Hey, fellow vino voyagers! If you’re anything like me—a discerning sipper who knows their way around a stemware but still gets giddy over a perfectly balanced Cab—then Calistoga is calling your name this late summer. Tucked at the northern tip of Napa Valley, this geothermal gem isn’t just about mud baths and hot springs (though, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a post-tasting soak?). As harvest kicks into high gear from August to September, Calistoga transforms into a playground for wine lovers, blending world-class pours with community vibes, live tunes, and farm-fresh feasts. We’re talking events that celebrate the crush without crushing your spirit the next day—think intimate tastings, communal tables, and bubbly bashes under the stars.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 10 wine-centric happenings for 2025, drawing from the region’s rich AVA heritage where volcanic soils birth bold reds and crisp whites. Whether you’re a Pinot purist, a bubbly buff, or just here for the good times (and great pairings), these picks promise something for every palate. We’ll dive deep into what makes each one sparkle, from the insider scoops to practical deets like locations, parking perks, and yes, even where to find those all-important restrooms. So, grab your tasting journal, rally your crew, and let’s raise a glass to Calistoga’s harvest hustle—because life’s too short for mediocre Merlot.
The Top 10: Where the Grapes Get Glorious
1. Summer in the Vineyards Wine Passport Program
If you’re easing into August with a multi-day wine wanderlust, this passport is your golden ticket to Calistoga’s hidden gems. Running through August 17, 2025, it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure for oenophiles, offering half-price tastings at over a dozen boutique spots. What makes it special? It’s all about discovery—think small-production sips from volcanic-terroir standouts like Chateau Montelena’s historic Chards or Clif Family’s sustainable blends, plus extras like olive oil pairings at Grove 45. No rigid schedule; just hop between vineyards at your leisure, scoring over $800 in savings on tastings, lodging, dining, and spas.
Location/Address: Various participating wineries across Calistoga, including Chateau Montelena (1429 Tubbs Lane), Bennett Lane Winery (3340 CA-128), and Tamber Bey Vineyards (1251 Tubbs Lane).
Date/Time: Daily from June 12 to August 17, 2025; hours vary by winery (typically 10 AM–5 PM).
Amenities: Most wineries offer free parking lots (ample spaces at larger spots like Sterling Vineyards), indoor/outdoor seating, restrooms on-site (clean and modern at resorts like Four Seasons), and some pet-friendly patios. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly paths at many venues; check individual sites for elevators in caves.
Tickets: $45 per passport (one per person; no sharing tastings). Buy online via Visit Calistoga—pro tip: snag it early for lodging discounts at spots like Solage. Wine not included beyond tastings, but bottles to-go are a steal.
2. Crush Collective Wine Event
For a one-stop boutique bonanza, hit Tamber Bey Vineyards on August 17, 2025, for this walk-around tasting extravaganza. Spotlighting 17 cult-favorite producers all under one roof (er, arena—it’s in a converted equestrian center), you’ll swirl through single-vineyard stunners like bold Cabs and zesty Sauv Blancs. Special sauce? It’s a horse-lover’s dream—mingle with resident equines while noshing gourmet bites, turning your tasting into a full-sensory rodeo.
Location/Address: Tamber Bey Vineyards, 1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM.
Amenities: Free on-site parking (plenty for 200+ guests), clean restrooms in the main building, picnic areas for lounging, and wheelchair access throughout the flat grounds. Bring sunscreen for outdoor vibes.
Tickets: From $80.81; available on Eventbrite. Includes tastings and light fare—upgrade for VIP early entry.
3. Elusa Summer Happy Hour
Kick off the month with a casual pour at Elusa Winery on August 1, 2025. This low-key happy hour channels Calistoga’s relaxed ethos, featuring estate-grown gems like elegant Pinots amid lush gardens. What elevates it? Live music and sunset views that pair perfectly with small plates, making it ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Location/Address: Elusa Winery, 1226 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Friday, August 1, 2025, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Amenities: Valet or self-parking available (free for guests), modern restrooms, outdoor seating with heaters, and ADA-compliant paths.
Tickets: Free entry; wines by the glass $15–$25. RSVP recommended.
4. Calistoga Concerts in the Park
Thursdays in August (up to August 14, 2025) turn Pioneer Park into a wine-infused jam session. Free live music from local bands pairs with pours from Calistoga AVA wineries—think crisp Rieslings under the oaks. Special twist: It’s family-friendly yet sophisticated, with picnic blankets encouraged for that quintessential Napa chill.
Location/Address: Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar Street, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Thursdays, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Amenities: Street parking nearby (free after 6 PM), public restrooms, grassy areas for seating (bring chairs), and wheelchair-accessible paths. Food trucks on-site.
Tickets: Free admission; wine sales $10–$15 per glass.
5. Music in the Vineyards Festival
August 1–24, 2025, brings chamber music to winery settings, with some performances in Calistoga spots like Larkmead or local halls. Wine pairings during intermissions make it a harmonious blend of notes and noses—special for culture-craving sippers seeking more than just a pour.
Location/Address: Various, including Larkmead Vineyards (1100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515).
Date/Time: Varies; evenings typically 7:30 PM.
Amenities: Winery parking (free), indoor restrooms, seated venues with AC, accessibility ramps.
Tickets: $50–$100; festival passes available.
6. Calistoga Harvest Table
The crown jewel: On September 7, 2025, Lincoln Avenue becomes a 1,000-foot communal feast. Multi-course meals from 12 top eateries (like Evangeline’s Cajun flair) meet pours from 11 wineries—think Chateau Montelena Cabs with sunset glow. Special? That Wild West Coast theme and after-party at Calistoga Depot scream epic community harvest bash.
Location/Address: Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515 (downtown stretch).
Date/Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025; entertainment 3:30 PM, dinner 6:00 PM.
Amenities: Free street parking in lots like Logvy Park (1745 Washington St.), public restrooms nearby, card-only payments; wheelchair-friendly but note street setup.
Tickets: $175 single/$1,680 table (8 seats); includes service, no wine (buy on-site).
7. South American Asado Harvest Dinner Celebration
Fire up the grill on September 20, 2025, at August Briggs for this BBQ extravaganza. Asado-style meats pair with bold winery reds—special for its cultural fusion and harvest vibes, complete with live tunes.
Location/Address: August Briggs Winery, 1307 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, evening (exact time TBD, typically 6:00 PM).
Amenities: On-site parking (limited, carpool), winery restrooms, outdoor seating.
Tickets: Around $150; via CellarPass.
8. Harvest Dinner & Live Auction
Also on September 20, 2025, this benefit bash at Bale Grist Mill features Oak Avenue Catering’s feast, Silverado Pickups music, and auction of Napa goodies. Special: Supports state parks while you sip and bid.
Location/Address: Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, 3369 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (near Calistoga).
Date/Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM.
Amenities: Park parking (free), outdoor restrooms, picnic-style setup.
Tickets: $250; sells out fast.
9. Diamond Mountain Rocks: Schramsberg’s 60th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Rock out on September 27, 2025, with The English Beats amid Schramsberg’s sparkling wines. Special: 60th anniversary vibes on Diamond Mountain, blending bubbles, bites, and beats.
Location/Address: Schramsberg Vineyards, 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Amenities: On-site parking, restrooms in caves, hillside seating (wear comfy shoes).
Tickets: Details via winery site; expect $100+.
10. NIWA by Laurent-Perrier at Four Seasons Napa Valley
Round out September with this elegant wine series (dates vary, check August/September slots). Champagne tastings in a luxe resort setting—special for its Perrier-Jouët pairings and spa adjacency.
Location/Address: Four Seasons Resort, 400 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515.
Date/Time: Select dates in August/September 2025, evenings.
Amenities: Valet parking (complimentary for events), luxury restrooms, poolside access.
Tickets: $50–$100; reservations required.
Cheers to Calistoga: Wrapping Up the Harvest Highs
There you have it, wine warriors—the top 10 reasons to point your GPS toward Calistoga this August and September. From passport-powered explorations to starlit concerts and epic communal feasts, these events capture the essence of Napa’s northern soul: bold flavors, warm hospitality, and that unbeatable harvest energy. Whether you’re chasing rare reserves or just vibing with fellow enthusiasts, Calistoga delivers without the pretension—proving great wine is as much about the people and place as the pour. Pro tip: Book early, hydrate often, and consider a designated driver or rideshare for those multi-event days. Here’s to unforgettable sips and stories—may your glass always be half full, and your adventures overflowing. Sláinte!
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