Chateau Montelena feels distinctly different from many central Napa wineries because of both its northern Calistoga location and historic setting. The winery is housed in a stone chateau dating to the nineteenth century and surrounded by vineyards, mature trees and picturesque Jade Lake. The property itself gives visitors reason to slow down rather than arriving solely for a flight of wine.
The introductory Taste of Montelena takes place inside the historic Chateau and focuses on current releases. More advanced experiences become increasingly educational. Explore Ageability compares current and library vintages to show how the wines evolve, while the Estate Collection begins with Napa Valley Chardonnay and then compares multiple vintages of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. A separate multimedia experience uses projection mapping and historical imagery to tell the estate's story.
Visitors who want to move beyond the tasting room can choose walking or vineyard tours, and the highest-level experiences incorporate rare wines and private hospitality. Chateau Montelena is particularly well suited to travelers interested in the intersection of wine, history and age-worthy Cabernet and Chardonnay. It is also a winery where the historic grounds contribute meaningfully to the visit, so the experience can feel more substantial than the scheduled tasting time alone.
Chateau Montelena photos
Chateau Montelena details
- Address
- 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
- Phone
- (707) 942-5105
- Reservations required
- No — appointment or walk-in
- Tasting price
- $65–$300
- Typical visit time
- 45–90 min
- Wine focus
- Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon; also Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
- Discount available
- No tasting-pass discount listed
- Picnic
- Limited — wine-club members by advance reservation
- Food
- Not confirmed for general visitors
- Group tasting
- Yes, standard experiences up to 8
- Distance from Calistoga
- 2.7 miles
- Distance from SFO
- 88.1 miles
Common questions about visiting Chateau Montelena
Do I need a reservation at Chateau Montelena?
Chateau Montelena is not listed as appointment-only. Walk-ins may be the default for standard tastings, but premium, seated, or group experiences can still need a booking. Listing note: No — appointment or walk-in. Confirm before you go; policies change by day and experience.
How much does a tasting at Chateau Montelena cost?
Tasting fees at Chateau Montelena are listed at $65–$300. See tasting options below for the current menu of experiences. Fees and formats change; confirm with the winery before you book.
How long should I plan to spend at Chateau Montelena?
Plan 45–90 min at Chateau Montelena, not counting drive time to the next stop. Leave a buffer before any later reservation so you are not cutting a longer tasting short.
What should I expect at Chateau Montelena?
Chateau Montelena is listed with a focus on Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon; also Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling. Food note: Not confirmed for general visitors. Picnic note: Limited — wine-club members by advance reservation. Groups: Yes, standard experiences up to 8. The overview at the top of this page covers tasting styles and who the stop is for.
What wineries should I visit before or after Chateau Montelena?
Wineries often paired with Chateau Montelena include Amici, Vincent Arroya, Bennett Lane, and Laura Michael. Stay geographically tight rather than crossing Napa mid-day.
Where does Chateau Montelena fit into a Napa tasting day?
Located at the far northern end of Napa Valley; Montelena itself advises allowing at least 45 minutes from downtown Napa. Build a Calistoga day rather than bouncing south afterward.
Tasting options and prices
- Taste of Montelena $65 / 45 min
- Story Behind Bottle $75 / 60 min
- Estate Walking Tour $85 / 90 min
- Explore Ageability $95 / 75 min
- Vineyard Tour $110 / 90 min
- Estate Collection $125 / 90 min
- Legacy in the Glass $300 / 90 min.
Tasting fees and formats change. Confirm current options with the winery before you book.
Discount available
No tasting-pass discount is listed for Chateau Montelena right now. Recheck Napa tasting discounts or confirm current offers with the winery.
Other wineries near Chateau Montelena
- Amici
- Vincent Arroya
- Bennett Lane
- Laura Michael
Use the Napa winery map to compare drive miles and reservation windows.
Information last verified: September 2026. Visitor details (hours, tasting prices, reservations) are sourced from the official winery website. Confirm before you visit. How we maintain listings.