by Charles Neave
Sitting a lofty three hundred feet above the valley floor – overlooking some of the choicest vineyard real estate in the country – Sterling Vineyards is a commanding presence, but one that is pleasingly integrated into the landscape.
While the physical location of the winery is obviously spectacular, the architecture is also eye-catching. As The New York Times said, with their usual understatement, this winery is “one of the most spectacular wineries in Napa Valley.” Just as it has been for almost four decades, since that first vintage in 1969.
While the winery’s design draws its most obvious inspiration from the Greek hill towns in general, and the sun-bathed isle of Mykonos in particular, there is also an English influence that, at first (or even second) glance is not as obvious. This is evidenced by the fact that the bells in the tower were once in London’s St. Dunstan’s Cathedral. The church was destroyed in the Second World War and the English founder of the winery brought the bells to the Napa Valley, where they ring every quarter hour.
This is also the only winery in the world to reached by aerial tram. That is how a visit to the winery begins, with a tranquil ride from the parking area at the base of the hill to the winery at the summit. You pass over the gardens and ponds as the vista opens up slowly and dramatically.
When you reach the winery you begin a self-guided tour that is interesting, educational and just plain enjoyable, just like the tasting at the conclusion. There is no group to join; you set your own pace, and displays along the way explain what is happening and why. Videos shown on screens throughout the winery explain the activities that go on during the harvest, the blending process, fermentation, aging and bottling. Every part of the winemaking process is set before you, and you can linger at will. Be sure to glance through often deeply recessed windows and take a glance at the activity – or the tranquility – that defines winemaking.
As Sterling’s Vice President of Winemaking Mike Westrick says, “Not only is Sterling’s winery a beautiful place to visit, it’s also a fantastic facility for making wine. We use only the best equipment and the most up-to-date techniques – and visitors can watch it all happen from above.”
Sterling Vineyards makes a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Gris, a Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
“We’re so proud of all of our wines that we don’t narrow down the selections for the tasting rooms,” said Westrick. “From our single vineyard selections, like Merlot from Three Palms Vineyard or Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain Ranch Vineyard, to our Napa Valley selections, you can try it all when you visit.”
That is why Sterling Vineyards has three different tasting rooms offering these selections. The rooms are handsome, done in a sophisticated Napa country style that is comfortable but also reflects the attention to detail evident in each sip of the wines.
As if one was needed, there is an added incentive to visit. Sterling has added another very special experience, the daily Reserve Tours. On these tours the tram is met by a guide who will take special guests on a private tour, ending with a guided tasting of a three-vintage vertical series of the outstanding Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. At Sterling, the word “Reserve” on a label means that is the richest, most complete expression of a varietal they are capable of crafting.
As James O’Shea, Manager of Hospitality at Sterling, says, “The Reserve Tours grew out of an events program that was developed for – and became extremely popular with – corporate incentive groups. The special attention provided by a private tour and tasting reflects the special attention given to the creation of our Reserve wines, and makes the Reserve Tour an unforgettable experience. We are now pleased to offer it to the public.” The Reserve Tours start promptly at 11 a.m. every day and are limited to no more than ten adults.
No matter which route you take, self-guided or Reserve, you can count on the fact that at the end of your visit you will still be able to relax with a glass of fine wine and look out over the Napa Valley that is spread out at your feet.
The Sterling Vineyard tasting room is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. They are located at 1111 Dunaweal Lane south of Calistoga between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. For more information contact them at 1-800-726-6136; the telephone number for Reserve Tour line is (707) 942-3349. Or you can find them at www.sterlingvineyards.com.

Related Information

• Sterling Vineyards