Calistoga

Overview

Calistoga sits at the northern end of Napa Valley and is typically the warmest sub-AVA in the valley. The district is sheltered from marine cooling by the Palisades and Mayacamas Mountains, allowing grapes to achieve full ripeness reliably. Volcanic and alluvial soils, combined with strong diurnal shifts, produce concentrated, full-bodied wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety, producing rich, tannic wines with black fruit, spice, and earthy minerality. Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah also thrive in the heat. Calistoga's small-town charm and hot springs make it a distinctive destination within Napa.

Key Varietals

• Cabernet SauvignonThe signature red, giving powerful blackberry, cassis, and firm-tannin wines.
• ZinfandelA heat-loving variety producing ripe, jammy, and spicy reds from volcanic soils.
• SyrahA Rhone red that adds dark fruit, pepper, and smoked-meat complexity in Calistoga's warmth.
• Petite SirahA deeply pigmented red contributing color, structure, and blackberry intensity.