Exploring Wineries in Napa Valley's Calistoga AVA

Total Trail Miles: 20

The Calistoga AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located at the northern end of Napa Valley and experiences temperature variations of up to 50 degrees (90F/32.2 C to the low 50F/11C) during the hot days of the summer growing season. First planted in 1862, Calistoga produces bold, well-structured, concentrated, tannic wines from gravely soils of volcanic origin.

Vineyards: 36
Total Area: 12,713 acres
Planted Area: 602 acres
Percent Planted: 4.7 %

This scenic trail connects four wineries while circling the AVA. Start your day trip at Storybook Mountain in the appellations northwest corner. This winery has been producing Zinfandel from its inception in 1889 and currently recognized internationally under the Storybook label. The Seps family farms 90 acres (organically) on red rocky volcanic soil and produces very consistent terroir driven Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. Taste inside their historic cave.

Head east on Highway 128 for a couple miles until you reach Bennett Lane on the left. This winery sits at the confluence of the valleys predominant mountain ranges (Mayacamas and Vaca) and serves Syrah, Cabernet and a seductive blend of the two in quiet setting next to the vineyard. Bennett Lane has turned a lot of heads and scored lots of points from the experts during its first ten years of operation.

Continue southeast along Highway 29 until you reach Larkmead Lane on the left and a winery of the same name about a quarter mile in. Larkmead farms seven different varietals on 112 acres of highly diversified soils and pours wine to taste in a Howard Backen design next to its vineyard. The winery is known for exceptional estate Cabernet Sauvignon and blends but they also produce a Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and a rare Tocai Friulano that shouldn't be missed. Taste inside or out on the porch with a view.

Final stop, Jericho Canyon at the appellations northeast corner. Continue east on Larkmead Lane and make a left at Silverado Trail until it ends at Highway 29. Make a right and travel north for another one and one half miles until you reach the Old Lawley Toll Road-the winery is one mile up on the left. Jericho Canyon sits at the base of a rugged valley and produces a small amount of exceptional wine from hillside fruit. Take a walk up the vineyard and enjoy spectacular views of the Palisade range while enjoying hand crafted Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. This is a winery to keep an eye on.

Dine at Solbar in Calistoga. (707)226-0850

Winery Option: Chateau Montelena

Larkmead | Calistoga AVA