Sterling Vineyards is a winery near Calistoga, Cal...

Sterling Vineyards is a winery near Calistoga, California. The aerial tram ride that kicks off a visit to Sterling Vineyards is one of the more novel ways to begin a wine tasting in Napa Valley. The tram, gliding 300 feet above the vineyards, transports visitors to the grand white stucco winery.



The staff on my recent visit was cheery, though overly scripted. The lady pouring Chardonnay repeated the same sentence verbatim about the wine pairing well with chicken, fish or salad. As the line grew for a taste of Merlot, the same lines were recited over and over as guests stepped up for a pour. At the Cabernet Sauvignon stop server was too busy chatting up with another 2 guys bonding on how they had worked at Disney a few years ago

The gondola ride and the amazing views of the valley are worth a visit. The self-guided tour is lame at best and the wines were unmentionable. Again, it s almost worth it for just the views on the gondola ride up and back.