The experience at Sterling begins before the first wine is poured. Every current tasting includes a ride on the aerial gondola that carries visitors up to the hilltop winery, providing broad views across Napa Valley during the ascent. Because the gondola is integral to the experience rather than an optional attraction, Sterling feels more like a complete sightseeing stop than a conventional tasting-room visit.
Once at the winery, the experience depends significantly on the option selected. The Sterling Stroll is the most flexible: visitors taste wines while moving through the winery at their own pace and learning about winemaking along the route. The Tour & Terrace combines self-guided exploration with a seated portion overlooking the valley, while the Hilltop Tasting moves toward a more traditional guided seated format with winery-exclusive wines and cheese and charcuterie.
Visitors choosing the Founder's experience can expect a substantially more refined food-and-wine pairing in Sterling's redesigned Founder's Room. Regardless of the option, views and the journey to the hilltop are significant parts of the attraction. Sterling is therefore particularly good for first-time Napa visitors, mixed-interest couples or groups, and travelers who want scenery and a memorable physical experience in addition to tasting wine.
Sterling Vineyards photos
Sterling Vineyards details
- Address
- 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
- Phone
- (800) 726-6136
- Reservations required
- Recommended — walk-ins welcome
- Tasting price
- $55–$150
- Typical visit time
- 60–90 min
- Wine focus
- Cabernet Sauvignon plus other Napa reds and Chardonnay
- Discount available
- Priority Wine Pass
- Picnic
- No
- Food
- No picnic/meals; small packaged snacks available
- Group tasting
- Yes — large groups by arrangement
- Distance from Calistoga
- 2.6 miles
- Distance from SFO
- 84.6 miles
Common questions about visiting Sterling Vineyards
Do I need a reservation at Sterling Vineyards?
Sterling Vineyards is listed as reservations recommended. Walk-ins may be possible when space permits, but a reserved time is the safer plan if you are visiting more than one winery the same day. Listing note: Recommended — walk-ins welcome. Confirm before you go; policies change by day and experience.
How much does a tasting at Sterling Vineyards cost?
Tasting fees at Sterling Vineyards are listed at $55–$150. Published options include Sterling Stroll $55 / 60 min; Tour & Terrace $85 / 90 min; Hilltop $95 / 90 min; Founder's $150 / 90 min. All include gondola. Sterling Vineyards is listed with Priority Wine Pass on Discover Wine. Fees and formats change; confirm with the winery before you book.
How long should I plan to spend at Sterling Vineyards?
Plan 60–90 min at Sterling Vineyards, 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 Sterling Vineyards?
Sterling Vineyards is listed with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon plus other Napa reds and Chardonnay. Food note: No picnic/meals; small packaged snacks available. Groups: Yes — large groups by arrangement. 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 Sterling Vineyards?
Wineries often paired with Sterling Vineyards include Girard, Clos Pegase, Fairwinds, and Paoletti. Stay geographically tight rather than crossing Napa mid-day.
Where does Sterling Vineyards fit into a Napa tasting day?
Make it part of a north-Napa/Calistoga day with Castello di Amorosa and/or Chateau Montelena. Allow extra buffer for the gondola.
Tasting options and prices
- Sterling Stroll $55 / 60 min
- Tour & Terrace $85 / 90 min
- Hilltop $95 / 90 min
- Founder's $150 / 90 min. All include gondola.
Tasting fees and formats change. Confirm current options with the winery before you book.
Discount available
Sterling Vineyards is listed with Priority Wine Pass. Confirm dates and blackout rules on Napa tasting discounts and with the winery before you go.
Other wineries near Sterling Vineyards
- Girard
- Clos Pegase
- Fairwinds
- Paoletti
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.