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Beyond Cab – Three Calistoga Grapes to Explore and Enjoy

The legendary Cabernet Sauvignon of the Calistoga AVA are well-known by wine lovers worldwide. However, visitors are often surprised during journeys to the “Top of the Valley” to discover the quality of other varieties gaining in popularity and respect. Three stellar reds to seek out when visiting Calistoga wineries include: Charbono, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

Charbono – There are about 76 acres of the Charbono vines planted in California and 45 are in the Calistoga AVA. Obviously, the red grape thrives in the region’s volcanic soil producing wines with medium acid, robust tannins and fairly low alcohol levels of about 13%. Known as a “spaghetti-red,” the age-worthy wine pairs perfectly with Italian cuisine. Charbono wines can be found at:

  • August Briggs Winery
  • Shypoke Cellars
  • Tofanelli Family Vineyards
  • Von Strasser Family of Wines

Petite Sirah – Neither petite, nor Syrah, the hearty red wine offers rich flavors, powerful tannins and sweet plum and blackberry flavors. Often described as inky and chewy, Petite Sirah flourishes in the Calistoga AVA and can be enjoyed at the following wineries:

  • August Briggs Winery
  • Ballentine Vineyards
  • Bennett Lane Winery
  • Chateau Montelena Winery
  • Coquerel Family Estate Wines
  • Girard Winery
  • Hindsight Wines
  • Joseph Cellars Winery
  • Kaiser Family Winery
  • Kenefick Ranch Vineyards
  • Lawer Estates
  • Shypoke Cellars
  • Switchback Ridge
  • Tofanelli Family Vineyards
  • Tom Eddy Winery
  • Vincent Arroyo Winery
  • Von Strasser Family of Wines

Zinafandel – Another robust red, Zinfandel has a sizeable following, as consumers enjoy the bright, jammy, fruit-forward flavors. Zin lovers also appreciate that there are two sides to the grape – there’s the popular big and brawny expression, but winemakers also craft the wine in a leaner, more elegant style. Calistoga wineries offer a number opportunities to enjoy Zin:

  • Amici Cellars
  • August Briggs Winery
  • Ballentine Vineyards
  • Barlow Vineyards
  • Canard Vineyard
  • Chateau Montelena Winery
  • Fairwinds Estate Winery
  • Girard Winery
  • Hindsight Wines
  • Joseph Cellars Winery
  • Kaiser Family Winery
  • Olabisi Wines
  • Shypoke Cellars
  • Sterling Vineyards
  • Storybook Mountain Winery
  • Tofanelli Family Vineyards
  • Tom Eddy Winery
  • Vincent Arroyo Winery
  • Von Strasser Family of Wines