Sterling Vineyards — Attraction in Calistoga

Sterling was the low point of our recent winery tours.

Generally, when you make a reservation at a winery, you are greeted on arrival and begin a friendly tour or tasting with knowledgeable staff who are happy to tel you about their wines and winery. At Sterling, though, we arrived for our 4:00 tasting/aerial tram ride to be met with long lines and an assembly line type experience. This had all the class and elegance of a day at a down-market Six Flags.

On arrival, after retrieving tickets at the ticket window, we stood in a crowded, roped off line for more than half an hour in the blistering heat waiting on the tram. There was no place for older people to sit, and children were running wild. There's a short video that runs on loop about the history of the winery, but it is not very informative or entertaining.

If you've dressed up for a day of visiting wineries, be warned that there are misters blowing water on the crowd as you stand in line, which are hell on the hair and makeup. Unfortunately, no fans.

I knew this would be more commercial but was taking first timers and thought they'd enjoy the tram. Instead, we spent at least half of the visit discussing whether to just bail.

Once we finally reached the tram, we rode to the top and the assembly line continued. We lined up again for the first wine tasting, as sauvignon blanc, where the woman pouring repeated the same two sentences to each person in line.

We following signs for the "self guided" tour, which was totally devoid of information. There were a few tv monitors with subtitles describing some of the process, but for the most part we were staring at production facilities with no idea what we were looking at.

The next stop was a merlot station. The wine was just horrid. It burned my throat. I dumped it out. I never dump out wine.

We then pushed through crowds and walked past more things that were not explained to us, to wait in another line, this time a cheap cabernet. I drank it because I'm only human, but it was not good at all. Again, the pourer just repeated the same sentences to everyone as he poured.

Finally, we arrived on the terrace, which is the only reason to visit this winery and the only reason I gave this review two stars. The view is simply splendid, unmatched by any other I've seen in my many Napa/Sonoma visits. Really, it is stunning. I wish we could have enjoyed it more, but there were children nearby who would not stop screaming and the parents did not even seem to notice. Also, it was hot, hot, hot, and the few fans available were simply inadequate. Why they do not have overhead fans on the terrace is just baffling.

On the way out, I decided to go to the bathroom. I saw water (I hope) running down the floor from one of the 2 stalls, and when I went in there was trash and paper all over the floor. I decided to wait. Then, we went to wait again in line for the tram back to the bottom, where we got to hear the tram operator yell at people to take the shuttle van down the hill to avoid the wait. We were so relieved to reach our car and leave Sterling behind.

If you want to visit a winery with basic cheap wine, screaming children, bachelorette parties, and assembly line type service, then this is the place for you. The view makes up for a number of sins, but even with that I would never visit this...

Sterling Vineyards – Napa Valley: A Must-Visit Experience Stunning Arrival and Setting Sterling Vineyards stands out immediately for its unique and exciting gondola ride, which transports you 300 feet above the town of Calistoga. The views during the ascent set the tone for the visit: panoramic vistas of Napa Valley, majestic mountain ranges, and sweeping vineyards as far as the eye can see. Even visitors not strongly interested in wine will find the gondola experience memorable and well worth the visit.

Architecture and Atmosphere The winery itself is perched atop a hill and boasts striking Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Spacious walkways, bright stucco walls, and open-air terraces create a welcoming, relaxed environment. The moment you step out of the gondola, you're met with serene patios perfect for soaking up the scenery, taking photos, and unwinding.

Tasting Experiences Sterling offers a variety of tasting options that cater to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and first-time visitors:

The Sterling Stroll: A self-guided tasting and walking tour through the beautiful estate, including five pours at various scenic stops. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the sights and learn about the region and winemaking process.

Hilltop Experience: A more exclusive tasting with a charcuterie board, held in a dedicated space overlooking gorgeous valley views.

Wines are diverse, with whites like Sauvignon Blanc providing a refreshing change from Napa’s big reds. Some visitors found only a couple of the wines to be exceptional, while others praised varieties such as the Malvasia Bianca for their sweet and aromatic profiles. The opportunity to bring home a keepsake crystal glass adds a nice touch.

Service and Hospitality Staff at Sterling Vineyards earn high marks for friendliness, warmth, and knowledge. Both guided and self-paced experiences are supported by helpful team members eager to share details about the wines, the property, and local history. While the tastings at times can feel a bit corporate to some, the welcoming attitude generally shines through and makes guests feel valued.

Accessibility & Extras The property is accessible: For those with a fear of heights or mobility concerns, a shuttle is available as an alternative to the gondola ride.

The atmosphere is peaceful, especially in the mornings or on weekdays, with spots that can feel almost private.

The estate has gender-neutral restrooms and keeps facilities clean, though a few guests commented on their condition.

Final Thoughts Sterling Vineyards delivers an unforgettable blend of scenic adventure, rich education, and approachable wine tasting. The breathtaking gondola ride, panoramic hilltop views, and laid-back tasting format combine to make this a standout Napa Valley destination. While it can feel a touch touristy at peak times, the overall experience, especially for newcomers to Napa, is truly worth it.

Recommended for:

First-time Napa Valley visitors seeking a memorable, photo-worthy experience.

Groups and families (kids enjoy the gondola!).

Wine lovers who also enjoy history, architecture, and scenery.

Not ideal for:

Those seeking small, ultra-intimate tastings or only the most exclusive, boutique wines.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 – Highly recommended for its unique approach and...

As a young Black woman visiting on a girls’ trip, I had high hopes for Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga—but what we experienced felt anything but welcoming. From the moment we stepped onto the property, the staff’s cold, rushed demeanor made us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued guests.

It quickly became clear that our age and race influenced the way we were treated. We were hustled through each tasting station with barely a word of explanation, and there was no genuine engagement or enthusiasm from the team. Instead of a leisurely, informative tasting, it felt like an assembly line designed to maximize revenue and minimize human connection.

However, Taina who worked at the first stop giving the tasting of Pinot Grigio was wonderful and very friendly! She was very welcoming!

The taint of their poor customer service extended beyond the tasting room. On our way back down the hill, the gondola attendant barely glanced at our car, offering no instructions or safety check before sending us on our way. It was alarming to realize that someone so clearly disinterested in our well‑being was operating our ride—hardly the premium, attentive service you’d expect for the price.

At the premium price point they charge, you expect warmth, education, and a little fun conversation about the wines. Instead, we got perfunctory pours, clipped “enjoy your day” send‑offs, and even felt our safety was an afterthought. The gorgeous hilltop views and well‑crafted bottles can’t make up for the unmistakable feeling of being unwelcome.

California’s wine country has so many incredible, inclusive venues that genuinely celebrate diversity and pride themselves on hospitality. Sterling Vineyards, unfortunately, falls short on all counts. Given how rushed, uninterested, and even unsafe their service felt—particularly for a young group of women of color—I can’t recommend this place to fellow travelers seeking an authentic, respectful, and secure...