Brian Arden Wines

Why should you visit Brian Arden Wines? A little over 2 acres of vineyard nestles hard by the beautiful Palisade Mountains in Calistoga. This is the site where the father/son team of Brian Harlan and Arden Harlan follow their passion for making wine. They came to their interests in different ways: Arden’s love started in 1961 when his father bought an ancient vineyard from his aunt. Brian’s love began when he left Orange County to work in the cellar at Terra Valentine in 2008. However, they now share the vision. They enact it in a spacious wood-and stone winery by making premium wines.

You can taste a flight of 5-7 wines in the Brian Arden Wines tasting room, and you will definitely want to try it out. Both the wines and the view are special treats: the wines are hand-crafted in small lots, and you can see the Palisade Mountains from their 30-foot windows. If the weather is nice, you will have a triple threat- you can step outside on their wrap around patios for a better view. The tasting room is decorated with a modern feel, and the general atmosphere is upbeat and relaxed, which is helped by the Harlans’ very sweet dogs. These tastings last 45 minutes and you can’t bring a group bigger than 8.

With a little planning, though, you can get the trifecta. If you call a day ahead, you can get a tour of the vineyard, tasting room, and the Brian Arden winery. In the right season, you can even do the tasting in the cave. (It gets a little chilly in there, so if you get the cave, bring a sweater.) This tasting can accommodate groups smaller than 6, and everyone must be over 21.

Address: 331 Silverado Trail, Calistoga
Phone: (707) 942-4767
Tasting Room Hours: Reserve Wine Tasting 11:00 am to 4:30 pm (Closed on Wednesdays, appointments not necessary but appreciated.) Private Tour/Tasting 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (Closed Wednesday, requires reservations made at least 24 hours in advance.)
Tasting Room Fees: $20