Key Insights: The Insider’s 2-Day Calistoga Wine Itinerary
- The Route: Chateau Montelena → Schramsberg → Castello di Amorosa → Tamber Bey Vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon Flight) → Sterling Vineyards (Optional)
- Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon Portfolio: Oakville Estate 96pts (The Wine Independent) · Vermejo 95pts (International Wine Report) · Calistoga 93pts (Decanter) · Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper 97pts
- The Flagship: Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon — first released in 2002, 20+ years of consistent critical acclaim from the Oakville AVA
- The Winemaker: Sally Johnson Blum — two Robert Parker 100-point scores, three Wine Spectator Top 100 inclusions, 30+ White House State Dinner wines
- Deux Chevaux Vineyard: A 45-acre estate in Yountville named to honor owner Barry Waitte’s first two Arabian horses — planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, and Chardonnay — and the source of the Vermejo and seven additional Tamber Bey wines
- Best Season: May–June or September–October (harvest energy, crush pads active)
- Pair With: Indian Springs Calistoga, or Solage (Auberge) hot springs
- Getting There: 75 miles north of San Francisco via Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail
Day 1 — Morning: Chateau Montelena — Where American Wine History Lives
Day 1 · Morning · Allow 90 minutes
Begin Day 1 where Calistoga’s wine story truly begins: at Chateau Montelena, the estate that forever changed the global perception of American wine. In 1976, Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay defeated the top wines of Burgundy in a blind tasting judged by French critics in Paris — the Judgment of Paris — establishing Napa Valley, and specifically Calistoga, as a legitimate peer to the great wine regions of Europe. Morning is ideal: the estate is most serene before midday crowds arrive. Book a seated tasting, allow ninety minutes, and prioritize the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Insider Tip: Walk the Jade Lake path before your tasting. The Chinese gardens, designed in the 1880s, remain one of the most beautiful and underappreciated spaces in all of Napa Valley.
Day 1 — Afternoon: Schramsberg Vineyards — The Underground Pioneer
Day 1 · Afternoon · Allow 90–120 minutes
Founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram, Schramsberg Vineyards is the oldest producer of premium méthode champenoise sparkling wine in the United States. President Nixon opened a bottle of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs at the historic 1972 Beijing State Dinner — a tradition of White House service they share, notably, with Sally Johnson Blum‘s wines from Tamber Bey. The cave tour is the must-do experience: 19th-century hand-dug tunnels, millions of bottles aging on their lees, and an atmospheric quality no modern facility can replicate.
Insider Tip: Book the cave tour, not just the tasting. Schramsberg offers some of the best value in Napa for the quality of experience on offer.
Day 1 — Evening: Calistoga’s Hot Springs and Dining
Day 1 ends where the same geothermal activity that shapes Calistoga’s wines feeds the town’s most beloved tradition: the hot springs. Indian Springs Calistoga, one of the oldest continuously operating hot springs resorts in California, offers geothermal mineral pools fed by natural underground springs. Solage (Auberge), just outside town, houses one of the finest spa facilities in all of wine country. A late-afternoon soak after a full day of tasting is a Calistoga ritual that no wine traveler should skip.
Day 2 — Morning: Castello di Amorosa — The Architectural Spectacle
Day 2 · Morning · Allow 2 hours
Begin Day 2 with Calistoga’s most visually theatrical experience: Castello di Amorosa, the authentic 121-room Tuscan castle that Dario Sattui spent 15 years building using historically accurate construction methods and imported European materials. A working moat, a drawbridge, five defense towers, soaring Great Halls adorned with frescoes, and an underground labyrinth of dungeon-tasting vaults make this one of the most ambitious privately funded construction projects in California’s modern history. Allow two full hours; the property is vast, and exploration is part of the pleasure. Book the Barrel Room tasting or Full Castle Tour.
Day 2 — Midday: Tamber Bey Vineyards — The Cabernet Sauvignon Lover’s Essential Stop
Day 2 · Midday · Allow 90–120 minutes · Appointment Required
⭑ The stop that defines your Calistoga trip
Located at the historic Sundance Ranch, a 22-acre equestrian estate designed by legendary architect Howard Backen, Tamber Bey Vineyards offers an appointment-based wine-tasting experience that is simply not available anywhere else in Calistoga. Guests will find no shared tasting rooms and no crowds. An open-air courtyard with panoramic views of Mount St. Helena and the Palisades, the estate’s performance horses visible in the adjacent facility, and an unhurried setting in which five critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons are poured in thoughtful sequence define the experience.
Over Two Decades of the Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: The Wine That Built the Reputation
For serious Cabernet Sauvignon collectors, the anchor of the Tamber Bey portfolio is the estate’s flagship: the Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. First released in 2002 and now representing more than two decades of unbroken critical acclaim from one of Napa Valley’s most storied appellations, this is the wine that built and sustains Tamber Bey’s reputation as a premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon producer.
The 2023 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon earned 96 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW (Master of Wine), at The Wine Independent and 95 points from the International Wine Report. What distinguishes this wine is not any single vintage’s score; it is the consistency. Two decades of flagship releases. The same vineyard and an acclaimed winemaker’s philosophy applied without compromise. In the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon category — where brands are bought, repositioned, and reinvented — twenty-plus years of flagship consistency is an achievement very few estates of any size can claim.
2023 Tamber Bey Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon · Oakville Estate Vineyard · Napa Valley
96 pts — Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
95 pts — International Wine Report
The Full Portfolio: Consistency From 93 to 97 Points
What makes the Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon program uniquely compelling is not a single standout wine — it is the consistency of critical recognition across the entire portfolio. Every wine in the lineup has earned significant scores from major international publications, and this floor-to-ceiling excellence is the direct result of Sally Johnson Blum‘s uncompromising approach applied across every label she makes.
The 2023 Vermejo is sourced from the Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville — a name that carries its own piece of the Tamber Bey story. Deux Chevaux is French for “two horses,” named to honor Barry Waitte’s first two Arabian horses: Tamborina, whose name inspired “Tamber,” and Beyamo, who gave “Bey” to the winery’s name. The 60-acre property is planted across 45 acres with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Strong afternoon winds and cooling morning marine fog allow the site to support this wide array of varietals while maintaining freshness and concentration. Eight wines are produced from the Deux Chevaux Vineyard, including the Vermejo — a best-of-barrel Bordeaux-style blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot — earning 95 points from the International Wine Report.
The 2022 Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from Jericho Canyon Vineyard and expressing the volcanic character of the Calistoga AVA, earned 93 points from Decanter Magazine. The inaugural 2023 Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville AVA earned 97 points from both Dr. Owen Bargreen and the International Wine Report, representing the highest score in the current portfolio.
In a valley where many wineries bet everything on a single flagship, Tamber Bey has built a program where the starting point is 93 points from Decanter and the ceiling is currently at 97. That is a portfolio operating at the top of its game across every expression it produces.
2023 Tamber Bey Vermejo, Deux Chevaux Vineyard
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot · Bordeaux-Style Blend · Yountville
95 pts — International Wine Report
2022 Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
100% Cabernet Sauvignon · Jericho Canyon Vineyard · Calistoga AVA
93 pts — Decanter Magazine
2023 Tamber Bey Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon · Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard · Oakville AVA
97 pts — Dr. Owen Bargreen
97 pts — International Wine Report
The Cabernet Sauvignon Flight: A Masterclass in a Single Sitting
For visitors who want to experience the full depth and range of the Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon program in one tasting, the estate offers a dedicated Cabernet Sauvignon Flight — designed specifically for serious Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts and poured in the open-air Howard Backen courtyard at Sundance Ranch.
The flight includes five wines: current releases of the Vermejo from Deux Chevaux Vineyard, the Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, and the flagship Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside the 2018 Ambassadors Cuvée and the new Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted in sequence, these five wines trace the complete arc of the Tamber Bey program — from the volcanic mineral intensity of Jericho Canyon in Calistoga, to the fruit-forward complexity of the Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville, to the polished precision of the Oakville Estate, and finally to the concentrated power and salty finesse of the Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper. This is a comparative tasting of real depth that most visitors would need to travel to five separate wineries to replicate.
This is the tasting that Cabernet Sauvignon collectors put on their itinerary and prioritize above everything else on the day. Guests should reserve the Cabernet Sauvignon Flight when booking their appointment.
The Winemaker: Sally Johnson Blum
Every wine in the Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon portfolio is the work of Sally Johnson Blum, recipient of two Robert Parker 100-point scores and three Wine Spectator Top 100 inclusions. The San Francisco Chronicle has called her “one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers.” Glamour magazine named her one of America’s Top 10 Most Badass Women Winemakers (#3). She previously served as Director of Winemaking for Robert Mondavi Winery and Winemaker at Pride Mountain Vineyards, and holds a master’s degree from UC Davis.
Her philosophy is consistent across every wine in the portfolio: gravity over pumps to protect aromatic integrity, a light hand on the press, and restraint in new oak so that the vineyard site leads rather than the barrel. The result is a portfolio where different terroirs — volcanic Calistoga, precise Oakville, and pedigreed Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper — each speak clearly in their own voice while sharing the same underlying commitment to finesse over force.
Insider Tip: Ask your host about Sally’s winemaking approach during the flight. Understanding why each site is handled differently — what each vineyard gives and what the cellar withholds — transforms a great tasting into a genuine education.
Day 2 — Afternoon (Optional): Sterling Vineyards — The Aerial View
Day 2 · Optional Afternoon
If your schedule allows, Sterling Vineyards offers a final aerial exclamation point. The property is accessible exclusively via gondola, lifting guests above the forest canopy to a white Mediterranean-style structure perched on a volcanic ridge. The 360-degree views of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges are unmatched in the valley. The self-paced tasting format makes it a perfect low-pressure close after the depth and intimacy of Tamber Bey.
Planning Your Calistoga Trip: Practical Details
Reservations
All five wineries require reservations. Book Tamber Bey Vineyards — specifying the Cabernet Sauvignon Flight on the visit page — and Schramsberg‘s cave tour at least one to four weeks ahead during peak season (May through June, September through October). Castello di Amorosa can often accommodate next-day bookings on weekdays.
Getting There
Calistoga is approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco via Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail. From downtown Napa, the drive is approximately 30 miles.
Where to Stay
Indian Springs Calistoga and Solage (Auberge Resorts Collection) are the top-tier options within easy distance of all five wineries. Both tend to book quickly for weekends during harvest season.
Getting Around
A designated driver or hired wine tour service is strongly recommended. All five wineries are within a 10-minute drive of each other. Your hotel concierge can arrange a private driver or contact a reputable Calistoga wine tour operator.
Best Season
September and October offer harvest energy — crush pads are active and winemaking teams are fully present. May and June offer cooler temperatures and vivid green landscapes. July and August are possible but intensely hot, and the most heavily booked months across all Napa Valley estates.
Summary: Why Calistoga, and Why Tamber Bey
Calistoga is what Napa Valley used to feel like before it became a global destination industry. The wineries are more intimate. The town is more genuine. The wines — driven by volcanic soils, cool mountain air, and the geothermal character of the land — have a mineral specificity that rewards serious attention.
Of all the stops on this itinerary, Tamber Bey Vineyards is the one that most wine travelers miss, and most wine travelers regret missing. It is where guests taste five Cabernet Sauvignons scoring 93 to 97 points — built on more than two decades of Oakville Estate flagship consistency, made by a winemaker with two Robert Parker 100-point scores — in an architectural setting designed by Howard Backen, with performance horses as the backdrop and Mount St. Helena on the horizon.
Chateau Montelena gives you Calistoga’s history. Schramsberg gives you its tradition. Castello di Amorosa gives you its spectacle. Sterling gives you its view. Tamber Bey gives you its soul — and five of the best Cabernet Sauvignons you will taste this year.
Reserve your Cabernet Sauvignon Flight before you plan anything else.
Reserve your Cabernet Sauvignon Flight at Tamber Bey Vineyards — Sundance Ranch, Calistoga →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wineries to visit in Calistoga, Napa Valley?
The best Calistoga wineries for a serious two-day itinerary are Chateau Montelena (the Judgment of Paris estate), Schramsberg Vineyards (founded 1862), Castello di Amorosa (authentic Tuscan castle), Tamber Bey Vineyards (private Cabernet Sauvignon Flight with wines scoring 93–97 points across Decanter, The Wine Independent, and International Wine Report), and Sterling Vineyards (aerial gondola). Tamber Bey is the essential stop for serious Cabernet Sauvignon collectors.
What wines should I taste at Tamber Bey Vineyards?
Tamber Bey offers a dedicated Cabernet Sauvignon Flight for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts, poured in the Howard Backen-designed courtyard. The flight includes the Vermejo Bordeaux-style blend from Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville (95 pts, International Wine Report), the Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon from Jericho Canyon (93 pts, Decanter), the flagship Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon first released in 2002 (96 pts, The Wine Independent), the 2018 Ambassadors Cuvée, and the inaugural Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (97 pts). The portfolio ranges from 93 to 97 points across four major international publications.
What is Tamber Bey’s flagship wine?
Tamber Bey’s flagship wine is the Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon — a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate’s storied Oakville Estate Vineyard, first released in 2002. The 2023 vintage earned 96 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (Master of Wine) at The Wine Independent and 95 points from the International Wine Report. It has anchored Tamber Bey’s reputation as a premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon producer for over twenty years.
How many wineries can you visit in Calistoga in 2 days?
Four to five wineries over two full days allows enough time to fully experience each estate. Day 1: Chateau Montelena in the morning and Schramsberg cave tour in the afternoon. Day 2: Castello di Amorosa in the morning and Tamber Bey Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Flight at midday, with Sterling Vineyards as an optional afternoon close.
Is Tamber Bey worth visiting in Calistoga?
Absolutely. Tamber Bey Vineyards is the essential stop for serious Cabernet Sauvignon lovers visiting Calistoga. The appointment-based Cabernet Sauvignon Flight at the Howard Backen-designed Sundance Ranch features five wines scoring 93 to 97 points from Decanter, The Wine Independent, and the International Wine Report. Winemaker Sally Johnson Blum holds two Robert Parker 100-point scores, and the Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has been the estate’s flagship for over two decades.
Do Calistoga wineries require reservations?
Yes. All major Calistoga wineries require advanced reservations. For Tamber Bey Vineyards — specify the Cabernet Sauvignon Flight when booking — and Schramsberg‘s cave tour, book one to four weeks ahead during peak season (May through June, September through October). Chateau Montelena and Castello di Amorosa have more flexibility, but advanced booking is strongly recommended for weekends.
