One of Napa Valley’s Top Winemakers Just Opened a New Tasting Room With Panoramic Mountain Views—and It’s for Members Only

• Realm North, Realm Cellars’ new tasting room, is located in Calistoga.
• The communal space features indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the Vaca Mountains.
• Realm Cellars’ wines have a cult following, and the tasting room is open to members only.

Napa Valley’s newest tasting room is raising the bar for wine experiences in the region. Realm Cellars, known for producing some of California’s most sought-after cabernet sauvignons, has opened Realm North in Calistoga.

The new space, set in the northern tip of Napa, expands the winery’s footprint, along with its mission of making its cult-status wines more accessible. Realm North offers oenophiles the opportunity to taste some of Napa’s most collectible wines in a more relaxed setting, but it’s also something of a love letter to The Bard—Realm Cellars’ flagship wine, a cabernet sauvignon-dominated proprietary blend the winery has produced for over two decades. 

“Realm North gave us a dedicated home for The Bard, which is arguably the most important wine we make,” Scott Becker, co-owner and CEO of Realm Cellars, told Travel + Leisure. “The spirit for this wine is one of approachability.” Becker emphasized that the new tasting room is an extension of their hospitality: “It’s essentially our living room where we invite folks to join us for a glass, relax and enjoy the view, and maybe learn a bit about the Realm journey.” 

Guests can indeed enjoy the view from a private room with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, spilling out onto a shaded patio with sweeping views of the surrounding Vaca Mountains. A dynamic collection of artwork—including two murals by renowned California-based illustrator Craig Frazier and a host of original label art from some of Realm’s most prized bottles—adorns the walls. 

The tasting experience at Realm North is designed to be both indulgent and educational. Visitors can also explore library wines and selections that have inspired Realm’s winemaking philosophy (available for an additional fee). 

“We feature The Bard, of course, along with other wines from the portfolio, and we also curate a small list of other wines from around the world that inspire us,” Becker said. “The idea is to share our passion and inspiration with guests, and hopefully, they leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft of winegrowing at the highest level.”

Over the past decade, Realm Cellars has made an impact on Napa Valley’s wine scene with its innovative approach in the traditionally conservative industry. As a result, the winery has garnered a following from both serious collectors and a new generation of wine enthusiasts, including notable figures like NBA star Carmelo Anthony, contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, and social media influencer Tinx. 

Realm Cellars members can visit realmcellars.com to make a reservation. Those with five or more years as a member can book a complimentary experience for up to four guests. Sign up for Realm Cellars’s mailing list, on the website, to become a member.