Sterling Vineyards

The first production winery designed with visitors in mind, Sterling Vineyards is one of the more commercial wineries in the Napa Valley. They are set up to handle a lot of tourists and a price to go with the view. The only gondola ride found in the Napa Region, visitors wait in line to ride the Gondola from the parking lot on the valley floor, to the main building, up a 211 foot wooded volcanic knoll, where a self-guided tour begins.

Like a beacon on high, the Meditteranean-style Visitor's Center calls to Napa Valley visitors.

The aerial tram showcases the beautiful Napa Valley floor from a birds-eye view. The tasting and educational-experience begin almost immediately upon disembarking the gondola.

Elevated walkways continue to provide amazing scenery while the self-guided tour, designed to show case how the vineyard turns grapes into wine.

Sterling sources a remarkable variety of exceptional wines which can be tasted by stopping at several tasting bars along the self-guided tour and enjoyed on the terrace while taking in the spectacular views of the valley.

Sterling is known for its exceptional wines and produces several 90+ vintages. Offering reds, whites and sparkling, you are sure to find something you love at Sterling.

One of our favorite "sips" of the day, the Malvasia Bianca is so wildly popular, it has its very own wine club. The Malvasia Bianca is traditionally a Mediterranean grape that produces a semi-sweet, refreshing wine which is light bodied and fruity white that is not overly sweet. I brought a few bottles of this one home.

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While many locals will consider Sterling a little too commercial for their tastes, this is a must-see winery, if not for the views alone. Pair those spectacular views with their amazing wines and you have a can't miss place to take all those out-of-town guests looking to experience wine country.