Written by: Mary Shull
Enjoy wine? What better place to sample the multitudes than in the Napa Valley! A world-wide destination for wine tasting, Napa Valley is home to hundreds of wineries. Take a few weeks and you might be able to sample all their fares.
Vineyard - from grape to glass at Sterling Vineyards in the Napa Valley
Nestled outside the small town of Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards sits 300 feet above the valley floor. The entrance is graced by a gorgeous tree-lined driveway and surrounded by row upon row of magnificent grapevines. The road leads to the visitor area where beautiful rose bushes await your compliments. Then, you must make your way to the winery which is accessed through an aerial tram ride! Yes, a unique four-person tram whisks visitors away (for a small fee) and deposits them atop the hill for their self-guided tour and wine tasting journey. Make sure to take in the sights as you glide along. The splendor only increases as you near the top and prepare for your special treat. The views are simply amazing as you stroll through the wonderful winery buildings that were designed after the architecture on the Greek island of Mykonos. Listen to the tower bells toll their lovely melody as you begin to sample your wine selections. Your tour takes you through the inner workings of the winery and explains its history and the vinification process. Motion-activated flat screen televisions help explain the processes involved in taking a grape and making it into wine. Wine tasting stops are strategically located to showcase the best views as you sample your wine and bask in your surroundings. Sterling Vineyards’ wines include:
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Blanc
Eventually, you find yourself at the Main Wine Tasting Room where you will sit down and relax while you enjoy your final tasting of wine selections. Winery staff assist you in final wine selections as you soak in your experience and let your mind wander.
Your final steps take you through the wine shop where you have the option to purchase any new favorites for home enjoyment. You then board the tram and let the view wash over you as you journey back down to the valley floor.
Sterling Vineyards is an experience you won’t soon forget. It has been called one of Napa Valley’s gems and has earned bragging rights. So next time you plan a trip to Napa Valley for wine tasting, visit Sterling Vineyards and prepared to be impressed.