With the holidays now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to treat yourself. One mid-winter wine program worth exploring is Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries 2025/2026 Classic Passport. Now in its 16th year, it’s a fantastic way to discover new favorites and support local businesses. Passport holders enjoy complimentary one-time tastings at participating local wineries, paired with exclusive discounts on lodging, dining and leisure experiences. The program runs through March 1, so there’s plenty of time to explore what the town (and some neighboring places) have to offer.
Getting started
We spent two days in Decembe
r cruising the area and stopping at places we had never been before, including the historic Chateau Montelena, where we were poured a 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay (with a direct lineage to the 1976 bottling that won the Tasting at Paris, which put Napa Valley wines on the world’s radar) and a 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, another amazing taste of Napa’s heritage.
Among our newbies was Laura Michael Wines, where owner/winemaker Michael Swanton (and good boy Hershel) rolled out the red carpet with four delightful wines. A 2024 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel was fruity and gentle, with a beautiful salmon hue, while a 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel was bursting with ripe cherries. There was also a balanced, meaty 2019 Rutherford Cabernet and a lush, sweet (but not cloying) red dessert wine called Laura’s Theme.
Located inside the Four Seasons Resort, Elusa focuses on 100% varietal wines. We started with a 2022 dry-farmed sauvignon blanc, which is dry and tart but not grapefruit-y. A 2022 cabernet sauvignon is old-school Napa, with leather on the nose and a deep, smooth body. Fire-related construction delays have resulted in a deep library for this relative newcomer, including a 2016 petite sirah that’s bold and earthy, with notes of dried fruit.
Funky and traditional
The funky, retro vibe at Tank Garage Winery set the stage for a completely different experience. Housed in a revamped gas station, the focus is combining available (often lesser-known) grape varieties into compelling blends for a series of one-offs. We tried three unique reds, each one an unexpected delight. Rock on, you rebels!
Markham offered a more traditional vibe with five selections on its Discovery of Napa tasting menu. A balanced and approachable 2020 Oak Knoll Chardonnay, described as “apple pie in a glass,” was a shining example of malolactic fermentation done right. With a topographical map and a large jar of soil types, we were led through the valley’s different microclimates and AVAs, one wine at a time. Standouts include a 2017 Estate Merlot (subtle and complex) and a 2016 cabernet sauvignon (velvety mouthfeel, dark berries).
On this trip, we skipped—but still recommend—a few old favorites (already reviewed in these pages), including Hans Fahden and Sterling Vineyards. And wineries in Lake County (Fults Family, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Wild Diamond Winery) are on the itinerary for another day. After all, we have until March to return.
Please note: Most places can accommodate walk-ins, but if there’s a participating winery you really want to visit, it’s best to make an advanced reservation.
Did you know?
The Calistoga Passport program is $80 per person, and includes special offers at businesses in and around town. For a full list of participating wineries, restaurants, spas and lodging, go to visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport/.
