Wine Festival in Calistoga, California |
A first-ever festival built entirely around the Calistoga AVA |
Napa Valley has no shortage of wine festivals. But on August 15, Calistoga is doing something it's never done before: throwing a tasting devoted entirely to itself.
The inaugural Calistoga Wine Festival, dubbed "Judgment of Calistoga," skips the valley-wide format. Instead, it puts the spotlight squarely on wines grown within the Calistoga AVA — the volcanic-soiled, mountain-air corner of Napa Valley that's long produced serious wine without always getting a stage of its own. It's less another stop on the wine-festival circuit and more a turning point for how Calistoga tells its own story.
The date isn't random, either. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the blind tasting that put Napa Valley wine on the world map and later inspired the movie "Bottle Shock." Calistoga's festival leans into that history, opening with a retrospective interview on the original tasting before shifting into a celebration of what the AVA is producing now.
The day runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Brannan Center. Wine judge and sommelier Christopher Sawyer joins Len Tolstunov, the festival's founder and head of the Calistoga Wine Society, to walk guests through the afternoon:
Those award-winning wines come from a separate judging round held earlier this summer, where certified sommeliers evaluated entries across varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Charbono. Only the medal winners get poured at the Grand Tasting, so guests are drinking a curated best-of, not just a general lineup.
Tickets are limited to 100, priced at $85 for all-access entry. A portion of proceeds benefits UpValley Family Centers, a local nonprofit supporting families across northern Napa County — giving the festival a charitable backbone alongside the celebration.
For a first-year event this small and this specific, it's a bold bet: instead of asking people to make room for Calistoga inside a bigger valley story, this festival asks them to come find out what the AVA can do on its own. |
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Those volcanic soils really make a difference. Our cab is always a hit at family dinners.
Maureen G.Totally agree! The difference is huge, especially compared to wines from the valley floor. I always tell people to try Calistoga cab if they haven't.
I bought my ticket! Looking forward to some sun and Zinfandel.
Josh EnnisNice! Maybe I’ll see you there. Hoping for a little breeze that day, August can get toasty in Calistoga.
Glad they aren't trying to compete with those huge valley festivals. Intimate sounds better.
Wish they streamed the interview for folks who can't be there. Maybe next year?
oliver_cThat would be awesome. I’d watch from home too if they did a livestream, especially for the history part.
$85 but at least it's for a good cause and sounds like tons of good wine!
Will any of the wine judges be available after for questions? Would be cool to chat.
Calistoga always felt like the underdog compared to other AVAs. This could change that.
This makes me want to rewatch Bottle Shock. Such a classic.
Never heard of Petite Sirah until I visited Calistoga last fall. Actually great with BBQ!
Judgment of Calistoga is a clever name. I see what they did there.
Is this 21+ only? My sister would love to hear the panel but doesn't drink.
Danielle P.I wondered the same! Might be worth emailing the organizers to ask. Sometimes they'll let folks attend panels even if they're not drinking.
Napa gets all the headlines but Calistoga wines are just as good if not better!
Tom ReillyCouldn’t agree more! I think some of the smaller Calistoga producers don’t get enough credit for what they’re doing up there.
Glad it's at the Brannan Center, parking's not too bad there.
tyler_gTrue! Plus it's easy walking distance from a bunch of good places to eat afterward if you want to make a day of it.
Hope they keep the small bites vegetarian friendly. Anyone know the menu?
Sawyer always puts on a good tasting. Looking forward to hearing from him.
I wish more events focused on just Calistoga. So many great small producers there.
Only 100 tickets? This is going to sell out fast.
Cool idea! Calistoga deserves its own spotlight for once.
$85 is a bit steep for me. Hope they offer a locals’ discount next year.
miguel.riveraSame here, Miguel. Maybe they could do a tasting-only ticket next time, or half-day passes? Would make it easier for locals.
Charbono doesn't get enough love. Glad it's on the tasting list!
Love that some of the proceeds help UpValley Family Centers. Makes it a win(e)-win.
Claire J.Agreed. I love that they’re giving back to the community, not just pouring wine. Makes it feel more local.