Just 75 miles north of San Francisco, Calistoga offers a rich history with famous hot springs, family-owned wineries, and authentic hospitality. It’s no wonder that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Calistoga a Distinctive Destination. As the northernmost town in the Napa Valley, Calistoga was first visited by American settlers in the mid-1840s. Its natural hot springs attracted California’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan, who developed a hot springs resort for the rich and famous. Today, its predecessor Indian Springs still welcomes guests, and there are many other cozy places to stay. Calistoga is an ideal oasis for wine tourists, with wineries in every direction, great food, and plenty of fun ways to relax. In town, there are plenty of day spas featuring therapeutic treatments, geothermal waters, and mud baths. On its outskirts, Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts routinely, but who’s in a hurry? The more time you spend in Calistoga, the more relaxed you feel.
LOCAL WINES
Calistoga’s terroir yields “big wines” like heady, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, and distinctive Petite Sirah. Ninety percent of the wineries in the Calistoga AVA are family owned and operated! Some winery tasting rooms are located in town, while others are a short drive away—down a narrow country road on the valley floor, or tucked away into the hillside. Part of the fun is finding them, but tasting the wines and getting to know these family wineries is the most fun of all.
LOCAL FOOD
There are lots of great eateries in Calistoga, from great barbecue, Mexican, and American fare to elevated culinary experiences. Sam’s Social Club, Indian Springs’ first full-service restaurant, is getting rave reviews for its rustic American cuisine. JoLe Restaurant, owned by a husband and wife chef and pastry chef team, serves inspired fresh farmto- table cuisine. Under the direction of renowned Chef Brandon Sharp, the Michelin-rated Solbar at Solage Calistoga serves innovative bistro fare. Chef Brandon Sharp and the owners of Solage Hotels & Resorts are opening a second restaurant in downtown Calistoga this spring.
LOCAL LODGING
Calistoga offers an array of places to stay, from top-rated spa resorts and intimate inns to quaint bed and breakfasts and budget-minded hotels. Indian Springs recently added 75 “View” guest rooms. Cottage Grove Inn provides peace and privacy within walking distance of town, while Calistoga Ranch is a private resort tucked into its own canyon. There’s even camping at Napa Valley State Park! Regardless of where you decide to stay, book your place for at least two nights and relax…it’s Calistoga.
INSIDE SCOOP
The Sharpsteen Museum tells the history of upper Napa Valley with great exhibits, dioramas, and walking tours!