North America, Travel
Bouchon, Champagne, Chardonnay, French laundry, Hot Air Balloons, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, wine, Wineries
Inhale deeply. From the aroma of grapes to sexy lounges, Napa offers something for everyone. Whether flying through the air or staying firmly on the ground, you will get “high” in the Wine Country. No longer sleepy and quiet, Napa Valley is a hotbed of new restaurants, gala events, festivals & of course wineries.
One winery not to miss – Raymond Vineyards. Come for the tasting, stay for the day. Sniff their Corridor of Senses. Reserve the tasting tour, then become a winemaker for the day in the blending room and end the day relaxing in their plush Velvet Red Room w/ baccarat chandeliers. (see above) On 90 acres it’s truly gorgeous!
(Courtesy of Google Images)
Hidden Gems in Napa : By appointment only – personal private tastings is the way to go. Lunch helps absorb the wine. Just be sure to reserve ahead and the right travel outfits help you stand out. Just don’t spill any wine on them!
Kenzo Estate – The French Laundry of wineries, this 3,800 acre estate in the hills of Napa is over the top. After a tour be sure to reserve the food pairing from Restaurant Bouchon (owned by Thomas Keller).
If you love bubbly (who doesn’t?) book a Tues. or Wed 11:30 tour at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga. Who said dark underground caves aren’t sexy?
Signorello Vineyards – Summer Pairing on the terrace (Sat and Sun: 1-3)
Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyards – drive up harrowing Diamond Mountain, be rewarded w/incredible views, pools & spectacular wine. For serious wine lovers! Your travel outfits should be chic but comfortable!
New Kids on the Block– In Yountville try R&D Kitchen. With locations in Santa Monica & Newport Beach, this restaurant lends a touch of laid back glamour. Huge outside w/fireplace pit, great indoor bar for artisanal cocktails & burgers. Empire Lounge in Napa announces it’s present w/ flaming torch outside, dark and sultry inside, is the new social hot spot. Drink or dine, open until 2:00 AM.
ADD COOL ACCESSORIES to your trip to compliment your resort wear. Perfect with any outfit. Use the miraculous Flip n Fold to make all you clothing fit into your black Victorinox carry-on bag. Add a turquoise shoulder strap Coach bag (need two hands for balancing wine glasses) w/ your Ray-Ban mirrored sunglasses or black Prada ones. Carry your wine purchase in this unique wine carrier/purse. Add a scarf for cool nights and recharge w/ Johnathan Adler . CLICK ON ANY ITEM TO PURCHASE
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M)) Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Andaz Napa – This boutique hotel, owned by Hyatt, merges seamlessly w/the emergence of revitalized downtown Napa. Rooms mix hardwood, leather & white marble for a country sophistication. Dine at Farm Table Restaurant & drink at their Mercantile Social. A perfect location to stroll downtown. (MS)
North Block – Located in food-centric Yountville (formerly Hotel Luca), this modern boutique hotel w/ its Restoration Hardware look is perfectly situated. Try the “uncorked” spa treatment w/ ground grape seeds & throw on your travel clothes to dine at the Italian Redd Wood attached to the hotel. (S)
Solage Calistoga – Up valley in Calistoga on 23 acres is this luxurious resort with a social conscience. LEED certified w/ free bikes to cruise around in, green cleaning products, composting, natural linens and organic food in their Solbar Restaurant. Holistic, healthy and hot! (MS)
(Coutresy of Google Images)
All modes of transportation work BUT the best thing is to call Designated Driver and leave the driving to them!
Co-authored by: Tiffany Do