Photo credit: Sterling
Some wineries are all about the wine. Sterling Vineyards is about the entire experience.
Perched on a 300-foot knoll in Calistoga, California, Sterling Vineyards has built its reputation around combining wine, architecture and spectacular Napa Valley views. The winery’s signature aerial gondola makes the visit even more memorable, carrying guests up the hillside before they explore the winery and taste its wines.
Why Sterling Vineyards Stands Out
Sterling Vineyards dates back to 1964, when British entrepreneurs Peter Newton and Michael Stone founded the winery after falling in love with California’s wine country.
From the beginning, the founders wanted Sterling to be more than a place to make wine. They envisioned a welcoming destination where people could enjoy good wine while taking in the beauty of Napa Valley.
That vision helped shape the winery’s distinctive design. Inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos, Sterling’s white stucco buildings create a striking contrast against the surrounding vineyards and mountains.
The winery also became known for its approach to winemaking. In 1969, Sterling bottled what it identifies as California’s first vintage-dated Merlot. The winery also produced early vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Sterling Aerial Gondola Is the Star
The journey to Sterling Vineyards starts before guests even reach the tasting room.
The winery is home to what Sterling describes as the only winery aerial gondola in the world. The attraction has been part of the Sterling experience since the 1970s.
After the 2020 Glass Fire damaged the original system, Sterling replaced the historic tram with a new gondola system.
Today, the redesigned gondola features 13 cabins, larger capacity and panoramic windows designed to give visitors expansive views of Napa Valley during the ascent.
That makes the ride more than a way to get to the winery. It is part of the attraction.
What Can You Do at Sterling Vineyards?
Sterling Vineyards offers several tasting experiences designed for different types of visitors.
The Sterling Stroll is a more casual option. Guests can explore the winery while enjoying a self-guided tasting of five wines. The experience lasts about 60 minutes and is open to guests of all ages.
For visitors looking for something more immersive, the Tour & Terrace Experience combines a self-guided exploration with wine tasting and a seated tasting on the Southview Terrace. Guests can also enjoy a cheese board while taking in the valley views.
The Hilltop Experience offers a 90-minute seated tasting featuring winery-exclusive wines paired with cheese and charcuterie.
For a more luxurious visit, the Founder’s Experience takes place in the redesigned Founder’s Room and pairs exclusive wines with food.
A Napa Landmark With a New Chapter
Sterling Vineyards has also embraced sustainability as part of its modern identity.
The property says it is powered by 100% renewable electricity and has introduced projects focused on water conservation, rainwater collection and wildfire recovery.
That combination of history and reinvention is part of what makes Sterling interesting. The winery has preserved the elements that made it famous while updating its facilities and visitor experience for a new generation.
Is Sterling Vineyards Worth Visiting?
For travelers looking for a Napa Valley experience that goes beyond sitting at a tasting bar, Sterling Vineyards offers plenty to see and do.
The gondola ride provides an unforgettable introduction. The hilltop location delivers sweeping views. And the tasting experiences give visitors several ways to explore Sterling’s wines and history.
With its distinctive architecture, long history and elevated setting, Sterling Vineyards has created something that feels different from a typical winery visit.
It is not just wine country. It is Napa Valley from a whole new angle.
Source: Sterling Vineyards.
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