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Sterling Vineyards was founded in 1964 by Oxford graduate and successful businessman Peter Newton. As one of only 27 bonded wineries in Napa Valley at the time, Sterling Vineyards was an early pioneer of crafting Bordeaux-inspired red wines in California and helped transform the region into the premier winemaking appellation we know today. In 1969 Sterling Vineyards bottled the first vintage-dated Merlot in California. This was also the winery’s first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

The winery itself is an architectural icon in Napa Valley. Modeled after the beautiful white stucco buildings on the Greek island of Mykonos, it was the first winery built with the visitor in mind and is the only winery in the world with an aerial tram.

History of Innovation

As an innovator, Peter Newton was among the first to use European winemaking techniques in the Napa region. While Cabernet Sauvignon was the most popular grape variety grown in Napa at the time, Newton also cultivated Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot—a bold and innovative move for the local terroir.

Further innovation led to the creation of the winery, which Newton envisioned as “a place of beauty and joy to visit.” It was built on top of a 300-foot knoll in Calistoga, providing sweeping views of the valley on all four sides. Its unusual, yet stunning Ionian design significantly distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region.

Continued innovation within Sterling Vineyards’ operations has led to improvements in production, increased access to diverse fruit sources, and wines that continue to move the needle in quality and value.

1964 STERLING VINEYARDS FOUNDED

Impressed with the quality of Californian wines and inspired by the beauty of the Napa Valley, Peter Newton decides to broaden the business interests of his company, Sterling International, with the purchase of a 50-acre parcel of established vineyard bordering Calistoga.

1965-1967 NAPA VALLEY TERROIR

Sterling Vineyards acquires additional upper-valley property, including Bear Flats and Bothe Ranch, adjacent to St. Helena. Both are planted with new vines.

1969 FIRST VINTAGE

Sterling Vineyards bottles the first vintage-dated Merlot in California. Prior to this, Merlot had been widely considered only for use as a blending varietal. This is also the winery’s first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

1971 CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Martin Waterfield, an officer of Newton’s company, designs a starkly beautiful Mediterranean-style white stucco winery complex, inspired by the structures on the Greek island of Mykonos, where Peter Newton once lived.

1972 FIRST HARVEST

The new winery is ready for harvest and formally opens to the public for a gala benefit for the San Francisco Symphony.

1978 VINEYARD EXPANSION

Sterling Vineyards acquires its Rutherford Vineyards and the highly regarded Diamond Mountain Ranch Vineyard.

1986 CARNEROS

Sterling Vineyards acquires Rene di Rosa’s prestigious 250-acre Carneros property, Winery Lake.

1988-1990 WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100

Sterling Vineyards earns back-to-back-to back honors in the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the year (Sterling Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley, Sterling Reserve Napa Valley, and Sterling Reserve Napa Valley).

2002 NAPA VALLEY WINE AUCTION

Sterling Vineyards hosts the annual Napa Valley Barrel Auction.

2016 WINERY INVESTMENT

Sterling Vineyards undergoes a multi-million dollar improvement project, including complete renovations for the winemaking facilities at the top of the hill, the visitor center, and the tour.

2020 TEMPORARY CLOSURE

Sterling Vineyards closes to the public in September 2020 due to damage sustained during the Napa Valley Glass Fire.

2023 TODAY

Sterling Vineyards reopened October 2023 even better than before, with the iconic tram now exhibiting optimized 360° views of Napa Valley and fully ADA-accessible cabins.

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