Calistoga's Winter in the Wineries Passport

Jordan Reid • December 3, 2025

This is the Best Deal in Napa Valley. Period.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan a Napa Valley getaway, this is it. Every winter, Calistoga quietly launches one of the best wine-tasting deals in all of California.

 

And I don’t mean “good for Napa” or “nice if you’re already in town.” I mean a genuinely unbelievable value that any wine lover, weekend wanderer, or NorCal local should be jumping on.


A thousand dollars’ worth of wine tasting for just eighty dollars. Yes! Really. No gimmicks, no fine print hiding in the shadows, and no “gotchas” waiting after you click checkout. 


Just one of the smartest, most generous programs any wine country town has ever created.


Allow me to introduce you to Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport.


In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works, why the deal is outrageously good, which wineries are included (spoiler: some of Napa Valley’s most iconic names), and how to make the most of it this winter.


Let’s get into it!

What Is the Winter in the Wineries Passport?

Every year, Visit Calistoga partners with some of the region’s top wineries to create a limited-time tasting passport that gives you access to up to $1,000 worth of wine tasting for a flat price of $80.


How did they manage to pull that off? They’re all geniuses, is my guess. 


Your passport gets you one complimentary tasting at every participating winery, and you can use it from the start of the program through its final day. This year, the program runs from December 6th to March 1st, 2026.


Many guests stretch their tastings over a full weekend or multiple winter visits, but you can also hit several wineries in one ambitious day if you want to go crazy.

Why This Is Hands-Down the Best Winter Wine Deal in California

A bold claim? Absolutely. And I stand by it.


Here’s why this deal is genuinely unmatched:


1. You get access to iconic Napa Valley wineries


And I mean bucket-list, legendary Napa Valley wineries where tastings regularly cost $55, $65, $75, even $85 per person.


A few standouts:


  • Sterling Vineyards, with its sky-high aerial gondola and sweeping valley views.
  • Chateau Montelena, the winery that put Napa on the global wine map after winning the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
  • Charles Krug, the oldest winery estate in Napa Valley.

Just visiting those three alone would normally cost far more than the passport itself.


2. You get flexibility


Want to taste one weekend and come back a month later for more? Go for it. Prefer slow, cozy days exploring small family-owned wineries? You can do that too. 


3. Winter is one of the best times to visit Napa Valley


Yes, it’s cooler, and yes, you may have to contend with rainy days. However, crowds drop significantly. Tasting rooms feel more personal. Winemakers actually have time to chat.


And the weather is perfect for fireplaces, bold reds, and lingering afternoons.


If you know, you know.


4. The value is truly unmatched


Even if you only visit three or four wineries, you already save money. If you visit more than five, you’re practically tasting for free.

Every Winery Included in the Winter in the Wineries Passport

Here’s the full list of participating wineries. Each passport includes one tasting at each.


  • Chateau Montelena
  • Sterling Vineyards
  • Markham Vineyards
  • Picayune Cellars
  • Tank Garage Winery
  • Tedeschi Family Winery
  • Benessere Vineyards
  • Bennett Lane Winery
  • Charles Krug Winery
  • Clif Family Winery
  • Elusa Winery
  • Fults Family Vineyards
  • Girard Winery
  • Hans Fahden
  • Laura Michael Wines
  • Museion Winery
  • Pope Valley Winery
  • Six Sigma Ranch
  • Tamber Bey Vineyards
  • The Vault
  • Wild Diamond Vineyards

It’s a mix of iconic, historic, family-run, boutique, and off-the-beaten-path wineries. All of them offer something different. A lineup you could easily plan a full weekend (or two) around.

How to Make the Most of Your Passport

Here are some practical tips so you can squeeze every drop of value from your experience:


Start with the heavy hitters


Sterling, Chateau Montelena, Charles Krug, and Clif Family are easily worth the trip on their own. Visit these while crowds are lighter and reservations are easier.


Mix iconic with boutique


The smaller wineries often offer intimate pours, longer conversations, and a deeper look into the craft of winemaking. Even if you haven’t heard of a winery on this list, it’s probably well worth your time!


Don’t try to rush it


These tastings shine when you take your time. Instead of hibernating all winter, use your passport over a few weekends. Don’t rush to cram in as many wineries as you can in one day.


Consider staying overnight in Calistoga


It’s quieter and more charming than many parts of Napa Valley. Plus, you’ll be close to every winery on your list. We stayed at Dr. Wilkonson's during our last trip up, where you might want to indulge in a famous Calisotga mud bath like you see in the photo above.

How to Buy Your Winter in the Wineries Passport

Ordering is simple:


Go to Visit Calistoga’s official page here: 


https://visitcalistoga.com/winter-in-the-wineries-passport/


You can use my special promo code, Discover26, for $5 off. I know, the deal is already amazing! But this makes it just a tiny bit better. 


Choose your number of passports, check out, and you’re set.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on This Napa Valley Secret

If you’ve been craving a Napa Valley escape, or if you’ve ever looked at tasting prices and thought, “Maybe next time…” this is the perfect opportunity to take the trip. 


Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport isn’t just a good deal. It’s one of the most generous tasting opportunities in the entire state.


You get world-class wineries, cozy winter charm, and a full season to enjoy it.


All for eighty dollars (Or $75). 


Take advantage of it. Treat yourself. And get ready to experience the best of Calistoga!

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