Happy diners at All Seasons Bistro in Calistoga

Why we like Calistoga Wine Country

Visitors to the Napa Valley often wonder what town in the Valley they should choose as a base while planning a wine vacation. “What town is the most fun?” we are often asked. Fun meaning good places to lodge, many choices for dining, boutique shopping, and of course wineries and tasting rooms to visit. The four major towns from south to north are Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. Janelle and I have stayed in each town many times over our years of adventures in the Napa Valley. Each town has something unique and delightful to offer. But if we had to make a choice as to which one was our favorite town, we would have to go with Calistoga.

I don’t think Calistoga has changed much since I was a young boy. My parents would vacation in Clear Lake and we would always stop in Calistoga for a snack on the way to our Lake County camping spot. On our first trip together Janelle and I stayed at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort, which today looks exactly the same as it did some 40 years ago. A trip down Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga is a trip down Napa Valley’s memory lane.

Calistoga has always been, and we hope will always be, a laid-back town. The pace in Calistoga is less hectic and the shops and eateries a little more down-to-earth. It is definitely a quaint environment. We visit each December for Pauper’s Night at the Calistoga Inn. The natives come in droves and sing and party to Christmas cheer. It is an experience you won’t get in any other town in the Napa Valley. This year Pauper’s Night is Thursday, December 15, 2016.

There are several great dining spots ranging from the Michelin-rated Solbar on Silverado Trail in Calistoga to the fun and very casual Hydro Grill. We love to hit Brannan’s for a cocktail or a glass of wine. They have the most beautiful bar we’ve seen in the Napa Valley. Afterward, we stroll across the street for a quiet and relaxing dinner at All Season’s Bistro. We were pleasantly surprised on a recent visit to find out that Calistoga has added a nightly shuttle service for after-dinner rides back to your local hotel. Call
707-963-4229 for hours of operation. What a fantastic idea for wine country travelers!

Best breakfast spot is the Café Sarafornia. Why that name, you must dine there to appreciate. Best activity outside of wine tasting and boutique shopping is a stop at the Old Faithful Geyser. What a treat!

We put together this two-minute video to give folks a quick guide to the town of Calistoga and our winery suggestions. We recommend a stay in Calistoga and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it at any time of the year!

Evangeline in Calistoga

Evangeline in Calistoga opened just a few months ago on Washington Street in Calistoga. It is in the location of the old Wappo Restaurant that shuttered its business about six years ago. It has taken that long to resurrect the place. It was actually another restaurant for about a month a year before the folks at Solbar decided to give this small restaurant space a go. We tried Evangeline last Wednesday. The place has outdoor sitting, but that was the “Grace of God” rainy day in Calistoga and Lake County, helping to control the Valley Fire. The only seating was indoors and the place was packed to the gills. The bar takes up half the space in the indoor area. The French-themed menu is nicely priced with a good mix of starters, appetizers and entrees. For folks who like to bring in their own wine, the corkage for the first bottle is free and the second bottle is $15. Janelle had the roasted chicken with smashed potatoes and I had the Grilled Salmon on a bed of Chicory salad, $23. The same team at the Michelin-Star-rated Solbar in Calistoga is running this cozy restaurant. It is very good! We will head back again when in Calistoga either for lunch, dinner or just to sit at the bar and sip one of their specialty cocktails.