to Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857, offers a glimpse into California’s winemaking roots, while Gundlach Bundschu, the state’s oldest family-owned winery, provides a unique mix of heritage and innovation. For a unique, eco-friendly experience, Benziger Family Winery offers immersive vineyard tours where you’ll learn all about biodynamic farming while tasting wines that truly showcase the land.
Sonoma Plaza offers a charming downtown experience, with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and historical landmarks.
Russian River Valley: The Heart of California's Pinot Noir Scene
For elegant, cool-climate wines, Russian River Valley is unmatched. This foggy, ocean-influenced region is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in California. Top wineries include Gary Farrell Winery, Bricoleur Vineyards, and Russian River Vineyards, each offering an intimate tasting experience set against a backdrop of rolling hills and redwood groves. For bubble lovers, Iron Horse Vineyards is a fantastic stop for elegant sparkling wines served with a view.
Up for an adventure? There are several beaches along the Russian River where you can rent kayaks or inflatable tubes so you can take in the valley’s beauty from a new perspective. Another quick detour will bring you to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where, with a quick hike, you can stand below the towering 300-foot-tall ancient trees before heading back to your Napa Valley Lodging. This is a great alternative to Muir Woods which gets very crowded, you’ll see some very impressive redwoods in a less crowded and more authentic setting.
Getting Around Wine Country
The best way to experience California wine country is to sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the driving. There are many transportation options in the area, but when venturing outside of Calistoga, we recommend hiring a limousine service or a professional wine country chauffeur service that will drive you in your own car. That way, you can enjoy tastings at your own pace while staying comfortable in your own vehicle (and not have to worry about navigating the windy vineyard roads).
Hiring a chauffeur service is not only a safe way to explore multiple wine regions in one day, but it also elevates the experience, letting you fully immerse yourself in the wine, scenery, and relaxed pace of Napa Valley without any logistical concerns. You might even get some local winery tips from your driver that you probably wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Why Calistoga is the Ultimate Home Base
With its central location, small-town charm, and easy access to five incredible wine regions, Calistoga is the perfect home base for your wine-country adventure. You can explore world-class wineries by day and return to Calistoga Wine Way Inn or the Craftsman Inn for a cozy, welcoming retreat at night.
Stay with us and let Calistoga be your gateway to California’s finest wineries, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.