Clos Pegase Winery

Clos Pegase winery got its start in 1983, when former book publisher Jan Shrem bought the vineyards. Shrem sold the winery to Vintage Wine Estates in 2013, when he was 83 years old. Today, it boasts one-of-a-kind architecture, a unique garden and award-winning wines. 

Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the building itself is worth a look. You'll marvel at this structure that beautifully blends ancient and modern architecture. From the columned portico that welcomes visitors to the cypress-lined courtyard, Clos Pegase has a style unlike any other winery in the world.

Behind the winery, you'll discover 20,000 sq. ft. of wine caves, ideally temperature- and humidity-controlled for aging wines. Another must-see is the Cave Theater, a spectacular venue for special events.

And that's not all. Take some time to stroll around the Heritage Garden -- a large collection of drought-tolerant palms and plants, serving as sculptural landscape art. In fact, bring your lunch for a picnic on the lawn, surrounded by vineyards. (Call ahead to reserve a table.)

Clos Pegase winery offers a truly spectacular experience. Knowledgeable and friendly guides, plenty of tasting options, and quality wines make this winery a truly enjoyable stop in Calistoga. It also happens to be one of the few Napa Valley wineries to allow weddings on its property. 

Clos Pegase Vineyards and Wines

Clos Pegase is known for its Estate wines, meaning that they grow their own grapes. Four vineyards sprawled across the valley add up to 450 acres owned by the winery. Each type of grape is ideally match to a vineyard's terroir to bring out the best of the grape and climate in which it's grown. 

The wine list includes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Here are just a couple glowing reviews:

2010 Chardonnay 93 Points, Wine Spectator: "Opens lots of flavor doors, with rich fig, tropical fruit, smoky, toasty oak and apricot notes. This is impressive, dense without weight, ending with a roasted marshmallow aftertaste. Drink now through 2020."

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points, Wine Spectator: "Serves up a generous mix of dark berry fruit, blackberry, wild berry and raspberry flavors that offer floral scents and tightly wound tannins that are full-blown, yet elegant and detailed, with a long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2020."

Clos Pegase Winery Tours and Tastings

I highly recommend making a reservation and taking advantage of one of these special tastings.

• Connoisseur Cave Tour and Tasting You'll sample a splash of wine as you learn about the winery's history. Next you'll hear how the wines are made as you tour the production area -- and get another sampling straight from the barrel. Finally, you'll savor a seated tasting of current releases and library wines paired with artisan cheese and charcuterie.

• Picnic Tasting on the Patio Surround yourself in the unmatched beauty of the Clos Pegase vineyards on the lushly landscaped lawn. The patio is just outside the tasting room, where you'll be treated to gourmet fare from the Oakville Grocery as you taste a flight of the current releases.

When and Where

1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515 * 707-942-4981 * www.clospegase.com

Open daily 10am - 5pm. The winery is closed for the big holidays. Check Clos Pegase winery's website for the latest schedule. Make reservations for tours and for tastings with groups of 8 or more.

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