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Sterling Vineyards

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Constance
Constance
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Sterling Vineyards

  • August 22, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MilwVon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sterling Vineyards

In Napa Valley, there are so many wineries and vineyards . . . so little time! How does one select one or two to explore and tour? We are not big wine aficionados, so making the choice was even more difficult. I asked some fellow travelers what they would suggest, and Sterling Vineyards with their sky tram to the tour and tasting area was highly recommended. We are really happy with our choice on two accounts. First, it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon . . . and second, it forced us to drive deep into the Napa Valley, beyond St. Helena which is seemingly the end of the tourist area of the wine country.

Upon our arrival, the entrance roadway was beautifully landscaped and welcoming. Parking was plentiful at the bottom of the hillside where the tasting and tours take place. To reach this area, guests must take the sky tram that ascends approximately 300 feet. The buildings were created based on Mediterranean architecture and felt much like a monastery to include the large bell atop the tower.

The tour is self guided, which was also very nice allowing visitors to go at their own pace. In the first foyer area was our first tasting . . . a nice Pinot Gris which I thought went down smooth like sprite! From here, we walked through the first two exhibit areas including a historical overview of the winery and the fermentation process. From here we went out onto the terrace patio where our second tasting took place . . . a 2005 Chardonnay. While not as dry as some Chardonnay wines, I found the taste to be robust with a hint of oak and fruit. The view of the Napa Valley from this area was spectacular!

From here we walked through the barrel storage area and watch video on the bottling process. Leaving this tour area, guests are encouraged to go to the neighboring building that houses several special events rooms, the tasting lounge and wine cellar store. As we entered the large room, we were welcomed with our next sample - their 2003 Syrah. The first of the reds to be sampled, it was a bit too strong for my tastes.

Once seated we were greeted by another server who provided us a tasting of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is not a wine I like so I passed. The last tasting was what I can best describe as a dessert wine - Malvasia Bianca. It was very sweet and tasted like fruit juice. Not too sweet, so I could envision overindulging in this delightful beverage.

The tours are offered seven days a week and include the tram ride to the top. Prices are slightly higher on weekends ($20) versus during the week ($15). Arrive early (before 12:30pm) and save $5 with a coupon from their website. They also offer a VIP tasting and tour for $45 at 11:30am daily.

For more information, go to: www.sterlingvineyards.com/en-row/home.

From journal California Dreaming - From Yosemite to Napa Valley

Editor Pick

Sterling Vineyards

  • June 24, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Constance from New York, New York
Located at the top of a 300 foot knowll, Sterling Vineyards is another exceptional winery with spectacular views of the Napa Valley. The only way to the top is by taking a $6.00 sky tram ride, which is an experience in itself. Sterling is associated with Mumm Napa Valley so with our Mumm Club Membership we got VIP treatment here. The sky tram was free, we got discounts on the bottles of wine we purchased and we sat in the private VIP section of the winery (where we sampled their finer wines not available in the main tasting section). Contact them at 707-942-3345

From journal A Week in Napa Valley

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