About the Calistoga Wine Festival and Evaluation

We believe that celebrating the excellence of Calistoga AVA and Calistoga wine

 craftsmanship are important more than ever. The Calistoga Wine Festival 

provides a vital platform for appreciation of Calistoga’s local viticulture, its terroir,  

and quality of wines, as well as gaining recognition for Calistoga AVA, attracting 

new consumers, boosting visibility of local wines, strengthening wine 

industry’s presence, and raising funds for local charities.  

This is a charitable community event, with proceeds benefiting 

UpValley Family Centers, which support individuals and families in

 northern Napa County—including Calistoga—who

 face economic and social challenges.

The inspiration for this event draws, in part, from a historic moment

 exactly fifty years ago, when a 1976 blind tasting in Paris changed the 

global wine conversation and helped put Napa Valley on the world map. 

One of the wines that made history came from Calistoga 

(Chateau Montelena, Croatian - American winemaker Mike Grigich)

 The Calistoga Wine Festival (CWF) will take place on 

Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Brannan Center, where local 

wines will be awarded by professional wine judges and critics. 

 The Calistoga Wine Festival (CWF) will bring together local 

winemakers, restaurateurs,  businesses, and wine lovers to 

experience the diversity and distinction of this remarkable

 region through tastings, celebrations, and community. Famous local wine 

celebrities will be interviewed at the Calistoga Wine Festival including 

Violet Grgich, the daughter of famous wine maker Mike Grgich, 

and owner of the Grgich Hills Estate. 

The second will be Dario Sattui, owner of V Sattui and Castello Di Amorosa wineries.