Winter in Calistoga: Napa Valley's Best-Kept Secret

Discover the magic of wine country in winter with the Winter in the Wineries Passport.

When most people picture Napa Valley, they imagine warm summer afternoons, lush green vineyards, and the excitement of harvest. But ask those of us who call wine country home, and we'll tell you a little secret: winter is one of our favorite times of year. The pace slows, the crowds thin, and Napa Valley takes on an entirely different kind of beauty. Here in Calistoga, tucked at the top of the valley beneath Mount St. Helena and the Palisades, winter offers the perfect opportunity to experience wine country at its most relaxed and welcoming. And this year, there's an especially good reason to plan a visit.

Introducing the Winter in the Wineries Passport

The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce has officially launched presales for its popular 2026–2027 Winter in the Wineries Passport, offering one of the best wine tasting values in Napa Valley. For just $80, passport holders can enjoy more than $1,200 in complimentary wine tastings at 25 participating wineries, including Bennett Lane Winery. The passport is valid from December 5, 2026, through February 28, 2027, giving visitors nearly three months to explore the region at their own pace.

From historic Napa Valley estates and family-owned wineries to boutique tasting rooms and exciting new discoveries, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the diversity of wines and hospitality that make our region special. And there's no need to rush. The passport is designed to be enjoyed over multiple visits, making it a great excuse to return to Calistoga throughout the winter.

Why We Love Winter in Calistoga

There's something special about winter at the top of Napa Valley. The vineyards have settled into dormancy after another busy growing season. The surrounding mountains turn beautifully green with winter rains, and on crisp mornings, mist often settles across the valley floor. Later in the season, vibrant yellow mustard flowers begin to appear between the dormant vines, creating one of Napa Valley's most iconic landscapes.

But perhaps our favorite part of winter is the slower pace. With fewer visitors than the busy summer and harvest seasons, there's more time for conversation, discovery, and those memorable moments that make wine tasting so enjoyable. At Bennett Lane, we've always believed that wine tasting should feel welcoming, personal, and never intimidating. Winter is a wonderful time to experience exactly that.

More Than Just Wine Tasting

One of the things that makes Calistoga such a special winter destination is that there's so much to enjoy beyond the tasting room. After a day exploring wineries, imagine settling into one of Calistoga's famous geothermal mineral pools, enjoying a relaxing spa treatment, or sitting down to a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. The Winter in the Wineries Passport makes that experience even more appealing, with special offers from participating hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas.

Several local restaurants also offer complimentary corkage on wines purchased at participating passport wineries. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover a new favorite bottle during the day and enjoy it with dinner that evening. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a getaway with friends, or simply a few peaceful days away, Calistoga has everything you need for a memorable winter escape.

Discover Our Wine Country Neighbors

One of our favorite things about the Winter in the Wineries Passport is the opportunity it creates to celebrate our fellow wineries.

This year's participating wineries include familiar Calistoga favorites such as Tamber Bey, Tank Garage Winery, Sterling Vineyards, and La Sirena, along with a wonderful collection of wineries throughout northern Napa Valley and beyond. Each has its own story, personality, and approach to winemaking. We love sharing recommendations with our guests because we believe that exploring different wineries is one of the best ways to appreciate everything Napa Valley has to offer. After all, great wine country experiences are about more than what's in your glass. They're about the people you meet and the places you discover along the way.

Make Bennett Lane Part of Your Winter Adventure

Of course, we'd love to welcome you to Bennett Lane during your winter travels. Located at the northern end of Napa Valley in Calistoga, our family-owned winery offers a relaxed and personal tasting experience featuring our signature Cabernet Sauvignon and other handcrafted wines. Whether it's your first visit or you've been part of the Bennett Lane family for years, there's always something special about sharing a glass of wine and a good conversation. And with the Winter in the Wineries Passport, it's the perfect opportunity to visit us—and discover a few new favorites along the way.

Your Winter Wine Country Getaway Awaits

Winter may be Napa Valley's quieter season, but that's exactly what makes it so wonderful. Beautiful scenery, exceptional wines, welcoming hospitality, cozy restaurants, and rejuvenating hot springs all come together to create a wine country experience worth discovering.

The 2026–2027 Winter in the Wineries Passport is on sale now for $80 and is valid December 5 through February 28. Purchase your passport, start planning your winter getaway, and come discover why we love this time of year in Calistoga.

Explore the Winter in the Wineries Passport and Purchase Yours. Use Code Bennett27 and get $5 off your order!

Advance tasting reservations are recommended. Individual winery and partner offers may have restrictions or blackout dates.