GiroStrada
Home›Guides›California›Napa Valley›Wineries›Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards winery estate in Calistoga, Calistoga
Calistoga, Calistoga

Sterling Vineyards

Every bottle, every sip, every laugh has a story.

4.3(1,133 reviews)· $$ Moderate
Aerial Gondola Panoramic Views Unique Architecture Single Vineyard Wines
Overview

Famous for its iconic aerial gondola and panoramic views, Sterling Vineyards offers an elevated Calistoga wine tasting experience.

Best For
Travelers seeking panoramic views and a unique aerial arrival.
Best Time to Visit
Harvest (Sep–Oct)
CellarPass Editorial Recommendation

Why We Recommend Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards stands out as the only winery in Napa Valley accessible by an aerial gondola, providing a literal and metaphorical elevated experience. Its consistent production of 90+ point wines and its striking Greek-inspired architecture make it a visual and viticultural pillar of the Calistoga region.

Why Visit

  • Ride the iconic hilltop aerial gondola.
  • Panoramic views of the Napa Valley.
  • Taste acclaimed 90+ point Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Striking white Greek-style architecture design.
  • Exclusive events like Oyster Roast N' Toast.

Good to Know

Sterling Vineyards is best known for its unique aerial gondola and iconic Mediterranean-inspired architecture overlooking Napa Valley.

Visitors begin their experience with a scenic aerial gondola ride to reach the hilltop tasting room.

Why Visit Sterling Vineyards?

You absolutely cannot miss the ride up the hill; the gondola offers the best photo opportunity in the entire valley. Once at the summit, the combination of award-winning Cabernets and the sprawling terrace views makes for a quintessential Napa afternoon.

Ride the iconic hilltop aerial gondola.
Panoramic views of the Napa Valley.
Taste acclaimed 90+ point Cabernet Sauvignon.
Striking white Greek-style architecture design.
Exclusive events like Oyster Roast N' Toast.

Popular Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Petite Sirah

"We truly enjoyed this winery experience. The wine selections were excellent, and we loved the tour and terrace option we chose. It included a self-guided tour with three tastings along the way, followed by reserved seating on a beautiful terrace overlooking the vineyards. The terrace experience included an additional three tastings along with a thoughtfully paired cheese plate, which made it even more enjoyable. As a lovely bonus, we also received a complimentary wine glass and cutting board. Overall, it was a relaxing, well-curated experience and one we would absolutely recommend."

Amy Leffler

· Verified Guest

Wineries Nearby

View Nearby Wineries

Restaurants Nearby

View Nearby Restaurants

Featured Collections

Discover More Wineries Like Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards appears in these CellarPass collections based on its location, wines offered, atmosphere, amenities, and editorial attributes. Explore similar wineries that match the same characteristics.

More to Explore

Browse all winery collections for Napa Valley.

View All Winery Collections

Collections are based on the saved location, wines, and atmosphere attributes of this winery.

Plan Your Trip to Sterling Vineyards

Everything you need to know before visiting.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November)

Reservations Required?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended at most wineries.

How Many Wineries Per Day?

For the best experience, plan to visit 2–3 wineries per day to allow time for tastings, travel, and enjoying the property.

Transportation Options

Consider a private driver, guided wine tour, or rideshare service(Uber & Lyft) to safely explore Napa Valley and fully enjoy your tastings.

Where to Stay

Choose from luxury resorts, boutique inns, vineyard retreats, and charming downtown accommodations throughout Napa Valley.

Plan Your Napa Valley Visit

First-Time Visitors

Planning Your Trip

Reservations & Booking

Why Sterling Vineyards Made Our List

Sterling Vineyards stands out as the only winery in Napa Valley accessible by an aerial gondola, providing a literal and metaphorical elevated experience. Its consistent production of 90+ point wines and its striking Greek-inspired architecture make it a visual and viticultural pillar of the Calistoga region.

You absolutely cannot miss the ride up the hill; the gondola offers the best photo opportunity in the entire valley. Once at the summit, the combination of award-winning Cabernets and the sprawling terrace views makes for a quintessential Napa afternoon.

  • Ride the iconic hilltop aerial gondola.
  • Panoramic views of the Napa Valley.
  • Taste acclaimed 90+ point Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Striking white Greek-style architecture design.
  • Exclusive events like Oyster Roast N' Toast.

Wine Quality

& Reputation

Guest Reviews

& Ratings

Tasting Experience

& Hospitality

AVA

Representation

Bookable

Experiences

About This Winery Profile

CellarPass is the leading platform for curated wine travel experiences.

  • 5M+ travelers helped since 2009
  • 10,000+ bookable experiences
  • Expert-curated wine travel content
  • Independently researched & written

Last Updated

July 10, 2026

We update our guides regularly to ensure information is accurate.

Written By

CellarPass Editorial Team

Our team of wine travel experts and local contributors.

From the CellarPass Collection

Discover more Napa Valley guides to plan your perfect wine country trip.

Explore All Napa Valley Guides →
Plan Your Perfect Getaway

Your Napa Valley Adventure Awaits

Our Trip Planner makes it easy to build your ideal wine country experience. Save your favorite wineries, restaurants, and experiences — and create a personalized itinerary in minutes.

Build Your Itinerary

Add wineries, restaurants, and experiences that match your style.


Organize with Ease

Arrange your days, get directions, and see everything in one place.


Save & Share

Save your trip and share it with friends or travel companions.


Up-to-Date Info

Access the latest hours, availability, and reservation details.

Start Planning Your Trip →
Napa Valley wine country lifestyle

Trip planning made simple. All in one place.