While winter in other parts of the world can be a bit, well, frightful, winter in Napa Valley is something special. There are fewer crowds, better hotel rates, and a more relaxed feeling to start the new year. All these reasons, and more, make winter one of the best times to visit Calistoga, a charming community in the northern region of the Napa Valley known for its therapeutic hot springs and picturesque scenery.

Even more, if you visit between now and March 1, 2026, you can take advantage of the Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Passport and receive complimentary tastings at over 20 of the finest wineries throughout Calistoga and surrounding areas like St. Helena and Lake County. Plus, you’ll get access to discounts at Calistoga lodging and spas. The best part? Each Passport costs $80 per person and is valued at over $800 in wine tastings alone. So, pack your bags and kiss those winter blues goodbye, because a winter weekend in Napa’s UpCountry awaits.

Day One

Mid-Day

Welcome to Napa Valley’s “Up Valley”! Before you check in to your hotel in Calistoga, plan to venture 30 miles north to start your weekend by wine tasting in Lake County. This laid-back region, home to over 30 wineries, is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets, and as a Passholder, you’ll get to enjoy complimentary tastings at three of its top wineries. Stop at Six Sigma Winery to sip Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon in the middle of a 4,300-acre working ranch. Besides wine, you can purchase ranch-raised meat, local cheeses, and crackers—all the fixings to make your own picnic to enjoy with your wine. Another winery in Lake County to check out is Wild Diamond Vineyards, situated high on the foothills of Red Mountain, where you can enjoy beautiful views while sipping Bordeaux varietal wines.

Now, it’s time for the scenic drive back to Calistoga to check in to your accommodation. There are plenty of options when it comes to places to stay in Calistoga (with discounts available on lodging for Passport holders), so you really can’t go wrong. If you want something right in town with a more intimate atmosphere, check out the charming, 22-room The Bergson; Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, known for their geothermal outdoor mineral pools; or UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, featuring mineral pools and complimentary bikes.

For a truly plush and pampered stay, don’t miss Solage, a quintessential Wine Country resort within the Auberge Collection, or the nearby Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, a luxe getaway surrounded by vines.

Evening

End your first day with dinner at Evangeline, a popular French bistro “with a Creole soul” in downtown Calistoga. The covered garden patio is a nice place to savor comforting bistro classics like steak frites, as well as Creole-inspired dishes like gumbo and shrimp étouffée. Or, head to the Four Seasons to dine in style at one of their fine dining restaurants.

Day Two

Morning

If your hotel doesn’t offer complimentary breakfast, be sure to pay a visit to House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort to start your day off on the right foot. From light, healthy fare like nut and seed granola with organic yogurt, to heartier breakfasts such as the New Mexican breakfast burrito, every dish seamlessly highlights local ingredients alongside Chef Trevor Logan’s love for Southwestern fare.

After breakfast, it’s time for wine tasting. Consider starting your day at Tamber Bey, a working horse ranch and winery, where you can sample single-vineyard, single-varietal wines and Bordeaux blends while admiring the horses. Or, check out Bennett Lane Winery, known for its friendly service, relaxed atmosphere, and bold Bordeaux blends.

More great winery stops include Sterling Vineyards, where a scenic gondola ride leads to wine tastings and culinary experiences alongside sweeping views; Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley’s iconic winery modeled after a 14th century Tuscan castle; and Chateau Montelena, a historic Napa winery which turned heads 50 years ago during the iconic Judgment of Paris tasting.

Finally, if you feel like getting out of Calistoga, head 11 miles south to visit Markham Vineyards or Charles Krug, two St. Helena wineries known for their historic settings and well-regarded wines.

Late Afternoon

After wine tasting, head to downtown Calistoga to peruse the many shops. Stop by Blackbird for artisanal finds for the home and tabletop, as well as toys and games for kids, then check out Field Trip, a moody shop featuring curated gifts, houseplants, and flowers.

If more wine is what you’re after (hey, it is Wine Country, after all), then stroll over to Tank Garage Winery, a winery and tasting room inside a converted 1930s gas station with a hip, welcoming vibe and a focus on small-lot, natural wines.

Evening

For a casual dinner (and a break from the wine), stop into Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, where you’ll find brews on tap and a diverse food menu featuring everything from elevated pub fare to hearty, seasonal mains. Before the night ends, unwind by one of the fire pits on the garden patio—the perfect spot for conversation and a nightcap.

Day Three

Morning

It’s almost time to head home, but before you leave, grab a pastry and coffee from Sam’s General Store, then walk over to Picayune Cellars for one last wine tasting before hitting the road. Or, plan for a rejuvenating late morning spa treatment at Dr. Wilkinson’s as you prepare to bid Calistoga, and the lovely Napa Valley, adieu.