Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CALISTOGA INN
.
,
Construction of the Calistoga Inn was completed in 1882 by an entrepreneurial family from Italy.
They were attracted to the area after the pioneer Sam Brannan bought the hot sulphur springs
property nearby to build the “Saratoga of the Pacific.” The area would eventually become present-
day Calistoga.
The inn grew in popularity and, by the 1930s, its reputation had reached all the way to
Southern California. Hollywood stars Carol Lombard and Charles Laughton filmed a movie at
the Calistoga Inn about an Italian grape-grower from Napa (which is actually 25 miles away) and
his mail-order bride.
Five major wars, the Depression, and periods of neglect have certainly challenged the inn, but
it survived and even thrived. Contrary to all the neighbors who were busily expanding their wine
operations, the inn gave birth to Calistoga Beer and the Napa Valley Brewing Company in 1987.
For the first time in more than half a century, beer was brewed commercially in Napa County.
Within two years, the brewery had hired a full-time, dedicated brewmaster and was regularly
producing its four principal beers, Calistoga Wheat Ale, Calistoga Pilsner, Calistoga Red Ale, and
Calistoga Porter.
A mother-and-son team runs the business. Susan “Rosie” Dunsford was the founder and prin-
ciple owner of the popular Rosie's Café at Lake Tahoe. She now oversees the food operations with
Executive Chef Jon Roscher. Son Michael Dunsford Jr. studied the principles of wine-making and
brewing in college. He now manages the hotel, restaurant, and brewery.
Today, the inn offers patio dining on the banks of the Napa River, as well as indoor dining in a
room reminiscent of the early days of Calistoga. An authentic 18-room, turn-of-the-century inn and
a modern microbrewery, nestled in the original water tower, complete the property.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery
1250 Lincoln Avenue
Calistoga, California 94515
(707) 942-4101
Search WWH ::




Custom Search