Europe in America: Calistoga, California

A Little Bit of Tuscany in the Spa Capital of California

Calistoga, located at the northern edge of Napa Valley, is known for exceptional wine, luxury resorts, and small-town charm. The ambiance, acres of vineyards, and open landscapes radiate old world Tuscany. Visitors originally came to the area to enjoy the natural hot springs, and now they have the added bonus of the wineries and tasting rooms. The small town is also full of outdoor recreation, unique museums, and an expansive culinary scene.

Wineries & Tasting Rooms

– Calistoga has an impressive collection of wineries you can visit on your own or hire a private tour company to assist with organizing the day. Keeping with the Italian-themed adventure, start at the Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-style castle that includes a chapel and great hall. There are too many wineries to list, but other award-winning vineyards worth a visit include: Bennett Lane Winery, Chateau Montelena Winery, and Sterling Vineyards. Each of the area wineries is unique, with activities including cave tours, vineyard ATV tours, and hot air balloon rides to name a few.

– A concentration of tasting rooms is centered in historic downtown, which also includes boutique stores, galleries, and culinary delights. You can spend an afternoon sampling from over a dozen tasting rooms as an alternative to the vineyard tours. A few our favorites are Romeo Vineyards and Cellars, Maldonado Family Vineyards, and Tank Garage Winery.

Photo: Courtesy of Visit Calistoga

Outdoor Recreation

– Just on the outskirts of town, see the Old Faithful Geyser of California. Every 15 to 30 minutes you can witness nature blow off some steam. The Geyser is located within the Old Faithful Animal Farm that also features a Geology Museum, Garden, and Picnic Area.

– Go for a challenging hike in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. A few of the popular hikes are the Table Rock Trail (3.8 miles / difficult), Mount Saint Helena Trail (9.3 miles / difficult), and Oat Hill Mine Trail (14.1 miles / difficult).

– Visit a majestic petrified forest of ancient redwood trees. There are two trails to choose from at the Petrified Forest, where informative guided tours are also available.

Health, Wellness & Relaxation

– Have a relaxing day, recharging your body with health and wellness in mind. From fitness and yoga classes to mud baths and a soak in a hot spring pool, there are many ways to feel rejuvenated in Calistoga. Many of the world-class hotels and resorts will assist with booking spa treatments and other wellness activities for your visit.

Photo: Courtesy of Visit Calistoga (Gene Ivester Studio)

Historic Calistoga

– Calistoga has a unique and interesting history. Visit the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and the Sharpsteen Museum to get a glimpse of the town’s early days.