What to do and see in Calistoga, California (CA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

When planning your visit to Calistoga, you’ll learn a lot if you make your first stop at the Welcome Center for guidance to get the most out of a visit. The Welcome Center is easily located at 1133 Washington Street, behind Brannan’s Grill.

Located in beautiful Napa Valley wine country, Bothe-Napa Valley offers year-round camping for tents, RVs, bikes, walk-ins and now YURTS! Day visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking trails and a seasonal swimming pool. Large picnic grounds are available for group events. Stop in at our Visitor Center in the 1860s Tucker House, and learn about the park's first homestead families - trail maps available. Hikes range from easy, shady strolls in the redwoods to longer hikes up to Coyote Peak with great views of the valley. Or, take a hike on the History Trail past the historic Pioneer Cemetery and on to our sister park, the Bale Grist Mill, where you can take a tour of an operating water powered mill built in 1846 that still grinds grain on the original stones!

Rudy’s passionate interest in Cabernet Sauvignon lead him to discover a family connection to Eric de Rothschild, and he wrote a letter asking to do an internship at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Each year the Chateau had been hiring an intern from the French winemaking program at Montpellier. Thinking that two minds are better than one, Mr. Rothschild invited Rudy to work for the 1985 harvest as their first American intern. Upon completion, Rudy returned to Napa Valley in the spring of 1986 and became the enologist at Trefethen Winery and Vineyards. In 1988, he became the assistant winemaker in charge of production at Newton Vineyards in St. Helena. Shortly after their marriage in 1989, Rudy and Rita von Strasser set out looking for a vineyard property to serve as a home for their future family as well as future brand. Having already developed a deep passion and talent for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Rudy was committed that the property must be in a microclimate blessed with the ability to grow and produce the finest red wines in Napa Valley. Coincidentally, the old Roddis Estate Winery on Diamond Mountain had just been put on the market, and in a bold move, the von Strasser label was born. From 1990 through 2016, von Strasser Winery made their mark on Napa Valley with their Diamond Mountain District Cabernets. Not only did Rudy spearhead the effort to turn Diamond Mountain District into a distinct AVA (American Viticultural Area), he assembled a core of the AVA’s best vineyards to partner with. On top of his Estate Vineyard, he has made vineyard designated wines from Sori Bricco Vineyard, Spaulding Vineyard, Post Vineyard, Agira Vineyard, Diamond Terraces Vineyard, Rainin Vineyard and Vineyard 2131. Over this period, he achieved unparalleled success as a Cabernet producer. Von Strasser Winery was named Wine and Spirits Magazine Winery of the Year for an unbelievable 13 times over this span. Starting in 2017, von Strasser is making another bold move by relocating their winery and expanding their labels. In late 2015, von Strasser Winery added Lava Vine Winery to their portfolio. Lava Vine, a small Calistoga winery, is known for its ‘alternative varietal’ portfolio of wines. The facility at Lava Vine is currently being expanded to include an ultra-modern fermentation and barrel aging building. The Lava Vine brand already has a loyal following thanks to their great wines and friendly tasting room. Over the next few years, Rudy will slowly expand the Lava Vine brand to focus on Pinot Noir, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Grüner Veltliner. However do not be surprised when offered a taste of Verdehlo, Tempranillo, charbono, or old-vine Zinfandel, and many other treats. And of course, Rudy will also continue to make his world class Von Strasser label single vineyard cabernet sauvignons.

3Rd Generation farmers in the Napa Valley, the Madrigal Family has been crafting small lot, premium wines since the early 90's. From vine to wine, Madrigal Family takes great joy in sharing tastings, family history and personalized tours. Our wines include: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Bordeaux Blends, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, and Petite Verdot.

A number of huge redwoods in this forest point away from Mount St. Helena, which once erupted violently.

Sweeping views of the Pacific and the Sierra Nevada range are highlights of this state park, which features rough terrain, evergreen forests and a five-mile hiking trail to the top of Mount St. Helena.