Five vine values in the Napa Valley

_THAR SHE BLOWS: It’s all about water, not wine, but the Old Faithful geyser in Calistoga at the top of the valley, is a perennial attraction. This isn’t the biggest geyser in the world, but it is regular, spouting off every 40 minutes or so. The water, about 350 degrees, shoots as high as 60 feet. The vibe here is relaxed — this is one place in Napa Valley where children are welcome. You come, you sit, you look at the pool of bubbling, steaming water and wait until a plume bursts into the air. Shaded picnic tables offer a good place to anticipate the show.

Napa’s very own Old Faithful geyser is at 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, Calif., 707-942-6463, http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com. Adults, $10, seniors, $7, children, 6-12, $3, under 6, free. Open daily.

_UP, UP IN THE AIR: There’s no skiing in the Napa Valley. But you can still take a gondola ride. The tram at Sterling Vineyards will whisk you up a hillside to the beautiful, white stucco winery inspired by buildings on the Greek island of Mykonos. Adult guests are greeted with a glass of wine — wouldn’t that be an improvement to public transit everywhere? — and then sent on a self-guided tour that offers a glimpse of winemaking operations and barrel storage before emerging on to a sunny rooftop patio with a breathtaking view of the valley. This can get very toasty on hot afternoons, so dress accordingly.

Tastings are set up in five stages along the tour; the pinot gris was a standout on a recent visit. Tour and tasting starts at $25, but you can print out a $5 discount coupon at the winery’s website. Admission for those under 21 is $10 and children 3 and under are free. Check for special events, such as the summer movie screenings. Upgrades are available for reserve tastings. Sterling’s Reserve Chardonnay consistently wins high awards, and there are discounts for wine club members.

Sterling Vineyards’ location is 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, Calif., 800-726-6136, http://www.sterlingvineyards.com/home. Closes at 5 p.m.

_FROM THE TERRACE: Finish up your day in the Napa Valley by heading south to Domaine Carneros across the street from the di Rosa art preserve. This is a sparkling wine property built in the style of a French chateau and presided over by winemaker Eileen Crane. It’s also one of the few wineries where you can get table service. Stop here in the afternoon to sit on the terrace overlooking a rolling green sweep of vineyard and order a glass of bubbly, starting at $6.75, accompanied by a plate of cheese and crackers, $15. Relax, breathe, repeat.

Domaine Carneros is located at 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, Calif., 800-716-2788, http://www.domainecarneros.com. Table service from 10 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.