Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards is the only winery in Napa Valley that visitors reach by aerial gondola, a four-minute ride that lifts guests 300 feet above the valley floor to a hilltop estate inspired by the whitewashed architecture of the Greek island of Mykonos. Founded in 1964 by Peter Newton (who later founded Newton Vineyard on Spring Mountain), Sterling was designed from the beginning as a destination, with the gondola and the dramatic hilltop position making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the valley. The estate was among the earliest modern wineries in Calistoga and helped establish the northern end of the valley as a serious winemaking region.

The vineyard holdings are extensive at 1,200 acres, spread across multiple Napa appellations from Carneros in the south to Calistoga in the north. This geographic diversity provides the winemaking team with fruit from dramatically different growing conditions, enabling a portfolio that ranges from cool-climate Chardonnay to warm-climate Cabernet. The Calistoga estate vineyards surrounding the hilltop winery produce the boldest, most concentrated wines in the portfolio, reflecting the appellation's warm days and volcanic soils.

Winemaker Steve Spadarotto oversees a broad portfolio that includes everything from approachable, everyday wines to reserve-quality single-vineyard bottlings. The Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon, from the estate's oldest Calistoga vines, is the flagship and a wine of genuine power and complexity. The Platinum Cabernet, from cooler Napa Valley sites, offers a more elegant expression. The portfolio's range makes Sterling accessible to both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors, a versatility that few Napa wineries achieve.

The tasting experience begins with the gondola ride itself, which provides aerial views of the valley that are worth the visit alone. At the top, visitors follow a self-guided tour through the winery before arriving at the tasting room, where they can choose from several flight options. The terrace offers 360-degree panoramic views of the entire valley, from the Palisades to Mount St. Helena. The self-guided format allows visitors to move at their own pace, and the overall experience is family-friendly and welcoming.

Sterling's hilltop position gives it a literal and figurative vantage point above the valley floor. The gondola, the views, and the self-paced tour create an experience that is more relaxed and less intimidating than the formal, appointment-only tastings that define much of modern Napa. For first-time visitors, families, and anyone who wants to combine stunning scenery with solid wine, Sterling provides one of the most memorable and accessible experiences in the valley.