Sterling Vineyards has long been an iconic destination in Napa Valley. Following the 2020 Glass Fire, our team began an ambitious rebuilding and fire mitigation effort to protect the property and restore the guest experience.
Led by Paul Schleider, Director of Engineering and Maintenance, the team has accelerated reconstruction while uncovering remarkable new views across the Calistoga hillside.
Meet Paul Schleider
Paul Schleider has been part of the Sterling family since 1981. Beginning as a seasonal landscaping worker in high school, he has grown with the winery and now oversees the entire facility.
His decades of experience provide deep operational insight and a long view of Napa Valley’s transformation into a world class wine destination. For Paul, Sterling is not just a workplace, it is home.
Fire Mitigation at Sterling Vineyards
What Is Fire Mitigation?
Fire mitigation refers to proactive measures taken to reduce wildfire risk and potential damage. These efforts can include:
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Creating defensible space around buildings
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Removing dead or flammable vegetation
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Establishing fire breaks
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Using fire resistant construction materials
These strategies help protect people, property, and surrounding ecosystems.
Our Commitment to Safety
Following the Glass Fire, our team focused on clearing burned native hillsides and removing hazardous dead trees that could serve as fuel in future wildfires.
Additional efforts include:
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Clearing surrounding areas to protect the Calistoga community
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Assessing at risk winery properties
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Monitoring ecological recovery
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Strengthening defensible space throughout the estate
These actions support both safety and long term environmental health.
Natural Fire Prevention with Grazing Sheep
Sterling Vineyards introduced up to 600 sheep to graze vulnerable areas. This sustainable method reduces vegetation and underbrush that could contribute to wildfire spread.
The sheep are strategically placed near roads, buildings, and high risk zones, lowering fuel loads while supporting natural land management practices.
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Unveiling Stunning New Views
Rebuilding has revealed breathtaking vistas previously hidden by overgrowth.
Clearing certain trees has opened views toward:
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Mount Saint Helena
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The Palisades
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Northern Napa Valley ridgelines
These newly revealed perspectives enhance the visitor experience and showcase the dramatic beauty of Calistoga’s landscape.
The Redesigned Sterling Aerial Gondola
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As part of the reopening, the Sterling Aerial Gondola has been redesigned to offer enhanced views during the hillside ascent.
Progress includes:
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Installation and testing of the haul rope
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Connection to the drive station
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Preparation for 13 new cabins
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Improved cabin orientation for expanded valley views
The upgraded gondola will deliver a more immersive and panoramic journey to the winery.
Sterling Rising
The site renovation continues at pace.
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The upper mountain Visitor Center and Tasting Room are scheduled for early summer completion
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The lower guest campus will be finalized in early autumn
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October reopening remains on track
Our team is developing new tasting experiences while enhancing the iconic Sterling tour from the top of the winery.
Sterling Vineyards is rising with renewed strength, innovation, and perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Glass Fire?
The 2020 Glass Fire was a major wildfire in Napa Valley that caused significant damage to wineries and surrounding areas.
What fire mitigation steps has Sterling taken?
Sterling has cleared burned vegetation, removed hazardous trees, created defensible space, assessed at risk properties, and introduced sheep grazing for sustainable vegetation management.
What new views are now visible at Sterling?
Clearing has revealed expanded views of Mount Saint Helena, the Palisades, and northern Napa Valley.
When will Sterling fully reopen?
Reopening milestones include completion of the Visitor Center in early summer and the guest campus in early autumn, with a planned October reopening.
What improvements were made to the gondola?
The Sterling Aerial Gondola has been redesigned with improved orientation and new cabins to enhance panoramic Napa Valley views.
