2022 Napa Valley Merlot

Sterling Vineyards stands as one of Napa Valley's most distinctive and visually striking wineries, offering an experience unlike any other in the region. Founded in 1964 by English paper company executives Peter Newton and Michael Stone, Sterling was conceived as an ambitious project to create not just exceptional wines, but an unforgettable destination that would capture the essence of Napa Valley from above. The winery's iconic white buildings, inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos, were strategically positioned 300 feet above the Calistoga valley floor on the slopes of Mount St. Helena. This elevated location was chosen not merely for its dramatic visual impact, but for the unique terroir it provides – cooler temperatures, increased sun exposure, and well-draining volcanic soils that would prove ideal for premium grape cultivation. Sterling's most famous feature, the gondola system installed in 1973, was revolutionary for its time and remains the only aerial gondola providing wi