One of the wineries that put Napa Valley on the global map, this pastoral estate won a top honor among white wines at the Judgment of Paris in 1976 (commemorated in the 2008 movie Bottle Shock), and continues to hold its head high today. This isn’t a place well laid-out for hordes of casual gawkers, but the ivy-covered, castle-like winery building (1882) is pretty, and the Chinese garden and 5-acre pond, Jade Lake, make a lovely place to sit for a few minutes. The people pouring here (they’re in the modern ranch-style building) know their wine, and they’re still proud of the victory that put Napa on the serious wine drinker’s map. Look carefully for the easy-to-miss driveway; as you’re driving to the winery, if the road you’re on gives way to hairpins and ever-climbing altitude, you’ve gone too far, and you’re on a mountain pass.
Napa Valley
Travel Guide
Napa Valley› Attraction
Chateau Montelena
1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Calistoga
Hours
Daily 9:30am–4pm
Phone
707/942-5105
Prices
The basic walk-in “current release” tasting is $30 for four wines or $40 if you make an appointment for a “semi-private” experience. If you’re deeply interested, set aside 1 hour for its Library Wine Tasting (Sun, Tues, and Thurs 10am and 2pm; $60; reservation required).
Web site
Chateau Montelena
Map
1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga Napa ValleyNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.