Montelena Chateau, Calistoga

Montelena Chateau is in a gorgeous northern area of the Napa Valley. The drive there is inspiring: the hills covered in vineyards, the mountains, and the deep blue sky. A sign at the entrance invites visitors to stroll the grounds for free, which is nice because it's a fun place to take kids and skip the wine-tasting. My son loved this place! The grounds are centered around Jade Lake, a deep green lake bordered by gazebos, bridges, and lush landscaping. Willow trees bend prettily over the still waters, where ducks and a swan glide happily by. The ducks are not your typical boring ducks. They are beautiful! Some are a pale gold color. Others glimmer with lines of green in their design. The swan is snowy white. And there is a white baby duck, as well as a tiny turtle. It's so fun for kids to see what pops up next! There is a basket full of stale bread on one of the bridges and kids will never tire of feeding the ducks. Even older kids find it fun.

The chateau itself is a stone castle covered in ivy. It's very pretty, and there are lovely little areas within the gardens to taste wine and have a picnic. We didn't do the wine-tasting so you'll have to try that out yourself!
If you're heading here from Highway 101, check out the Petrified Forest, touristy but educational and interesting.
While in Calistoga, don't miss out on Sterling Vineyards, one of the most wonderful experiences you'll have!

Directions

Montelena Chateau is located at 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga CA 94515.
Tastings are 9:30-4 daily, $30 per person. You can also come and just walk the grounds for free.
Exit Highway 101 north of Santa Rosa at River Road. Head east and follow Mark West Springs Rd. It turns into Porter Creek Rd. After 10 minutes, turn left at the T on Petrified Forest Rd. Continue another ten minutes. Turn left at the T on Highway 128. Turn right on Tubbs Lane and the winery is on your left, past Old Faithful Geyser (which seemed to be too expensive- $13.50- and a tourist trap so we skipped it).

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