(credit: The Calistoga Depot)
Welcome to the Gold Rush town of Calistoga, a beautiful small city in Napa Valley known for hot springs, mud baths and wineries (of course). The surrounding area is home to 500-plus wineries, many of which have produced award winning wines not only in their own right, but by combining the uniqueness of their grapes with others in the valley. Along with its unique terroir, the region’s hot springs also welcome tourists to soak in the mineral pools.
The historical heart of the town is the which was built by Sam Brannan in 1868 and revitalized by Jean-Charles Boisset beginning in 2021, this century’s visionary for the revitalization of Calistoga. Built to provide a meeting place for locals to enjoy wines, spirits, food and a unique shopping experience, the historic site is home to California’s second oldest train station and now features the Calistoga Depot Distillery, beer garden, historical wine tasting room, themed train cars and four distinct menus to choose from.
(credit: The Calistoga Depot)
Decorated with pictures from the past and a modern state-of-the-art replica of the original still, Calistoga Depot Distillery Bar offers patrons to enjoy a tasting of locally distilled spirits and wine. The spirits pay homage to San Brannan’s colorful past (from each name like The First Millionaire, Prosperous & Penniless, The Calistoga Star and Fame & Misfortune and the design of the label and uniqueness of the bottle) with Jean-Charles Boisset’s method for their final aging in wine casks. These tequilas, bourbons, whiskeys and brandies are all small batches and made in conjunction with master distillers. After you have enjoyed your time tasting one or several spirits, it is time for dinner.
Throughout the Depot there are five train cars which have been turned into unique dining experiences. If oysters and caviar are what you are craving tonight, the JCB Parlor car is decorated as if you are dining under the sea. The walls are adorned with fish and painted the color of the ocean and the ceiling shines like the depths of the ocean. The First Millionaire’s Saloon pays homage to Sam Brennan, the first California millionaire, where you will sit on bar stools with saddle seats. The Casa Obsidiana train car is decorated with authentic Mayan and Oaxaca artwork, authentic furniture and ceramic tiles. Enjoy the authentic food of that region as well as the tequila, a collaboration of the Beckmann Gonzalez family and Jean-Charles Boisset. Available in the fourth train car are handmade chocolates from The Earth and Sky, while wine and spirits are available for purchase in the final car, The Calistoga Wine Merchant.
(credit: The Calistoga Depot)
And if one of the oldest train stations wasn’t enough of history, Oakville Grocery (built in 1881) is the oldest grocery store in California. It is now home to a Wine Shop with more than 200 local wines where knowledgeable staff will assist you with your choice by menu, taste and budget. Don’t forget to visit the grocery store adjacent to the wine shop as it sells incredible cheeses (they pack them beautifully for travel), spices, bakery products, pastas and beans. After all that shopping it is time to enjoy a glass of wine and pizza, made in their outdoor oven and served on their beautiful patio.
Just 20 minutes from Depot is Raymond Vineyard, one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. The vineyard is adjacent to fields where fruits and vegetables are organically grown beside farm animals. Jean-Charles prides himself on learning what other vegetation and watering techniques aid in the growth without using pesticides and chemicals. Walking into any of the tasting rooms is a blend of the ostentatious and elegant. The Baccarat Chandeliers and mirrors are the main focus of the “red room”. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a novice, the staff at the Raymond can provide you with a unique experience that will enhance your appreciation for wine.
(credit: The Calistoga Depot)
The beautiful outdoor grounds and award-winning chef make a perfect pair for a company retreat, a lifecycle event and a wedding. There is even a guest house on the property. Another winery offering an abundance of history is Buena Vista Winery, California’s first premium winery, built in 1857. The historic monument has undergone a massive revitalization project and many parts of the original rooms were saved. Some of the beautiful caves were updated while others had such extensive damage they had to be totally restructured. The wine casks remain and while walking through the building one feels they are truly back in the glory days of this winery.
For a unique experience to see many of the vineyards, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides a nostalgic experience to sip wine from the vineyards you are about to see. The experience can include a beautiful lunch that is paired with the wine that is being served. Sam Brennan built this town and Jean-Charles Boisset, the visionary of the future, has revitalized Calistoga with elegance and respect for its deep history. He has provided visitors with a unique experience of seeing the sites as an authentic piece of history revitalized with the same dignity and beauty they once had. Your trip to Calistoga will be filled with fine wine, incredible food, mind and body relaxation. You will leave with an appreciation for the historical significance of this beautiful area.
