1111 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga CA 94515
(707) 942-3344
www.sterlingvineyards.com
Types of Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Bianca, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Muscat Canelli
Charge for Tasting: Yes, includes tram ride. Extra charge for Reserve Room tasting (credited toward wine purchase).
Winery Tours: Yes, self-guided
Wine Price: Moderate
Sterling Vineyards is a large winery producing many types of wines. Special features include their hilltop location and tram ride.
Review
Wine Quality: Wines at all levels, from widely-released varietals to library releases
Tourist Experience: Good. The tram ride is fun, and the winery is set up for visitors. Tasting rooms are comfortable and they accommodate the kids with a sparkling juice drink.
Sterling's building reminds me of Greece, with its white walls and blue awnings. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of the Napa Valley. The self-guided winery tour takes you through the wine-making process at your own pace.
A renovation in 2002 improved Sterling's tasting room experience. They now have three tasting rooms:
- Main Tasting Room: Complimentary tasting of their current-release wines.
- Cellar Club: Offers wines limited production wines, many not available outside the winery. Open to Cellar Club members only, who get a complimentary tasting for two members and two guests. Ask the staff about joining.
- Reserve Room: Sterling's finest reserve wines and library releases served in fine crystal stemware. Buy a single glass, or a tasting flight (small samples of several similar wines). Tasting fee deducted from sales price if you buy the same wine you tasted.
