Several years ago, I was introduced to Sterling Vineyards when my sister was visiting and I wanted something new. Post the Glass Fire, we could not visit for years as it was being renovated. But, with a new state of the art gondola, a beautiful building and terrace, and my mom coming into town I knew it was time to go back. My mom loves air gondolas and with an iconic aerial ride up to its hilltop tasting rooms, I knew it would be an unforgettable day. However, Sterling was still Sterling, with what is, in my opinion, one of the most uniquely engaging wine tasting experiences in Napa Valley.
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Ready to Enjoy Wine and a Beautiful View
Sterling Vineyards is located in Calistoga, at the top of the Napa Valley. From the town of Napa, it’s another 45–60 minutes up to Sterling, but you will quickly find out it’s worth every minute of the drive.
We parked in the lot and went over to check in. The winery underwent major upgrades post fire, including a brand-new, state-of-the-art gondola system that replaced the classic tram. Every tasting experience includes a round-trip ticket on these newly designed aerial gondolas that fit up to 8 people. My mother has some mobility issues, and they were able to slow down the gondola to let her and my husband get in without too much trouble.
As you glide 300 feet up the mountain to the winery that gives the feeling of an old mission complex, you are treated to sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Napa Valley floor and surrounding hills.
Multiple Ways to Experience Sterling
Sterling now offers several structured tour and tasting options tailored to different budgets and group preferences:
- Sterling Stroll ($55 per person): A self-guided stroll through the winery with tasting stations placed throughout the winemaking path.
- Tour and Terrace Experience ($85 per person): A guided self-tour through the winemaking process ending with a relaxing, seated tasting on the outdoor terrace overlooking the valley.
- Hilltop Experience ($95 per person): A fully seated tasting in the hilltop room featuring exclusive wines paired with local cheese and charcuterie.
- The Founder’s Experience ($125–$150 per person): A premier private food and wine pairing held at the highest point of the property.
We opted for the Tour and Terrace Experience. (Note: We booked it for a weekday and were offered a discounted upgrade from the Sterling Stroll when booking.) We also decided to purchase a meat and cheese plate to pair with our wines at the end, which had the most amazing Spanish Masago and fig jam. While you normally would eat out on the terrace, we went on a day when the temperature was close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and at that temperature they moved the tasting to an indoor, air-conditioned room. However, we could still go outside to look out and take pictures.
Self-Guided Learning Meets Historic Charm
Even with all the modern gondola, the building was untouched by the fire and kept its iconic charm. The layout encourages learning at every turn. As you walk through the winery galleries, walkways, and barrel rooms, each station offers educational exhibits about viticulture, fermentation, and the rich history of Calistoga.
The Final Stop on the Terrace
The highlight of every visit is finishing up on the outdoor terrace. As you walk out, the balcony opens up to the entire valley. It’s a beautiful place to sit for your final pours, snacking on our meat and cheeseboard, and gazing across the vine-lined valley makes for an ideal afternoon. As a fun homage to the winery’s heritage, they even have one of the vintage retired gondolas displayed right there on the terrace! (I looked at it and couldn’t believe my sister, niece and I even fit in one)
Eventually, our wine glasses were empty, and it was time to head back down. We meandered to the gondola boarding area and enjoyed one last quiet glide back down the mountain. Between the stunning aerial views, the historic architecture, and the relaxed terrace seating, Sterling remains one of the best wine tasting experiences in all of Napa Valley.
Edited by: SKS