There’s been a recent explosion in new hotel offerings in both Napa and Sonoma. But instead of letting tourists have all the fun, think of this as an incentive to plan a getaway in your own backyard.
In true wine country fashion, these new properties all offer some amazing perks, ranging from off the charts spas, to ryokan-style suites with deep granite soaking tubs, to historic properties that come with a high-tech salt room. Napa newcomer Vista Collina is hoping to convince visitors and local alike that the best of wine country is ready and waiting, quite literally, in its own front yard.
Vista Collina features 145 guestrooms and suites with all the amenities folks have come to expect from a wine country address; there’s a heated pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, and vineyard views. But it’s what the resort has done around an eye-catching stretch of grass that makes it stand out. Covering a majority of the property’s ground level, the “Village” is home to eight wine tasting rooms, a brewery, gourmet grocery, and a massive 16,000 square foot picnic-ready lawn complete with outdoor games.
Some of the tasting rooms here, like Luna Vineyards, the Foley Food & Wine Society, and Napa Smith Brewery, will most likely be familiar, but there are new names worth getting to know as well. Mi Sueño Winery produces wine from eight estate vineyards located throughout Napa and Sonoma. GEN 7 Wines boasts a family tradition of making wine that dates back to the 1800s. If winemaker and owner Tim Bacino is pouring, ask him to share stories about his unique family history. Bottom line, you can taste your way through multiple wineries and a brewery, without ever having to think about getting behind the wheel.
Fivetown Grocery offers an assortment of picnic-inspiring goodies. Hearty sandwiches are made with bread from The Model Bakery, and are more than big enough to share. Combinations include the likes of fennel salami with prosciutto, mortadella, Calabrian chili aioli, and smoked mozzarella, or house smoked chicken breast with muenster and brown mustard aioli. Wine, beer, and soft drinks, are also available for purchase. Put together a picnic and head out to the lawn to dig in, or if you’re looking for splurge-worthy experience, Fivetown Grocery has a lawn butler that will take care of everything, right down to the picnic blanket and pillows.
The Village Food and Wine Center, with cooking classes and demonstrations, is expected to open toward the end of the year.
Vista Collina offers a complimentary shuttle to downtown Napa, which is about four miles away. Deluxe King or Double Queen room rates (the property’s standard room equivalent) range from $259 to $739. There is also a $25 resort fee. The hotel is located across the street from sister property, The Meritage Resort and Spa. 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa, 888-965-6676, meritagecollection.com/vista-collina