Calistoga Wine Trail
Envy Wines
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This wine trail is north of Calistoga at
the very end of the Napa Valley. We have six wonderful wineries to visit
in the backroads of the Calistoga area. Because of its location you will
find things a little less hectic here. It is also a fun experience to
lodge and dine in the quiet and laid back town of Calistoga. Calistoga
almost looks the same as it did 50 years ago. The area offers terrific
views of Mount St. Helena and the chance to visit only one of three geysers
called “Old Faithful.” It is the California Old Faithful
Geyser on Tubbs Lane that is quite a treat in between sips of wine as
you travel this wine trail. |
Our Choice of Calistoga Wineries
• Bennett Lane – At the very northern
edge of the Napa Valley
• Chateau Montelena – Chardonnay winner in the
Paris Taste Off of 1976
• Summers Estate Wines – One of the few wineries
making Charbono
• Envy Wines – Famed winemaker Nils Venge partners
with Mark Carter
• Vincent Arroyo Winery – Petit Sirah specialist
since 1974
• Zahtila Vineyards – Laura Zahtila, from a Cisco
rep to a winery owner
Following your visit, vote for your favorite tasting room.
See survey on the right column.
Would you like to design your own wine trail? Trip Planner
Dining and Lodging Recommendations
Restaurants
Premium Lodging
Budget Lodging
Wine Map
Winery Descriptions, Driving Directions, Tasting Room Hour, Contact
Information
Bennett Lane
From the town of Calistoga, drive north on Highway 128 for 2.5 miles and look
for the entrance to Bennett Lane on the right. Although a young winery, it
has garnered wide recognition for its wines. The flagship wine is the Maximus.
It is a reasonably-priced blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon that is a favorite
among many. The winery is situated in a beautiful set of vineyards.
Tasting Room is open daily 10 to 5:30 pm, (877) 629-6272
email: info@bennettlane.com Bennett Lane
Envy Wines
Head back down Highway 128 and turn left on Tubbs Lane and you will
find Envy wines to the right and Summers Estate Wines to the left.
At Envy wines, winemakers Nils Venge and Mark Carter have put together
a beautiful Tuscan- style winery and an array of fine wines. In
addition to Envy wines are Carter Cellars Wine and a special Nils
Venge label called Vine Haven.
Tasting Room is open daily 10 to 4:30 pm, (707) 942-4670
email: info@envywines.com Envy Winery
Summers Estate Wines
This is our choice for a beautiful and quiet picnic lunch. There
is also a Bocce court should you desire to take part in a friendly
game of Bocce. The views are also terrific here. Summers makes
some delicious wines, but two that you will have to try are the
Charbono and the Petite Sirah. Few wineries make a Charbono these
days and you will find this wine delightful. The Petite ranks among
the best of the Napa Valley.
Tasting Room is open daily 10 to 4:30 pm, (707) 942-5508
email: info@summerswinery.com Summers
Chateau Montelena
After visiting Envy and Summers, head east on Tubbs Lane past the
entrance to California’s Old Faithful Geyser. Drop in and
watch the geyser if you have time and take a break between wine
tastings. Chateau Montelena brought worldwide attention to its
wines in 1976 at the now-famous Paris blind tasting of French and
California wines. The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was judged
first above all of the French White Burgundies. The Chateau itself
was built in 1882 so this winery is a historic landmark in the
Napa Valley.
Tasting Room open daily 9:30 am – 4 pm, (707) 942-5105
E-mail:
customer-service@montelena.com, Chateau Montelena
Vincent Arroyo Winery
After leaving Chateau Montelena continue east and make a right turn
on Lake County Highway. Drive just short of a mile and turn right
onto Greenwood Road and look for the entrance to Vincent Arroyo.
Vincent Arroyo purchased the property in 1974 and produces 11 different
wine varietals. It is a small operation with an annual case production
of 8,000 cases. The winery is a little on the old fashioned side
and that is why it is so much fun to stop by. You should call ahead
for an appointment but if things are not busy you can usually arrange
for an on-the-spot appointment.
Open by appointment only. Phone is (707) 942-6995
e-mail: info@vincentarroyo.com Vincent
Arroyo
Zahtila Vineyards
Head back to Lake County Highway and turn right. Zahtila Vineyards
will be on the left side of the road in a very short distance.
In 1999 Laura Zahitla was a high-powered sales rep for Cisco Sytems.
In fact, Laura was my Cisco rep when I worked at the San Mateo
County Office of Education in the Ed Tech Department. Much happen
in 1999 with the dot com bust and Laura used her intuition to get
out of that industry. She purchased this property and started
a career as a winemaker and owner. Laura has utilized her Cisco
skills to run all operations of the winery. It is an unusual success
story and, for that reason alone, you should stop in and taste
the wines.
Tasting Room open daily 10 to 5 pm by appointment, (707) 942-9251
e-mail: Laura@zahtilavineyards.com Zahtila
Tips for your Napa Valley Wine Tour
You are encouraged to have a designated driver. Consider hiring
a limousine or van service.
First time to a winery in Napa? Find out what happens in a typical tasting
room.
Are you wondering about how to taste wine? Wine
Tasting Techniques
Most wineries in the Napa Valley charge a tasting fee. Expect to
pay $10 or more to taste. Two people can always elect to share a
tasting.
Some ideas for which wineries to
visit.
Plan a picnic lunch. This is one of
wine country’s greatest pleasures.
If you cannot picnic, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Napa Valley’s
many fine restaurants.
We list premium lodging and budget
lodging.
Pace yourself and make a day of wine tasting. Don't forget your
camera.
Visiting three wineries in one day is enough to you keep you busy
and content with the slow and easy pace of wine country.
Please read our Disclaimer Document on the information contained
on Wine Country Getaways.
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