Calistoga Inn History

In 1882, some 22 years after Samuel Brannan bought property to build the "Saratoga of the Pacific" in the area that has become present-day Calistoga, an entrepreneurial family from Italy completed construction of the Calistoga Inn. The popularity of the Inn gradually grew and by the 1930s its reputation had reached all the way to Hollywood. Carol Lombard and Charles Laughton starred in "They Knew What They Wanted" filmed at the Inn about an Italian grape grower from Napa and his mail-order bride.

Over the years the Inn survived the economic effects of the depression, periods of neglect and five major wars. Then, in 1987, the Inn gave birth to Calistoga Beer and the Napa Valley Brewing Company. It was on Saturday, December 26th of that year for the first time in more than half a century beer was brewed commercially in Napa County. By 1989, the brewery at the Inn was regularly producing its four principal beers, Calistoga Wheat Ale, Calistoga Pilsner, Calistoga Red Ale and Calistoga Porter.

The Inn and its brewery were incorporated on May 5, 1989 and a full-time, dedicated brewmaster was hired. In the Spring of 1999 a full service bar was added.

The business owners are a mother and son team; Susan "Rosie" Dunsford and Michael Dunsford, Jr. Rosie was the founder and principle owner of the popular "Rosie's Café" at Lake Tahoe. Son Michael studied the principles of wine making and brewing at the University of California, Davis. Rosie continues to oversee the food while Michael oversees the management of the hotel, restaurant and brewery.

In 1991, Calistoga Red Ale won a bronze medal at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. In 1994, Calistoga Wheat Ale won the coveted gold medal. Meanwhile, the popularity of the Inn continued to grow. Today, it hosts a popular dining patio on the banks of the Napa River and a nostalgic indoor dining room reminiscent of the early days of Calistoga. An authentic 18 room, turn-of-the-century Inn and a modern micro-brewery nestled in the original water tower, complete the property.

Owners Rosie Dunsford & son Michael 

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Open 365 Days A Year
Lunch 11:30-3:00 pm
Bar Menu 3:00-5:30 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm to Closing

Saturday & Sunday
Brunch 11:00-3:00 pm

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