Chateau Montelena, Historic winery in Calistoga, United States.
Chateau Montelena is a winery in Calistoga, Napa County, known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The property includes a stone castle-style building set against a hillside, along with gardens featuring a lake and traditional pavilions.
The winery was founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs as the first in the Calistoga area. The estate gained international attention when its 1973 Chardonnay won a blind tasting competition in Paris, establishing California wines alongside French counterparts.
The estate takes its name from Mount Saint Helena, which rises above the Napa Valley. Visitors walk through Chinese gardens with red pavilions built around a pond, designed as a place of reflection for the family who owns the property.
Reservations for wine tasting should be made in advance, as space in the tasting rooms is limited. Walking through the gardens and around the lake is possible, though sturdy footwear is recommended since paths can be uneven in places.
The estate maintains a cellar holding every vintage since its founding, representing an unbroken record of more than a century of California winemaking. This collection allows wine experts to trace the evolution of grape varieties and techniques across generations.
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