Elusa Winery is located in Calistoga, and if you’re starting anywhere else in the Napa Valley, the drive may have you glancing at your GPS once or twice. You’ll pass plenty of well-known stops along the way as you keep heading north, and you might be tempted to stop. But keep going. The extra effort is actually part of the appeal. By the time you arrive, the crowds have thinned and the focus shifts where it should — to the wine and the welcoming hospitality.
Though located on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley, Elusa operates independently, with its own identity, team, and vision. Yes, it shares the resort’s space, with onsite vineyards poised towards the picturesque Palisades. And yes, Four Seasons guests do enjoy certain reciprocities (such as exclusive tastings), just as Elusa wine club members receive discounts on resort guest rooms, spa treatments, and dining. But the winery is a destination in its own right.
Winemaking Legends at Work
At the heart of Elusa are two Napa Valley luminaries: Thomas Rivers Brown, the winery’s director of winemaking, and Jon Keyes. Brown’s decades of experience and reputation for iconic Cabernets are reflected in every Elusa bottling, while Keyes brings a vineyard-focused precision, capturing the character of the vines, the soils, and the seasons.
Elusa’s wines reflect Calistoga’s distinctive terroir. At its core, the portfolio centers on estate and carefully sourced Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc, with each varietal expressing its own sense of place — bold structure and dark fruit for the Cabernets, freshness and vibrancy in the Sauvignon Blanc. Because Elusa was able to build thoughtfully over time, its inaugural releases include a library of older vintages, some stretching back to the early 2010s, giving visitors a rare opportunity to taste how these wines evolve.
With an annual production of just about 2,300 cases, these are wines that collectors seek out and members cherish, and they’re rarely seen beyond Elusa’s own experiences and allocations.
Tastings That Go Beyond the Glass
Elusa doesn’t just pour wine; it offers experiences, such as:
The Exploration of Elusa: Held within the elegant Tasting Salon or on the al fresco patio, this is an Elusa introduction that includes one white and three reds that embody the winery’s passion for the Calistoga AVA — the perfect way to start your visit.
The Library Experience: This comprehensive library offering begins with a tour of the winemaking facilities and vineyards (weather permitting). Then, you’ll relax in one of the hosting spaces for a flight of exclusive library Cabernets, paired with cheese and charcuterie.
The Terroir Tasting: Designed for collectors and enthusiasts, this experience showcases highly allocated, single-vineyard wines, offered exclusively to allocation members. You’ll tour the winemaking facility and enjoy a flight of four single-vineyard Cabernets paired with a curated culinary accompaniment, either among the vines (weather permitting) or in a private space. It’s a deep dive into Calistoga’s microclimates and terroir, revealing why this AVA produces such rare and exceptional wines.
Chocolate and Wine Pairing: Discover how wine and chocolate can elevate each other in unexpected ways. Guests enjoy a curated flight of Elusa wines paired with locally made chocolates, exploring the interplay of tannin, texture, and terroir.
The Wine Blending Experience: Gain hands-on insight into the art and science behind winemaking. Guests learn about Napa Valley terroir, barrel aging, and the decisions that shape a wine from grape to glass, then create their own blend with guidance from the winemaking team. Perfect for wine lovers, aspiring vintners, or anyone seeking a deeper connection to the craft.
Additionally, for something truly memorable, guests can book a bespoke three-course culinary experience with Chef Josh Mitchell, a Napa Valley talent with a résumé that spans fine dining, private chef work, and high-profile events. His approach is instinctive and seasonal, with dishes designed to support the wines.
Memberships That Make You Part of the Family
Elusa’s memberships extend the experience beyond a single visit. Memberships include priority tastings, early invitations to limited releases, and exclusive access to experiences that make every visit feel personal. And of course, the wines. Consider these three levels:
Calistoga Collective – Four bottles, three times annually (half customizable).
Terroir Collective – Eight bottles, fully customizable, three times a year.
Heritage Society – Twelve bottles, fully customizable, with access to spring and harvest celebration events.
Why the Trip North Is Worth It
Calistoga sits at the top of the valley, and its Cabernets and Bordeaux blends are some of Napa’s most expressive and vivid. Elusa captures that intensity in every bottle and brings it to life in every tasting. From curated flights to hands-on blending sessions, from intimate meals to library tastings, the winery rewards curiosity, and the willingness to venture a bit further into the valley.
Photos courtesy of Elusa Winery
