ENTERTAINING
Delight In The Indulgences Of Wine Country’s Finest Foods And Wines At Two Of Napa and Sonoma’s Most Exquisite Wineries.
by Vanessa Brunner
Pphotos courtesy of Calistoga Ranch, and Zubin Shroff
The amazing produce, mild California climate, and aggregation of artisans has made Napa Valley and Sonoma a mecca for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. Whether it’s a weekend experience, or owning a piece of wine country—these hotels and wineries are pinpoints of Napa and Sonoma luxury that will provide an incomparable and unique experience.
Calistoga Ranch
Nestled in a secluded canyon in Upper Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch sets the standard for California’s unique style and sense of luxury. An Auberge Resort, the ranch is located on a 157 acre plot, littered with romantic oak trees, and coexisting with Napa Valley’s lush natural beauty.
While the ranch features a hotel for overnight guests, its 23 exclusive Napa lodges truly distinguish the resort. With a luxurious indoor/outdoor shower, two bedrooms, outdoor living room with fireplace, and expansive kitchen—it’s a little more than the average home away from home.
Each owner has access to the ultra exclusive Vintners Membership program—which provides members with opportunities for admission to a collection of elite wineries and wines.
The Harvest Blending Party at Calistoga Ranch is the ranch’s premiere event of the year. Available only to owners, members meet vintners in the resort’s extensive Wine Cave to make their own blend of wine by mixing droppers of various wines, and bottling and creating a personalized label for the final blend. Following the blending, the winning wine blend is announced during a dinner with an impressive spread of a variety of food and wine.
More information on Calistoga Ranch can be found at www.CalistogaRanch.com, or by calling 707.254.2800.
h2hotel
The younger sister of Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel opened in Spring 2010 as a modern hotel with a sustainable message. A solar heated pool, bamboo floors organic food, and organic linens are all small parts of what makes h2hotel a truly eco friendly environment.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Spoonbar, is headed up by Chef Rudy Minal. Minal created a menu inspired by Morocco and Italy—yet crafted with the amazing produce of the Napa Valley. The brick chicken with grilled lemon and couscous—A California Homes favorite—is absolutely divine.
h2hotel also provides complimentary public cruising bikes for guests. Designed by DWR Founder Rob Forbes, these bikes allow you to ride down the road to other wineries, or wander around downtown Healdsburg to browse the boutiques.
The fantastical cocktail menu at Spoonbar is created by bartender extraordinaire Scott Beattie. A San Francisco Native, Beattie’s cocktails have been recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Bon Appetit, among others, as some of the most notable in the country.
More information on h2hotel can be found at www.h2hotel.com, or by calling 707.431.2202.
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