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The Calistoga Wine Region is a conglomeration of wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants in the Napa Valley. It is a short drive to Napa city center, where visitors can explore all the art galleries, museums, and beautiful architecture that make this region famous for wine-making. 

Calistoga Valley has been called a "small wine valley" with around 400 acres of California's most expensive grapes. Calistoga is said to have been named by the native Ohlone Indians, the name meaning "running water". It has been known as a spa town since before being discovered as a wine region in 1859.

Calistoga is notable for the spring-fed geothermic natural hot springs which are another attraction to visitors. The mineral-rich water that comes from the springs is a cure for many health ailments. The town has two spas and two pools.

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Where is the Calistoga wine region Located?

Calistoga is a small town in Napa Valley California with just over five thousand residents. It is located on the eastern side of St. Helena, around 13 miles from downtown Napa. The two major routes that surround the city are Sonoma-Calistoga Road and Silverado Trail. 

Calistoga has a total area of about 26 square miles, with an elevation ranging from 1,100 feet to 3,800 feet above sea level. The region is made up of three large valleys, the Calistoga Valley, the Geyserville Valley, and the Mckenzie Valley. 

Calistoga

The History of Calistoga Wine Region

Calistoga history is closely connected to wine history. It is where the first winery was founded and it did not take long for this small town to evolve into a wine-producing village.

Wineries opened in the 1960s and early 1970s with ambitions of restoring California wine to pre-Prohibition glory and making wines to rival the best of France.

Then came the class of 1972, wineries now celebrating their golden anniversaries. According to the Napa Valley Vintners, at least eight wineries opened in the valley that year, almost as many as in the entire previous decade. It was the beginning of a growth spurt, as more than 40 wineries opened in Napa during the 1970s.

Calistoga was a small town during the 1800s where it was one of the most popular vacation destinations for those in Northern California. In 1845, John Patchett and Henry Dobbins opened the first winery in Calistoga which gave this town its name.

Type of Terroir in Calistoga

The terroir of Calistoga is unique because it has been created by the interaction of hot and cold water, which has made its soil different from most other wine regions in the world. These areas are usually comprised of marine sedimentary rocks on the west side and volcanic on the east side.

Calistoga Valley is famous for wine and was ranked as one of America's Best Wine Destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It is located 35 miles north of Napa Valley and 30 miles south of Sonoma Valley. Calistoga Valley is a prime location for vineyards, wineries, distilleries, breweries, tasting rooms, cafes and restaurants. 

The valley is known for its many microclimates, with a greater number of plant species than any other place in the world. It's also home to various terrains that offer different flavours, including chalky loam, clay loam and decomposed granite. The Calistoga AVA was established in 1993. Calistoga is a township in the Napa Valley and includes only the area between the city of Napa and Sonoma Valley, south of Atlas Peak and north of Mt. Saint Helena.

Calistoga Wine Characteristics

The varieties of grapes we can find in Calistoga are:

Cabernet Sauvignon – 56%

The Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon has complex flavours and is great for older wine drinkers. It has a crisp structure that finishes dry but with some well-rounded tannins.

Zinfandel – 20%

Make sure to put fruits in your wine for an extra sweet flavor and strong taste. A grape juice comparison would not be quite as impactful when compared to a Zinfandel wine.

 Petite Sirah – 7%

The region of California has so many grape types, including Syrah. With these varieties, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah might be two of the most popular wines. These wines offer richness and depth with sweet plum and berry flavours but also offer a powerful taste with just the right amount of sweetness.

Charbono or Bonarda – 5%

California is one of the countries with most plantings of the USA's favorite red grape, Cabernet Franc. It grows best in volcanic soil, which produces wines with rich tannins and a moderate level of acidity.

 Syrah – 2%

Syrah is not widely planted in Calistoga but it thrives there because the climate and soil are perfect for the grape. This red wine can be intense & fruity, but has a smooth tannin content. It’s ideal to pair with any food, especially good for spicy dishes or anything that tastes sweet.

Food to Pair with Calistoga wine

American Barbecue

We can say a good pair of food with the variety of Zinfandel is the American Barbecue it’s charred, sweet, or spicy, and most zins will work so think back ribs, brisket, and spicy sausages - anything smoked or treated to a sweet or spicy marinade or rub. 

Cheese

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with many kinds of cheese, including hard ones like an aged cheddar or gouda. It's a good all-rounder for a cheeseboard.

Retite Syrah with any dish

Petite Syrah is a great wine to pair with any dish! This versatile and fruity red goes well with bold flavors like exotic spices, herbs or fats. The one rule here is that you don't want the food too sweet or sappy.

Places to Visit in Calistoga wine

Visiting Calistoga wine region will be a great experience for any person who likes nature, culture or history. This wine valley is one of the most visited regions in California. 

This is because Calistoga is a popular destination for people who want to take day trips from the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Sonoma. The Calistoga wine region offers several attractions, such as the Swiss-style creamery in downtown Calistoga; 2 historic gold mines that operate daily; the Calistoga Speedway racetrack and the hot springs that are located on a hill. Near the Calistoga city, there are numerous wineries and tasting rooms. Likewise, you can discover the wineries near Calistoga.

The best way to get around in the valley is by driving through it or renting bikes from one of the many bike rental spots around town. The views are amazing and some of the best scenery you will find! The Springs: Sunsets can be seen right at these natural hot springs, which is also one of the few things you can do while visiting Calistoga Valley.

Interesting Fact About Calistoga Wine Region

Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph star in the Netflix movie Wine Country, which was filmed and set in Calistoga and the surrounding Napa Valley.

Calistoga  2

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Frequently Asked Questions About Calistoga Wine Region

Is Calistoga Napa or Sonoma?

Calistoga, city, Napa county, western California, U.S. Located just northeast of Santa Rosa, Calistoga lies near the head of Napa Valley, 80 miles (130 km) north of San Francisco.

What is Calistoga known for?

Calistoga is popular for the hot springs, sparkling mineral pools, and mud baths. These natural wonders were discovered in the area around 500 years ago by the Wappo tribe.

How old is Calistoga?

Calistoga was founded in 1868 when the California Pacific Railroad was built, establishing the town as a tourist destination for its Calistoga Hot Springs.

Map of Wineries in Calistoga

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Experiences in Calistoga

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Calistoga