Today, we are talking about Calistoga. Its small-town charm and laid-back vibe invite you to slow down and truly take it all in. Walking down Lincoln Avenue feels like stepping into a Pinterest board brought to life.
From quirky indie shops to cool tasting rooms that double as art galleries (but way more fun), every corner oozes style and personality. Perfect for the bold, the daring, and anyone who loves a little edge with their shopping spree. Sparkling artisanal jewelry catches the light, and art installations overflow with personality. Every side street is a new adventure, and every curio tells a story.
Calistoga is about indulging your senses, and with all my posts revolving around epic wine experiences, I can’t skip the local wine and culinary scene. Because, Calistoga has so much more to offer than just a well-curated charcuterie platter paired with a smooth glass of wine.
When lunch rolls around, my guest and I are living it up with mouthwatering cuisine and wine from three of Calistoga’s most memorable wineries—AXR, Tank Garage, and Picayune. Basically I’m living the ultimate day-drinking dream.
AXR Winery- History, Hauntings and Great Wine
AXR isn’t just another stop on your wine tour; it’s an invitation to step into one of Calistoga’s boldest, most luxurious wine experience. The moment you arrive, you’re immersed in the 138-year history of an estate brimming with secrets and untold stories. Pair that intrigue with wines crafted to perfection, and you’ve got a tasting experience that’s not soon forgotten.
Time in a Bottle
AXR is a time capsule of Calistoga’s rebellious past. Nestled on the historic grounds of the old Madrone Vineyard, this “ghost winery” is a living, breathing piece of history. But what’s a ghost winery, you ask?
It’s the name given to wineries founded from 1860 to 1900 that fell into ruin during Prohibition. While most faded into obscurity, AXR lives on to tell its story, blending luxury with tales that are as bold as the wine.
Consequently, this place has seen everything. From the Wappo tribe hunting these lands to fearless Wild West pioneers settling here. And here’s the best part—California’s first female vintner, Frederika Hersch, staked her claim right here in 1886. Alongside Josephine Tychson, these two female pioneers shattered glass ceilings and owned the wine game in a male-dominated era. Translation? They were absolute powerhouses.
During Prohibition, when booze was totally off-limits in the U.S., AXR became the ultimate rebel hangout. Think underground wine speakeasy, a cheeky brothel, and a saloon vibe all rolled into one. It was where the era’s rule-breakers and thrill-seekers came together for forbidden drinks and scandalous fun.
A hidden door, a whispered password, and suddenly you’re stepping into a realm of pure indulgence. Velvet drapes cascade from ceiling to floor, while antique lanterns bathe the room in a seductive, golden light. The air hums with the melody of laughter and clinking glasses. Between stolen glances and whispered conversations, forbidden reds pour freely.
It’s not just a night out—it’s a moment captured in time. The kind of experience that lingers, leaving the “spirits” wanting more.
Fast-forward to 2025 some say the Prohibition party never really ended. The winery’s most infamous “guest”? A suave gentleman who enjoyed one too many glasses of cabernet and decided to make AXR his forever home.
The lingering scent of cigar smoke, teasing creaky doors, and an occasional thrown shadows leave some guess believing he never left. So, if you think you’re sipping solo? Think again. This playful spirit loves joining guests for a glass of AXR’s finest cab.
Wine Tasting Line Up
AXR’s wine tasting is “Next-Level.” We’re talking rockstar bottles and exclusive pours that aren’t even on the menu. Picking my top three was brutal (literally every sip AMAZING), but I did it.
2021 AXR Fab4 Field Blend
Our MVP – Crowned for a reason, this blend is just like a first kiss. Unexpected with layers of rich dark fruit—think boysenberry and black currant—wrapped in velvety tannins with hints of cocoa and a whisper of toasted vanilla. It’s bold but approachable, making a statement without shouting. Pair it with a steak or a night of deep conversation, and you’ve got pure magic in a glass.
2022 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
The Sophisticated Rebel! Chardonnay has a reputation—you either love it or roll your eyes. But trust me, the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay flips the stereotype on its head. Vibrant and creamy, it dances through bright Meyer lemon, poached pear, and a sultry caramel finish. That hint of minerality keeps it refreshingly modern, making it the kind of Chardonnay that’ll have you Googling “malolactic fermentation” just to impress your friends.
2022 AxR1
Our unexpected crush. If this wine were a person, it’d be your hall pass —the one you just can’t forget about. Crafted from four single-vineyard Cabernets and aged in 100% new French oak, the 2022 AxR1 is bold, sultry, and fiercely complex. Velvet tannins dance with ripe plums, smoky leather, and dark cherries, all kissed with spiced chocolate and vanilla oak. It demands your attention and leaves you wanting more.
AXR isn’t your typical “sip, swirl, and act fancy” kind of winery. It’s where deep Napa history meets bold, modern luxury. Every bottle tells a story, and every pour feels like an experience. Want the full lineup? I dropped it in my AXR post—you’re gonna want to check it out.
Tank Garage – Effortlessly Cool. Endlessly Audacious.
There are wineries, and then there’s Tank Garage—a place so dripping with vintage cool and creative energy it defies every Napa Valley cliché. Seriously, this place is like stepping into a time machine where vintage cool meets modern chic.
I could feel the creative energy as soon as I arrived. The tasting room, reimagined into The Lubrication Lounge, is a lively mix of nostalgia and edgy style, complete with antique pinball machines and record players spinning classic tunes.
The atmosphere is electric—alive with lively conversations, laughter, and the pure joy of savoring exceptional wines. Housed in what was once a 1930s motorcycle garage, this space hums with a rebellious, edgy history.
At the heart of the tasting room stands a 1947 Indian Chief motorcycle, proudly displayed like a symbol of the bold spirit that still courses through the walls. can feel the defiant energy, the refusal to conform, that defines Tank Garage Winery.
Fast forward to 2014, when founder James Harder transformed this historic downtown Calistoga site into the town’s coolest winery. And the wines? They’re as daring as that vintage motorcycle. Each bottle is a one-of-a-kind creation, a testament to bold creativity and exceptional craftsmanship.
Wine Tasting Line Up
Here are the must-try wines I chose that truly capture the essence of Tank Garage Winery.
2022 Uncensored
This red blend doesn’t play by the rules. Juicy cranberry, bold black cherry, and leathery undertones come together in unapologetic harmony. It is balanced, vibrant, and perfect for pairing with barbecue ribs or sipping on its own when you’re feeling a little rebellious.
2023 Sex Picnic (Pét-Nat Sparkling Rosé)
Yes, you read that right. A name as outrageous as the wine itself. The 2023 Sex Picnic is here to turn your Saturday afternoons into Instagram-worthy moments. This Pét-Nat Sparkling Rosé, hailing from California, bubbles over with juicy notes of strawberry, watermelon, and wildflowers. Light, lively, and perfect for picnics (or indoor dance sessions), it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pairs well with everything from charcuterie boards to spicy tacos.
2022 Uncensored
Welcome to wine, unplugged. The 2022 Uncensored isn’t here to tone it down for anyone. It’s a tantalizing red blend with bold flavors of cranberry, black cherry, and hints of leather. Crafted from Mixed Blacks grapes at the Stampede Vineyard in Clements Hills, this wine epitomizes balance and free-spirited creativity. Whether paired with barbecue ribs or savored alone, it seduces your palate with every sip.
Tank Garage Winery isn’t just a winery—it’s a statement. All wild blends, no do-overs. Every bottle is as unique as the artwork on its label. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just someone looking for something new, Tank Garage invites you to break the mold and sip differently. Because wine doesn’t have to be stuffy—it just has to be unforgettable.
Picayune Cellars – Where Bold Meets Beautiful
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Calistoga, I found a slice of heaven, Picayune Cellars & Mercantile. Owner, Clair Ducrocq Weinkauf is breaking all the rules associated with stuffy pretentious winemakers. Using a négociant model, Clair crafts unforgettable wines by sourcing the best grapes from the region’s top vineyards—no estates, no limits, just incredible wines without the overinflated price tag.
The term “picayune,” means “small coin,” and reflects Clair’s philosophy of discovering the extraordinary in what is often overlooked. This belief extends not only to her wines but also to the eclectic Mercantile adjacent to the tasting room. Clair has created a boutique filled with artisan treasures sourced from small, family-run, and women-led businesses across France and the U.S. We’re talking about buttery-soft leather purses, chic Jacquard-woven kitchen towels, handcrafted jewelry, Native American blankets, and award-winning French knives. To top it off, there’s stunning artwork, including woodblock prints by acc
Picayune’s lineup makes it hard to choose a favorite, because they have a bad bottle, not even a mediocre one. They are all stellar. Picayune crafts wines that are elegant, approachable with a price point that fits most budgets. Today, we’re uncorking two memorable offerings from this fantastic label 2023 Hay Penny Rosé and the lush 2021 Rive Gauche
Wine Tasting Line Up
2023 Hay Penny Rosé
Upon the first sip, you’re greeted by a burst of fresh raspberries. Juicy watermelon, and delicate rose petals wrap around your palate There’s a citrus twist that adds a playful kick, reminiscent of those spontaneous toasts during golden hour. But don’t let its lightness fool you; the finish unraveled layers of stone minerality that linger like a secret shared between friends.
2021 Rive Gauche
The french affair you won’t forget! This is the wine you didn’t know you needed in your life. The 2021 Rive Gauche is basically your chic plus-one, whether you’re debating the best indie films or recounting your kid’s soccer game win. It’s an artisan blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels—aka it’s giving all the Left Bank of Bordeaux flavors you dream about.
Here’s the thing about Rive Gauche—it doesn’t shout, it just is. Effortlessly cool, impossibly smooth, and packed with flavor that’s delicate and layered. Blackcurrant, a touch of rich tobacco, and yes, a hint of leather—you heard me, leather—create this wild, flavor-packed adventure. Trust me, once you open a bottle, you’ll wonder how you survived without it.
On the palate? Juicy blackberries, violet, and this sultry mix of cedar and dark chocolate swirl together in a way that can only be described as… revelation-worthy. Those silky tannins? They hug your tongue like the softest velvet. The 2021 Rive Gauche is French sophistication in a bottle that everyone can afford. Pop the cork and turn every room into your room.
In a place like Calistoga, where every street invites exploration and every sip inspires delight, it’s clear that this charming town offers much more than meets the eye. Whether you’re indulging in exquisite wines, savoring culinary delights, or simply soaking in the artistic atmosphere, Calistoga is a canvas painted with vibrant experiences just waiting to be discovered. So, why not take the plunge?