Editor’s note: The following information is courtesy of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce.
Most people choose Calistoga for its mineral waters and wines, but its location at the top of Napa Valley, surrounded by mountains, is ideal for enjoying the great outdoors. There are so many ways to experience our breathtaking views, beautiful terrain and mild climate. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling, hot air ballooning, birding, and more.
Our country roads are made for exploring, as are the nearby parks and the stately Mount St. Helena. Whether you choose a big or little adventure, it will surely be a memorable experience.
Hot Air Balloon rides are a great way to explore wine country and experience an unforgettable aerial perspective. Experience the sun rising over the valley as you glide over a patchwork of vineyards far below. You might hear a few birds singing to interrupt your reverie. Afterwards, join in a hearty breakfast on the ground.
Bicycling is an ideal way to explore the valley. You can even ride to the wineries along our back roads on a Getaway Adventures tour. A few of the resorts provide complimentary cruisers, or you can rent bikes in town at Calistoga Bike Shop. Organized bike tours are available, or take a spin on your own.
Mountain Biking allows visitors to enjoy a variety of off-road experiences, ranging from easy trails to single tracking. We have mountainous stagecoach trails with views, as well as scenic rides through our nearby parks.
Hiking is easily accessible from town, with easy strolls past historic sites such as the Shawsheen Museum, or moderate hiking — and even rock climbing. You can select from hiking trails in one of our parks or climb The Mount St. Helena volcano. Throughout the year, wildflowers or dramatic fall colors punctuate the trails along with wildlife and views.
Safari West: Close to town, there are ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Whether you are interested in birding or studying more exotic species, there is a place for you. Migratory birds and other species can be seen at nearby parks. Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife preserve, is minutes from town, and you can explore the property on a guided safari tour.
Natural wonders include our Old Faithful Geyser and the Petrified Forest.
Indian Springs Resort is the town’s oldest hot springs resort. Built in 1861, the property is complete with palm-laden grounds, geysers and a Buddha pond. The outdoor mineral pool is the heart and soul of the lushly landscaped resort. Rejuvenate with spa treatments and relaxation time pre- or post-treatment.
Solage, an Auberge property, is one of the newest resorts and offers a luxurious experience for guests. They have several pools from which to choose, including mineral pools in the lovely spa. Their Michelin-starred restaurant serves gourmet food indoors or on the outdoor terrace.
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs was founded in the 1920s and offers four outdoor mineral water pools, exercise and aerobics rooms at their recently renovated resort-style hotel. With a variety of customized packages, Calistoga Hot Springs meets the needs of every guest.
Mount View Hotel and Spa provides their own version of the mud bath with a grape-seed mud-wrap treatment or a mineral mud-bath delivered in a whirlpool tub for one or two persons. As you surrender to the warm water, you will experience deep relaxation. Post-treatment, enjoy the outdoor pool and mineral spring-fed hot tub.
Eurospa & Inn is a hotel spa and wellness center with an infrared sauna and spa membership for wellness and discount offerings.
Baths at Roman Spa offers mud/mineral baths and massage treatment packages and has an indoor and an outdoor healing hot mineral springs pool.
Golden Haven Hot Springs is the perfect spa getaway for rest and therapeutic relaxation in their mineral springs pools and massage treatment packages.
Calistoga Wineries
Larkmead Vineyards has made wine since 1848 and its current owners have been in place since 1948.
Chateau Montelena hosts visitors in their century old stone castle. While they first started producing wine in 1886, it wasn’t until 1976 with their starring role in the Judgment of Paris, that they received international recognition, as depicted in the film Bottle Shock.
Schramsberg produces some of California’s best sparkling wines at their beautiful historic property. You can tour and enjoy tastings in their wine caves. Robert Louis Stevenson paid the original owner’s a visit and wrote about it in Silverado Squatters.
Frank Family, also a historic property, continues to make exceptional sparkling wines in addition to their still wines. Take a tour of the historic winery, built in 1894, and later enjoy a tasting held in the yellow house, voted to be one of the best tastings.
Brian Arden Wines is located on the Silverado Trail and offers a pink sparkling named “Kay.”
Envy Wines – Enjoy a picnic on the patio where you can enjoy a view of both mountain ranges. You might even get a peek at Old Faithful Geyser’s eruption.
Tamber Bey is a scenic spot for picnic lunches amid Sundance Ranch and its world-class equestrian facility.
Jericho Canyon offers several tours and tastings daily in their spacious winery. Tours include a visit to the caves where wine ages in oak barrels before being bottled. This is a beautiful setting for a picnic surrounded by their beautiful hillside vineyards.
Dutch Henry Winery’s wine cave is a great spot for special tasting events and has incredible acoustics and an outdoor picnic area surrounded by on-property critters named after famous musicians. Be on the lookout for “Pink” Floyd, the big black cat. You’ll also hear the crow of a rooster, no doubt.
Fairwinds Estate Winery’s grounds are perfect for romantic picnic basket experiences.
Sterling Vineyards looks out over the valley from its hilltop location. The tram transports visitors up to the top where Greek-inspired architecture awaits. They offer an informative self-guided tour and leisurely sit-down tasting.
Castello di Amorosa is a Tuscan Castle that opened its doors in 2007 after being built using materials and construction techniques from medieval Europe. The architectural tour and tasting is the best way to experience the winery. From the top of the castle, you can see a beautiful view of the valley below.
Tom Eddy is sited on 22 gorgeous acres of of landscape 1,000 feet above the valley floor, surveying Napa and Sonoma Counties. Tom and his wife Kerry produce elegant, complex Napa Valley Cabernets.
Tamber Bey is located at Sundance Ranch, which is a world-class equestrian facility dedicated to training top performance horses. The tasting room is located in the original barn clubhouse, and the barn surrounds the courtyard where guests can taste wine and enjoy views of Mount St. Helena.
Davis Estates has a great view across the Silverado Trail, highlighting Castello di Amorosa and Sterling Vineyards.
Vincent Arroyo began wine over 30 years ago for his own consumption. When he produced more than he, his friends and family were able to consume, we all benefitted. He makes a variety of red and white wines, but is probably best known for his petite sirah.
Laura Michael Wines is a boutique winery specializing in zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon made in small lots. These wines are only available at the winery and through the wine club.
Madrigal is run by the founder’s grandson. The winery is situated on 40 acres of estate vineyards and produces about 6,000 cases of wine a year, specializing in cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, gewurztraminer, zinfandel, sauvignon blanc and small lots of single vineyard and estate wines.
Tasting in Town
August Briggs, Maldonado, Vermeil Wines, Huge Bear, Olabisi, Picayune, Heibel Ranch and Romeo all have tasting rooms conveniently located in town on Lincoln Avenue. A short walk around the corner off Lincoln Avenue is Tank Garage and T-Vine wineries.
Calistoga Lodging
Calistoga offers a variety of accommodations to suit every travel style and budget. From upscale resorts to hotels, boutique properties, and bed and breakfast inns, they share a commonality of warm welcomes and comfortable accommodations. Calistoga is perfectly situated for exploring wine country with over 30 wineries in Calistoga, as well as our close proximity to the Napa and Sonoma valleys.
Many of our properties are located within a short walk of restaurants and shops, lessening the need to drive. The Calistoga Shuttle is complementary to our lodging guests who wish to visit wineries and restaurants around town.
