The 10 Best Napa Valley Wine Country Resorts

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What is a Best Napa Wine Country Resort anyway? A basic definition might be to have a terrific restaurant, outdoor activities, an epic pool, design that provides a sense of place, and the location should be set amidst beautiful Napa Valley surroundings. It doesn’t have to have a spa, but if they have one, it sure wouldn’t hurt. And you shouldn’t have to leave the property during your stay to have a wonderful experience. But most of all, a Wine Country “best resort” is a place for a guest to feel well-looked after.

In and around Napa Valley we’ve found resorts that hit all of these grace notes and a whole lot more. From an urban resort in downtown Napa, to expansive properties dotting the hillsides and valley, these are the gems that offer guests relaxation, rejuvenation, and a perfect base to explore all that Napa Valley has to offer.

1

Lodging / Yountville

Vintage House

It’s likely that you know Yountville because of the culinary excellence and Michelin-starred dining offered in this quiet Napa Valley town. But there is another reason to love it here. Vintage House is a casually-elegant retreat within a 22-acre property called The Estate Yountville. It’s almost a mini-village with a spa, two luxury hotels (Hotel Villagio set to re-open October 2018), boutique shopping, and restaurants, all within walking distance of the tasting rooms and restaurants of marvelous little Yountville. Surrounded by vineyards, water features, and the Mayacama Mountains, the view from your stylish room, loft suite, bungalow, or villa will be inspiring and peaceful. Discerning travelers who prefer careful attention to detail, a relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings, and close proximity to world-class restaurants will enjoy Vintage House.

Insider Tip

Guests can take part in a sommelier-led class at The Estate Yountville to learn about the next cult wines, the rising stars of Napa Valley, and even how to open a bottle of wine with a saber.

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2

Lodging / St Helena

Meadowood Napa Valley

For more than forty years Meadowood has been a well-known part of life in Napa Valley, historically supporting local, family-owned wineries by offering a place to hold tastings, meetings, dinners and world-class wine conferences. This wine-focused, luxurious retreat is also a favorite of guests looking for privacy while appreciating the spectacular natural world. On this two-hundred-fifty-acre estate, there’s golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, and an all-suite spa to enjoy. As far as our Wine Country resort must-haves, Meadowood has them all. Rooms, suites, lodges and villas are light, white, and airy, with a bright sophistication and calming design. For superb dining, The Restaurant at Meadowood, a Michelin three-star restaurant, is under the direction of much-lauded Chef Christopher Kostow, who believes in creating relationships with local farmers and purveyors to serve the freshest and best of the season.

Insider Tip

There is a secret place called the Promontory along Oakville’s southwestern ridge. It was discovered one day in the 1980’s by one of the Meadowood owners H. William Harlan, who was hiking in an area he called “an isolated territory” of wild and woodlands. He never forgot the mystical feeling there. Finally in 2008 the Harlan family acquired the parcel. The second generation began to explore this rugged geological area and thought about a grand experiment of trying grapes here. Today there is a vineyard and Promontory wine being bottled. It’s still a secret spot, but a place that guests are able to discover, relax on the large patio, taste wine, and take in the treetop views as the mist that blows in. Appointments made through Meadowood concierge.

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3

Lodging / Calistoga

Solage, an Auberge Resort

Is there such a thing as playful luxury? Solage thinks so. In the heart of Wine Country the 130-foot swimming pool at Solage sparkles and invites you to dive right in to health and wellness. Active lifestyle aficionados who love to be pampered are in for a treat here. Head to The Bathhouse at Spa Solage and ease yourself into a geothermal pool or opt for a mineral-rich mud therapy. Hop on your complementary cruiser bike for a spin, pause for a view of the serene setting, and be in the moment here among the historic oak groves. Later, wander over to acclaimed, Michelin-starred Solbar for a seasonal stroll through the menu while enjoying your crafted-cocktail, glass of Napa wine, or flight of bubbly on the outdoor patio. After dinner, tuck into your private, cottage-style studio or suite, and prepare to head to dreamland.

Insider Tip

Complementary use of a Mercedes-Benz is available for guests to explore Wine Country.

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4

Spas / Calistoga

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

While wine is definitely the draw in Napa Valley, Calistoga (located to the north, or Up Valley as the locals say) is also well-revered for the thermal mineral waters that run beneath the Wine Country town. This little gem of health resort is located a block away from sleepy Calistoga town’s main street and is the perfect spot for a family visit, a getaway with friends, or a romantic jaunt for two. Crisp, beautifully appointed guest rooms are wrapped around a series of pools in a central courtyard. From the hotel, walk to restaurants, book a hot air balloon ride, check out Old Faithful Geyser, or go wine tasting; all are in close vicinity to the Calistoga area. But be sure to take time to bliss out at Spa Calistoga located on the resort’s property for a massage, then experience the four geothermal mineral pools: a whirlpool, a soaking pool, a lap pool, and a wading pool. Here the mineral waters are what it’s all about.

Insider Tip

Don’t miss the Volcanic Ash Mud Bath therapy at the spa, or the Chromotherapy jet tubs, which adjust your body vibrations to optimize your well-being.

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5

Lodging / Calistoga

Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort

Privacy, relaxation, and integration with the natural world are key concepts at Calistoga Ranch. Tucked up into a secluded, wooded canyon on 157-acres, each luxurious lodge feels like home with private decks, outdoor spas, spacious living rooms, enchanting outdoor showers, soaking tubs, and in-room fireplaces; you may not want to leave your space. But you should. Venture down to the pool, or visit the resort’s culinary garden and chicken coop complete with chandelier. Dine at the resort’s private restaurant called The Lakehouse offering peaceful views of Lake Lommel or hike one of several loop trails. The active nature and wine lover would enjoy a hike over to the Davis Estate Winery where a private wine tasting awaits. When you are ready to leave the resort for home, staff will have your car ready at the port cochere with cold water and frozen grapes to make your departure from this paradise a little less wistful.

Insider Tip

Schedule time for a leisurely soak in the outdoor, heated mineral pool at the resort’s exceptional indoor-outdoor Napa Spa to take in the healing Calistoga waters.

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6

Lodging / Napa

Carneros Resort and Spa

Of all of the Napa Valley resorts, this one truly embraces the agrarian roots of the area in terms of style. Think ice cream, bicycles, cottages, fresh donuts, lazy days, outdoor showers, and a curtain of stars in the night sky. Here the newly-revamped spa will pamper you, the hilltop pool with vineyard views will delight you, and the excellent restaurants that source fresh ingredients from their garden and local farms, will inspire you. Up-market ambience is delivered at Carneros with a casual vibe; like the heated slate floors in the bathroom, or the thoughtful addition of rocking chairs on your deck that invite you to sit a spell. Guests will love the perfect simplicity delivered with style.

Insider Tip

Resort guests can order Boon Fly Café’s famous donuts and menu through Cottage Dining to enjoy breakfast al fresco on your private, outdoor terrace.

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7

Lodging / Napa

Vista Collina Resort

You’ve heard it said that “it takes a village.” This is definitely true at Napa Valley’s new Vista Collina Resort set on 11 lush acres, a short drive from downtown Napa. Foodies and wine lovers will enjoy The Village at the resort with nine wine and brew tasting rooms, an artisanal market, boutiques, and a community lawn for Wine Country picnics and concerts. Designed in a Tuscan-style that complements the topography and Napa’s love of its full-bodied wines, the property is focused on becoming a food and wine destination that will include locals and guest alike. In late 2018 their Food & Wine Center opens to feature an exhibition kitchen with on-site cooking classes by guest chefs and bakers. Suites have fully-equipped kitchens, so the culinary team can deliver farm-fresh ingredients to the room for guests to cook along with culinary innovation company Hestan Cue’s video-guided cooking system, featuring Vista Collina Resort’s own Chef Lesage.

Insider Tip

Stop in at on-site Fivetown Grocery for freshly-prepared small-batch delights of house made pasta and sauces, smoked barbecue, warm baked breads, and other goodies inspired by the five distinctive towns that make up Napa Valley.

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8

Lodging / Napa

Silverado Resort and Spa

Outdoor activity aficionados will love the expansive Silverado Resort. A traditional resort that appeals to many tastes, active guests will like the full-service spa, ten swimming pools, two PGA championship golf courses, tennis courts, bocce courts, and onsite hiking and biking trails. Culinary destination lovers will appreciate that there are several restaurants to choose from on property under the direction of acclaimed Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director, Michael Cairns. Those with wedding bells in their future will favor the resort because of the many guest room options, romantic venues for photographs, and the resort’s ability to deliver a personalized menu and guest party experience for an intimate gathering of 5 or celebrating with 5,000 of their closest friends.

Insider Tip

Silverado offers a unique team-building activity called “Build-a-Bike,” where teams compete to be the first to build a bicycle, starting with just the frame. Supervised by a local bike mechanic, the bikes are then donated to children in need.

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9

Lodging / Oakville Rutherford

Auberge du Soleil

Auberge Resorts has long been a name equated with luxury, and it all began here in Napa Valley. Thirty-five years ago, in a much different Napa Valley that was more farm than vine, a fine-dining restaurant called Auberge du Soleil and a small inn were built within an olive grove by a chef/restaurateur and his partner. It was Napa Valley’s first haute cuisine establishment, and its success grew by word of mouth spread by the faithful. The Michelin-rated restaurant, tennis court, exceptional spa, and spacious guest room terraces with breathtaking valley views are just the beginning for those who want unparalleled personal service that exceeds expectation.

Insider Tip

Customized, private wine tours can be arranged to suit your preferences and palate.

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10

Lodging / Napa

Archer Hotel

An urban retreat in downtown Napa? Well yes. For those who like a little vibrancy in their surroundings and a little urban buzz with their wine, this part of town is undergoing a renaissance, and the new Archer Hotel Napa is becoming the social and hospitality center of First Street. The hotel has all of the amenities that you desire in a resort: valley views with libations, a spectacular restaurant, innovative design, supremely comfortable beds with an out-of-the-ordinary pillow menu, a rejuvenating spa, an in-room refreshment bar, and a temperature-controlled wine fridge. Archer Hotel Napa has some stand out amenities to love. One is the sublime five-star bed and bedding created exclusively for Archer Hotels. Another is their association with celebrated chef, Charlie Palmer and the hotel’s food and beverage offerings which include the signature Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant. Live music, a curated Napa art collection, and locally-made treats for guests left each night at bedside are only a few of the thoughtful amenity offerings to pamper visitors here.

Insider Tip

Schedule some time to hang out at Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar for panoramic views and all-day menus, or come back after 9 pm Sunday to Thursday for their Reverse Happy Hour drink and snack specials.

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Michelle Winner

Michelle M. Winner is a world-traveler who prefers to explore countries that make wine. She believes that if there is great wine, there is also great food, and a beautiful destination. Writing food, wine, and travel from her aerie near Mt. Hood, Oregon, she shares her discoveries with our Wine Country readers. Join her on Instagram and Twitter via @culinarytravel.