Top Calistoga Cocktail Party Venues

Sterling Vineyards includes a sprawling eight ranches and vineyards spread around Napa Valley. The Diamond Mountain Ranch lies west of the town of Calistoga, near the top of the Diamond Mountain American Viticultural Area. The ranch’s 120 acres, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, range in elevation from 1,700 to 2,000 feet, climbing the steep northern face of the Mayacamas Mountains. Nearly vertical slopes, austere soils, and dry farming stress the vines planted here, and low-vigor volcanic soils provide minimal nutrition. This results in small, intensely concentrated fruit clusters that make deeply pigmented, assertive wines with full body and rich tannins. The Bear Flats Estate Vineyard lies north of the town of St. Helena and slopes from Highway 29 to the Napa River. This location within the Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley allows the vineyard to experience hotter daytime temps following cool mornings that extend the ripening period. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive, producing grapes with rich, plush flavors and optimal ripeness, in the well-drained, gravelly loam soil of this 87-acre vineyard. North of St. Helena, on the east side of Highway 29, Larsen Ranch features alluvial clay loam on both sides of the Napa River. This site’s 50 acres are planted exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Southwest of the town of Calistoga, Peterson Ranch rises from 700 to 900 feet above the valley floor. The complex aspects of the terraced mountain sides create micro climates within the vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon planted here develops concentrated varietal expression in the well-drained, deep, rich loam of this vineyard’s 60 planted acres. Wines from this vineyard are very intense with weight and richness that give way to complex layers of aroma and flavor. Located south of the town of Calistoga, Calistoga Ranch sits astride the Napa River and is comprised of alluvial loam soils. The cooling influence of the Napa River ensures cool mornings followed by hot days allowing for longer ripening period. The vineyard's 45 acres are planted exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc, which develop a bright varietal expression. The meticulously farmed Sleeping Lady Vineyard is located in the Yountville AVA of the Napa Valley. The Sleeping Lady Vineyard, on the west bench of Yountville sitting up against the Mayacamas Mountains, and is named for the distinctive foothills behind the property that look like a woman laying on her side. The pristine vineyard of just over 50 acres has six clones of Cabernet Sauvignon grown on it; Sterling Vineyards winemaker Harry Hansen works with three of these clones (2, 22, and 30). The Yates Family vineyard is found moderately high, just above the town of Napa, planted at an elevation of 1,100 feet. Mt. Veeder is one of Napa’s most unique AVAs, the southernmost and coolest growing region, known for an extended growing season and volcanic soils with a variety of micro climates. The vineyard is found at the end of Redwood Road, near the Archer Taylor Preserve managed by the Land Trust of Napa Valley. Vineyards were first planted here in the 1860s and have been used by Sterling via a long-term partnership. The Tamagni Estate Vineyard is comprised of 53 planted acres that lie south of the town of Calistoga between the Silverado Trail and the Napa River. Situated within the prestigious Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley, the vineyard is primarily planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. These varieties thrive in this property’s sandy loam, clay loam, and alluvial loam soils.

At Montelena, they question everything — convention, past methodologies, or how they can do something just a little bit better. With the freedom to explore, we have the privilege to learn. And by asking ourselves why, we can better understand the path to how. With a 14-decade legacy comes the responsibility for further growth and at Montelena they refuse to rest on their laurels. Chateau Montelena has a celebrated history, and the Judgment of Paris is just one chapter. Modern technology does not replace people or the art in winemaking but expands the creative potential. There are no formulas here. Careful consideration drives every project with the determination to build the future. Fifty years of Barrett ownership have cultivated a profound understanding of the land we farm at Montelena. At Montelena, they are not interested in recreating a specific flavor in the wines year after year, but capturing each unique season through the lens of our growing site. Their goal is to paint with all of the colors, with uniqueness expressed in every vintage. Regardless of your wine background, Montelena speaks to who you are and where you are. There is a unique story living within each bottle they craft. They build our wines to stand the test of time. The cellar, comprising every vintage they have made, is testament to this belief. However, ageability isn’t solely a trial of endurance but rather an opportunity to flourish. Each bottle should taste delicious today and continue to evolve, rewarding patience in the future. Montelena is open for tasting experiences by reservation. They look forward to welcoming you to the Estate for a tasting reservation or to pick up a wine purchase. To join them on the Estate, you must have a reservation or pickup confirmation, and all members of your party must be aged 21 years of age or older. Chateau Montelena is located at the top of Napa Valley in Calistoga. Please allow at least 45 minutes from downtown Napa and two hours from San Francisco. The winery is open by appointment only 9:30am to 4pm, with the exception of select dates.

Castello di Amorosa is the realization of an all-consuming passion. Fourth generation winemaker Dario Sattui built an authentically styled 13th century Tuscan castle winery to honor his Italian heritage and deep love for medieval architecture. But it all started with wine. Dario is the great grandson of pioneering vintner Vittorio Sattui, an Italian immigrant who founded St. Helena Wine Cellars in 1885. The Sattui family lived at the winery, even after Prohibition closed the business in 1920. Dario was always fascinated by the stories and photos of the old winery. As a child, he would play in the winery's underground cellars and dream of reviving the family business. Dario's interest in medieval architecture grew into an obsession as he traveled around Europe after college. He didn't know it then, but the hours he spent sketching medieval castles, monasteries, palaces, farmhouses, and wineries would one day inspire the blueprints for a visionary undertaking. Dario returned to the U.S. in 1972, with plans to re-open the family winery that had been dormant for more than 50 years. In 1975, he launched V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. With his great grandfather’s legacy firmly in hand, Dario spent the next two decades searching for a dream property in the Napa Valley. In 1993, he finally found the ideal parcel — 171 acres near Calistoga where Colonel William Nash had planted one of California's first vineyards in 1846. Dario bought the property, which had acres of beautiful forest and hills, a stream and a lake, and a great Victorian home where he decided to settle. "My ideas began to crystallize," he would later write. "I wanted to specialize in making small lots of primarily Italian-style wines and showcase them in an authentic, medieval castle setting where they would be sold directly to the public, not in stores or restaurants." Dario began the construction of Castello di Amorosa winery in 1994. Dario first intended to build an 8,500 square foot building without cellars. But gradually the project morphed into a 13th-century Tuscan castle spanning 121,000 square feet (three acres) with 107 rooms, four underground levels, and four above-ground levels. In Dario's own words, he was "determined to make the Castello authentic in every respect, I used only old, hand-made materials and I built it employing the same methods and materials that would have been used 700-800 years ago. You can’t fake something like this. You either do it right or people will know it’s not authentic." It took more than 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled local stone and nearly one million antique bricks imported from Europe to complete the castle. More than 200 containers of old materials and furnishings were shipped over from Europe to decorate the interior. The construction took 15 years and opened to the public on April 7, 2007. Today, Castello di Amorosa is considered an architectural masterpiece with all the elements of an authentic medieval castle: a moat, drawbridge, five towers, high defensive ramparts, courtyards and loggias, a chapel, stables, an armory, and even a torture chamber. 107 rooms in total, no rooms alike. Containing some of the most beautiful vaulted wine cellars in the world, Castello di Amorosa has fulfilled Dario’s dream of producing superior quality wines with the same love and attention to detail that went into building his castle.

• Spaces for 110 Guests

The lovely outdoor ceremony space is the perfect place to start your celebration. Your guests will be able to praise your union in an open, natural setting once you have announced your arrival beneath the magnificent vine-covered walkway. From here, you and your lover may capture the beauty of your relationship among the tranquil ponds and gardens, which are abundant with photo opportunities. Your guests will be able to dine in the rustic wine cave, which is located beneath the rows of ancient vines. Your guests will be able to toast to your union in a tranquil and private environment thanks to the intimate setting provided by the venue. Later in the evening, the Great Room will be transformed into a dance floor. In this beautiful and open setting, you may enjoy that special first dance with your closest friends and family members and make new memories. For your convenience, we took on all of the difficult tasks. We have identified the best wedding providers for every need you will have on your wedding day and put up an all-inclusive package just for our clients. Our goal is to save you valuable engagement time, money, and stress by utilizing our services. All-Inclusive Package With our all-inclusive wedding package, we take care of everything you need for your big day. It is possible to include up to ten wedding providers. Preferential pricing from hand-selected top suppliers in Sonoma and Napa Counties, as well as special events. ​Pricing starts at $21,300* (plus applicable taxes). *Pricing is determined by the number of guests, the time of year, and availability.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Our venue, Brasswood Estate, is the ideal setting for your special occasion. Our Estate, which includes numerous beautifully constructed private rooms, was built with an emphasis on balanced architecture, rustic design, and diverse art as a foundation. From picnic charcuterie platters to private luncheons and wedding reception meals, our Bar + Kitchen catering services can supply everything you might possibly need. Learn more about our Napa Valley property in the sections below. Vintner's Vanguard is our annual grand tasting event, when we display the latest releases from Brasswood Cellars and our Vintner Partner's vineyards and wineries. This event, which will include over 15 boutique wineries pouring their wines, is one of the best opportunities to get to know some of the top producers in the valley. Our philosophy is simple: we want to celebrate our local bounty by crafting exquisite wines, cooking delectable food, and establishing a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax, slow down, and appreciate the better things in life. Our wines are made with care, and our food is prepared with passion. A state-of-the-art winery with 17,000 square feet of caves is located on the estate, where we make our own delicious wines and share them with some wonderful custom crush clients. The site also has various tasting rooms, including a sensory area designed by our Estate Sommelier, a bottle shop specializing in rare wines and liquors, and our new world-class restaurant, Brasswood Bar + Bakery + Kitchen, which opened in September.

Alpine Ranch, built in the 1980's, was a premier Arabian horse facility, known as Palo Verde, designed as a breeding stable, with 95 stalls, a show barn, 1/4 mile track and formal courtyard. Custom-milled cedar wood and stained-glass windows are still part of the architecture. The 1900's farmhouse, with original stone foundation, was originally the homestead for the largest ranch in what was known as Sonoma Counties' Alpine Valley. Today, Alpine Ranch is a working equestrian barn and vineyard; the Arabian show barn has been converted to an event space and the original farmhouse is a guest cottage. The large equestrian estate is available for a small number of events a year. The property is nestled in the Mayacamas mountain range between Calistoga, St. Helena and Santa Rosa. Your special event can be held in one of their cedar barns, the 13,000 square foot large open courtyard at the center of the equestrian complex, or in what was once the show barn for Arabian horses. Alpine Ranch is a working ranch and vineyard, in addition to being a great place to throw a party. They have horses, hay, rolling fields, and rambling, rustic space under the barn rafters to help make your celebration special and memorable. The farm house, built in the early 1900s, was the homestead for the original Alpine Ranch, which ranged hundreds of acres. At the corner of two idyllic Sonoma County roads, the three bedroom cottage overlooks California Oak trees and horse pastures. A two-night stay is included when you book your event. When the day finally arrives, the Distinct Locations team will ensure that all aspects of the property are in perfect harmony, and you will know you are in the perfect place.

If you enjoy eating and drinking, The Culinary Institute of America's California sites in the Napa Valley are the ideal venues to say "I do" or commemorate a particular occasion. With its grand cathedral ceilings and substantial hand-cut stone walls, Greystone's beautiful landmark main structure gives your event a historic and enchanting atmosphere. This lovely location in Napa Valley, formerly known as Greystone Cellars winery, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and is a classic Napa Valley setting. The CIA at Greystone is the ideal location for a traditional wedding in beautiful wine country with its medieval, castle-like architecture surrounded by scented gardens and a wealth of vineyards. The CIA at Greystone's ancient structure is an architectural marvel with grand cathedral ceilings and stunning, hand-cut stone walls. For more than 25 years, it has served as The Culinary Institute of America's California location. It is a fantastic location for your important occasion, nestled in St. Helena and providing breathtaking views of the wine region. To learn more, get in touch with us.

• Spaces for 30-120 Guests
• 4 Wineries

With a shared vision, Gavin Newsom, Gordon Getty and John Conover imagined the addition of a complementary estate vineyard to the valley floor terroir of their Oakville estate at PlumpJack Estate Winery. In 2005, that dream came to fruition in the form of a 54-acre estate, elevated high above the fog line, on the dramatic slopes of Howell Mountain – it would become CADE Estate Winery. Given the opportunity to build the winery from the ground up, Newsom, Getty and Conover were committed to constructing a state-of-the-art winery that would pay tribute to the land, both aesthetically and ecologically. This commitment would go above and beyond the standard benchmark of environmental responsibility, especially in the world of wine. The end goal, to construct the first CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) organically farmed, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified Estate Winery in the Napa Valley.

Established in 1882, Spottswoode Estate is distinguished by the pre-Prohibition Victorian home depicted on their wine label. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding. Today, Mary’s daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery, and her daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode releases an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Spottswoode produces a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and a limited-production Field Book Syrah. Committed to producing wines with integrity that faithfully reflect their grape origins, Spottswoode wines are especially known for their refined elegance, balance, and classic structure. Situated on the western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, the Spottswoode terroir is ideal for growing fine wine grapes. The alluvial clay loam from the Sulphur Creek fan provides superb drainage while cool maritime breezes passing through the gap between Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range, allow the fruit to ripen slowly. Spottswoode's forty-two acres are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with small blocks of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. They have farmed their grapes organically since 1985, and the vineyard was certified organic (CCOF) in 1992. The roles of winemaking and vineyard management are integrated at Spottswoode, and the individual attention given to each vineyard block contributes to the consistent quality and unique characteristics of their wines. The Estate has three historic buildings that were originally built circa 1884–1885. The Colonial Revival-style residence, with its famous “Spottswoode” arch over the stone pillar entry, is surrounded by formal gardens with plants that date back to the 1880s. The Victorian farmhouse serves as an office and tasting room, and the Kraft Cellar is a pre-Prohibition stone building where the Cabernet Sauvignon is barrel-aged. In 1999, Howard Backen designed the new winery in a style that honors the historic nature of our buildings. Spottswoode is among the first wineries to have adopted organics in the Napa Valley. They began farming our vineyard organically in 1985 and acquired California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 1992. Working closely with biodynamic specialists enables our farming to promote a living, breathing ecosystem.

When you check into Southbridge, you won't have a need for your car keys until the day you depart! Southbridge is located just a quick walk from over 13 restaurants, 10 wineries, a brewery tap room, and a variety of galleries and boutiques. St. Helena is a vibrant microcosm of Napa Valley at its best, it offers bicycling, hiking, romantic picnic settings, a historic cinema and summer concert series. With Southbridge Napa Valley, a very special place among Napa Valley boutique hotels, serving as your St. Helena home your car keys will enjoy a vacation as well. Step out the door and enjoy St. Helena as the locals do...on foot! Luminaries from rock star chefs to legendary winemakers and grapegrowers have made St. Helena their home town. Southbridge Napa offers 21 spacious rooms. Vaulted ceilings. King beds. Wood burning fireplaces. Large glass walled standing showers. French doors onto private Juliette balconies. Complimentary continental breakfast. No Resort or Parking Fees. What else could you need? Breakfast at Southbridge Napa Valley: they invite you to start your day with a country breakfast of freshly-baked pastries, seasonal fruit, fruit juices and freshly-roasted coffee from Napa Valley purveyors in our first-floor living room off of the courtyard just steps from Main Street St. Helena. In Room Dining at Southbridge Napa Valley: Don't feel like going out? Stay in with in-room dining, offered in your hotel guest room for lunch and dinner by Pizzeria Tra Vigne. Local Restaurants are located within walking distance on Main Street, beginning right next to Southbridge Napa Valley, there are multiple restaurants and casual eateries with an eclectic array of cuisine. The little quarter at the entrance to downtown St. Helena features gravel pathways, bubbling fountains, Merryvale Winery, Health Spa Napa Valley and casual dining restaurants, Pizzeria Tra Vigne, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and The Charter Oak. Their Health Spa offers an array of soothing spa treatments in a beautiful, tranquil setting. While a guest of Southbridge Napa Valley, you'll enjoy complimentary access to the Spa's heated lap pool, eucalyptus steam rooms and fitness center. Ask the Southbridge concierge about Napa Valley vacation packages that include spa treatments!

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Nestled in the scenic hills of Santa Rosa, California, Mark West Lodge Event Center is a historic landmark with over 180 years of rustic charm. Set along Mark West Springs Road, the property offers a warm, vineyard-surrounded setting that lends itself naturally to intimate celebrations. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests across indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception areas. A rock wall waterfall provides a distinctive natural backdrop for ceremonies and portraits. On-site amenities include tables, chairs, dishware, glassware, wireless internet, handicap-accessible facilities, and an on-site dressing room and guest accommodations. A family-run operation, Mark West Lodge Event Center hosts weddings, vow renewals, quinceañeras, birthdays, and other milestone celebrations. Bilingual staff support guests in both English and Spanish.

• Spaces for 32-125 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

We are a wine bar, wine shop, espresso bar, and event venue located in Saint Helena, in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Our facility is available for private events, including weddings, receptions, celebrations, corporate retreats, board meetings, private wine tastings, private dining experiences, and other gatherings of all kinds.