Quick Guide: Top Things to Do in Calistoga This September
- Walk Lincoln Avenue for shops, coffee, and local tasting rooms
- Visit Old Faithful Geyser of California for a uniquely Calistoga detour
- Book a mud bath or mineral soak at one of the town's iconic hot spring spas
- Eat well at local spots ranging from Southern BBQ to polished wine bar dining
- Ride the gondola to Sterling Vineyards for Napa Valley views and award-winning wines
Every September, California Wine Month celebrates the growers, winemakers, and wine country towns that make this state so special. With harvest in full swing, September is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Calistoga — the northernmost town in Napa Valley, known for its volcanic soil, geothermal hot springs, and the hilltop winery you can only reach by gondola.
Here's how we'd spend a day.
Take a Stroll Down Lincoln Avenue
Start your visit with a walk down Lincoln Avenue, the heart of downtown Calistoga. This tree-lined stretch is home to local shops, tasting rooms, galleries, cafés, and restaurants — an easy place to slow down, grab a coffee, and settle into wine country pace before the day gets going.
Spots Worth a Stop
- Calistoga Roastery — coffee before you start exploring
- Copperfield's Books — a well-curated independent bookstore with great wine country finds
- Blackbird of Calistoga — gifts, home goods, and local charm
- Calistoga Pottery — handmade ceramics made in the valley
- Ca'Toga Galleria D'Arte — colorful local art from Italian-born artist Carlo Marchiori
Visit Old Faithful Geyser of California
Just outside downtown, Old Faithful Geyser of California is one of only three "Old Faithful" geysers in the world — erupting approximately every 30 minutes and reaching heights of up to 60 feet. It's a quirky, scenic, and genuinely fun stop that adds something unexpected to a wine country itinerary. Great before or after a tasting at Sterling Vineyards.
Unwind with Hot Springs and Mud Baths
Calistoga sits on a rare intersection of volcanic geology and geothermal activity, which is why it became famous for its mineral hot springs and volcanic ash mud baths in the 1860s. Today, several spas carry on that tradition — making a soak or mud bath one of the most distinctly Calistoga things you can do.
Spa Options
- Indian Springs Calistoga — mineral pools, spa treatments, and the longest-operating resort in Calistoga, founded in 1861
- Calistoga Spa Hot Springs — geothermal mineral pools in the center of town
- Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa — mud baths and spa packages in a relaxed setting
- MoonAcre Spa & Baths — a modern take on the mineral spa experience
Where to Eat
Calistoga has an easygoing dining scene that fits naturally into a wine country day. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, classic BBQ, or a more polished dinner, the town delivers.
Local Picks
- Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery — a downtown institution with a relaxed patio and solid lunch and dinner menu
- Buster's Original Southern BBQ — ribs, brisket, hot links, and some of the best casual BBQ in the valley
- Calistoga Depot — a historic 1868 train station turned dining destination with plenty of local character
- Eight North — a polished wine bar and kitchen, ideal for an evening meal in the heart of town
- Calistoga Creamery — housemade ice cream and milkshakes, the right way to end an afternoon
Visit Sterling Vineyards
No California Wine Month trip to Calistoga is complete without a stop at Sterling Vineyards. Perched 300 feet above the valley floor, Sterling is the only winery in the world with an aerial gondola — offering 360-degree views of Napa Valley before you ever pour a glass. Founded in 1964, Sterling is one of Napa's original estates and home to award-winning wines across Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, and more.
September is an especially good time to visit. Harvest is underway, the vineyards are at peak color, and the hilltop views are something else entirely.
Plan Your Visit
For more on what to see, eat, and explore in Calistoga, visit visitcalistoga.com.
FAQs
When is California Wine Month?
California Wine Month is celebrated every September, timed to coincide with the height of harvest season across the state's wine regions.
What is Calistoga known for?
Calistoga is a small town at the northern end of Napa Valley known for its volcanic soil, geothermal hot springs, mud bath spas, and wine country charm. It's home to Sterling Vineyards, one of Napa's founding estates, as well as Old Faithful Geyser of California.
What is the best time to visit Calistoga?
September and October are particularly special, with harvest activity in the vineyards and warm, dry weather. Spring is also beautiful, with wildflowers and bud break on the vines.
Does Sterling Vineyards have a gondola?
Yes. Sterling Vineyards is the only winery in the world with an aerial gondola, which carries guests 300 feet up to the hilltop estate. Reservations are recommended.
What should I do in Calistoga besides wine tasting?
Calistoga offers geothermal hot springs, volcanic ash mud baths, Old Faithful Geyser, independent shops and galleries along Lincoln Avenue, and a strong local restaurant scene — making it a well-rounded destination beyond the tasting room.
