Davis Estates

Davis Estates is one of the newest showpiece wineries in Calistoga, an estate that combines state-of-the-art winemaking with a culinary program and hospitality experience that rank among the finest in the valley. Founded in 2011 by Mike and Sandy Davis, who made their fortune in technology and real estate, the estate was built from scratch on 97 acres of Calistoga land with no expense spared. The winery hired Cary Gott (of Gott's Roadside fame) as winemaker, immediately signaling their intent to produce wines that could stand alongside the valley's established legends.

The estate covers 97 acres of vineyard in Calistoga and Pope Valley, with the warm Calistoga climate producing Cabernet of bold, concentrated character. The winery building, a striking modern structure with a commercial kitchen at its center, was designed to integrate food and wine at every level. The estate also includes a demonstration garden that supplies the kitchen with seasonal produce, creating a farm-to-table connection that extends beyond marketing into actual practice.

Winemaker Cary Gott, who also oversees the family's legendary roadside hamburger stands, brings an unexpected background to the cellar. His approach is straightforward: source the best fruit, intervene minimally, and let the wine taste like where it came from. The Cabernet from the Calistoga estate is rich and generous, reflecting the warm climate and volcanic soils. The Phase V Cabernet, from the estate's finest blocks, is a reserve bottling of genuine power and complexity. A Pinot Noir from cooler vineyard sources and a Chardonnay round out the portfolio.

The tasting experience at Davis Estates is one of the most impressive in Calistoga. The culinary-focused tastings pair wines with multi-course menus prepared in the open kitchen, and the presentation rivals many Michelin-starred restaurants. The patio overlooking the estate vineyard is a stunning setting for warm-weather tastings, and the interior spaces are designed with the same attention to detail as the food and wine. The $85 tasting fee reflects the caliber of the culinary program and the exclusivity of the experience.

Davis Estates represents the new Calistoga: ambitious, well-funded, and committed to establishing the northern end of the valley as a destination that can compete with the culinary and oenological sophistication of Yountville and St. Helena. The combination of Cary Gott's winemaking talent, the Davis family's investment, and the estate's remarkable hospitality program creates an experience that has quickly earned a place among the valley's most talked-about destinations.