History of Calistoga Wineries
Posted at 18:05h
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There’s nowhere in California quite like Calistoga. Located in the northern end of the famous Napa Valley, this beautiful region is home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards in the country – but it took many years of hard work, dedication, and determination to become the landmark of the California wine industry that it is today.
Whether you’re planning your next trip to the top Calistoga tasting rooms or opening up a bottle of your favorite wine from the heart of Calistoga from the comfort of your own home, there’s something to be said for knowing how the world’s best wineries came to be.
So pour a glass of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc and settle in to learn about the iconic history of Calistoga wineries.
A History of Calistoga Wineries
One of the most famed wine regions in the country, Calistoga carries a rich history that spans nearly two centuries. A wide variety of grapes thrive in the area’s unique terroir and ideal climate and soil, yielding a range of complex, world-class wines.
It’s only by understanding the area’s history that wine lovers can truly appreciate the stories behind their favorite bottles of wine. Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about the history of Calistoga and its impact on the wine industry as a whole.
Settling in Calistoga
Initially the home of a large Indigenous tribe called the Wappo people, the first American settlers began to arrive in the Calistoga area in the 1840’s. Led by Samuel Brannan, the settlers were eager to explore the area and discover the legendary hot springs, which were thought to have healing powers.
Brannan began to plant roughly 20,000 cuttings from French vines, creating the first vineyards in Calistoga. Though his wine production days were short lived, they were prolific — within only five years of his winery’s beginning, he was producing over 20,000 gallons of brandy and wine.
The First Wineries in Calistoga
To understand the beauty of Calistoga wine country, it’s important to first understand how it all began. A few key wineries worked to lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most beloved areas in California’s iconic Napa Valley.
Kortum Wine Cellar
The first true large-scale winery in Calistoga was Kortum Wine Cellar. Initially built in 1875, this winery was hugely popular, though its journey was not without difficulty — the winery had to be moved and rebuilt after just a few years due to flood damage. However, it set the tone for early winemaking in Calistoga.
Schramsberg Vineyards
Founded in 1862, Schramsberg Vineyards was first begun on Diamond Mountain by a German immigrant by the name of Jacob Schram. For nearly fifty years, the winery worked to lay the foundation for the Calistoga winemaking community, developing the first hillside vineyards and caves in Napa. Then, in 1912, the winery ceased operations until being bought and reopened by the Davies family in the 1960s.
In the years since, Schramsberg Vineyards has once again become one of the leading wineries in Calistoga, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and a wide variety of sparkling wines. The historic winery has been restored and brought back to life, vibrant and teeming with constant developments.
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena is one of the two wineries responsible for truly cementing Napa’s place in the wine industry. Founded in the 1880s, not only is it one of the oldest wineries in Calistoga, but it put America on the map when it won the famed Judgement of Paris wine tasting in 1976 — a blind wine tasting in which Chateau Montelena wine was declared superior to its top French counterparts.
Today, it still stands as a giant of the California wine community, continuously growing and innovating to craft the finest wines in the world.
Prohibition
Just as the wine industry in Calistoga was beginning to truly flourish, it was wiped out almost overnight due to the passing of Prohibition. Otherwise known as the Volstead Act, the National Prohibition Act became law in 1919, with the 18th Amendment passing in January of 1920. Suddenly, it was illegal to produce, transport, or sell alcohol — and just like that, the wine industry was decimated.
The Rebirth of Calistoga
Though bootlegging took place all throughout Prohibition to varying degrees, and some wineries found loopholes — selling wine for religious or medicinal purposes, for example — Prohibition was a huge blow to wine in Calistoga. However, the wine industry couldn’t be kept down forever.
The 1933 repeal of Prohibition meant that wineries could reopen or begin anew. That being said, Calistoga’s rebirth was not quick or immediate by any means. So much damage had been done, quality grapes were nonexistent, and while selling wine was legal, it now came with a litany of rules and regulations to be followed.
Still, slowly but surely, Calistoga wineries began to come to life once more. Though it would take decades for the area to flourish as it once had, step by step, the industry began to be reborn. New vineyards were planted, winemakers from the pre-Prohibition era set back to work, and wine novices began to learn what it means to make great California wine.
Calistoga Today: The Best Wineries in Calistoga
Today, Calistoga is flourishing. While some may consider it to be one of California’s hidden gems, we believe it to be the true heartbeat of the Napa Valley. Some of the finest wines in the world are crafted here in Calistoga, and at Davis Estates — a family owned winery — we’re proud to celebrate Calistoga wine country and all it has to offer.
Calistoga is home to a wide array of exceptional still and sparkling wines, with top notch tasting experiences and beautiful vineyards across the region. Some of the best wineries in Napa can be found right here in Calistoga, and we encourage you to come visit for yourself to taste the difference.
While you’re here, stop by a few of our favorite Calistoga wineries and tasting room locations:
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Calistoga
Whether you plan to visit a historic estate or explore the stunning vineyards, there’s so much to see and experience in Calistoga. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions from wine enthusiasts planning to visit the area.
What is the best winery in Calistoga for wine and food pairings?
Davis Estates offers the best wine and food pairing experiences in Calistoga, California. Featuring artfully crafted culinary delights prepared by the estate’s Executive Chef, each bite is perfectly paired to highlight the complexity, versatility, and depth of the Davis Estate wine portfolio.
What are the must-visit spots in Calistoga?
Calistoga is one of the most beautiful areas of Napa Valley, with no shortage of places to visit and explore. Visit world-class wineries like Davis Estates for amazing food and wine pairings, explore downtown Calistoga to enjoy shopping, art galleries, and spas, or go hiking for stunning views — the Silverado Trail Calistoga is one of our favorite places for beautiful scenery!
Where should I stay when visiting Calistoga?
For the best accommodations in Calistoga, check out our ultimate guide to Calistoga hotels.
Ready to Discover the Best Wineries in Napa 2025? Come Visit Davis Estates
We’re no strangers to the fact that Napa Valley is filled with incredible wine tasting opportunities, with wineries around every corner – but we happen to believe that here at Davis Estates, we offer the best wine tastings in the valley. Crafted for true wine lovers, our Napa Valley tasting room is carefully curated to showcase the richness and complexity of our exceptional wines. Experience your favorite wines like never before, paired with unforgettable culinary masterpieces.
Make a reservation now for our Napa Cave Tour and Wine Tasting Experience — we can’t wait to welcome you.