Fodor's Expert Review Sterling Vineyards

An aerial tram whisks guests up a 300-foot hill to a whitewashed Greek Mediterranean–style winery with sweeping Napa Valley views. Appointment-only Sterling, which suffered severe damage during the 2020 wildfires, is expected to reopen in fall 2023 with a new tram and completely remodeled indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces. A self-guided tour allows guests to delve into the wine-making process. Or not. On a sunny day, the vistas south down the valley can be mighty distracting. Sterling, which released its first vintage in 1969, makes waves for its Cabernet Sauvignons like the top-of-the-line Iridium and another from Diamond Mountain; Chardonnay, a crowd-pleasing Malvasia Blanca, and sparkling wine are among the lighter bottlings. For a more fulfilling visit, choose a tasting of upper-tier wines.