GATEWAY TO WINE COUNTRY

In the heart of California’s famed wine country lies Napa Valley, a destination promising an unparalleled experience for both lovers of wines and lovers of the finer things. The Meritage Resort & Spa is the ideal beginning to a Napa Valley vacation, where visitors can partake in wine tastings, exhilarating outdoor activities, fine dining, and serene spas.

This was my first visit to Napa Valley and its appeal revealed itself on the hour’s drive from the San Francisco airport. We passed rolling hills, miles of vineyards, blue skies, and darling sheep dotting the landscape (vineyards use the animals to naturally manage cover crops as the woolly fellows act as environmentally friendly “lawnmowers”).

Comprised of five charming yet distinct towns surrounded by pristine vineyards, Napa defines the word “picturesque.” Nestled between the Vaca Mountains on the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, the valley enjoys a climate perfect for grape growing. The Vacas help protect the vineyards from the intense heat of the Central Valley, and the Mayacamas help block cooler coastal influences from the Pacific Ocean. The prevalent “sea fog” on the valley’s west side encourages a lush landscape (including a bounty of Redwoods). This rare Mediterranean climate of dry, warm days, mild temperatures, and cooler evenings exists in just two percent of the world and is the ideal climate to cultivate the best grapes. You’ll discover that cabernet is King of the Valley and chardonnay is Queen, but you’ll also find pinots, petite sirahs, merlots, zinfandels, and many other grape varieties.

STAY

The Meritage Resort & Spa is located at the gateway to the valley providing easy access to all vineyards—the farthest is within a 30-minute drive. Situated on more than 36 sprawling acres with 9 acres of active vineyards, The Meritage is the largest resort in Napa boasting 467 spacious guest rooms and offers a little something for everyone. A recent $25 million renovation has everything sparkling with thoughtfully designed rooms boasting gorgeous décor with a modern vineyard farmhouse vibe. The complimentary welcome bottle of wine in each room pairs perfectly with your hillside views!

Guests have access to on-site tasting rooms, elevated dining options, a six-lane bowling alley (one of only two in Napa), a locally sourced artisanal market, a state-of-the-art cooking classroom, pools, and Spa Terra, which was recently named the No. 1 Spa in Napa. With so much offered on property, you may never want to leave. However, if you choose to head off campus, there is a complimentary shuttle to downtown Napa.

DINE

On property, Olive & Hay delivers both indoor and alfresco dining experiences, with chef-prepared farm-to-table Italian cuisine and, not surprisingly, an award-winning wine list. Be sure to try the Big Italian Salad (I loved it so much I ordered it two nights in a row), the Polenta Crusted Salmon, and the Tiramisu. To kickstart your mornings, Olive & Hay offers hearty breakfasts featuring delights like the Protein Bowl and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

If you are in the mood for lighter fare, visit Blend and be sure to try the Superfood Smoothies—a nutrient-rich blend of fruits, veggies, and plant-based protein. If a sporty evening is desired, try Crush Lounge for bowling, craft cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and elevated bar food. I adored the Envied Elegance cocktail, a blend of mezcal, blanco tequila, Aperol, lime, agave, and pineapple. The Giant Pretzel, Mushroom Tacos, and Crush Signature Wings were team favorites from the appetizer menu.

Looking for an afternoon of dining in the vines? Be sure to visit Fivetown Grocery to arrange a basket full of goodies for a picnic in the vineyards. Post-picnic, visit the famous “Grape Crusher” statue—a symbol of Napa—and the “Sunny Side Up” chicken coop, a henhouse for colorful chickens who have an elaborate place to sleep and play (think chicken swings) while enjoying expansive vineyard views.

Craving steak? The brand-new Ember Steak is a must! We enjoyed a chef ’s tasting of appetizers including the divine steak tartare. Ember is a premier dining destination offering a rustic and warm ambiance with an outdoor patio overlooking The Village Lawn—16,000-square-feet of green grass.

ACTIVITIES

My favorite off-campus activity was a visit to Yountville, located in the heart of the valley and the site of Napa’s first grapevines planted by the town’s namesake George C. Yount.

We visited Napa Valley Bike Tours to pick up our electric bikes and meet our knowledgeable guide. Pedaling through the idyllic town, we passed the world-famous French Laundry restaurant as we headed out to Yount Mill Road cycling past Walt Disney and Robert Mondavi’s houses. Our guide regaled us with tales of Yountville’s history and recounted how the 1973 Judgement of Paris competition win for Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon catapulted Napa onto the international wine stage. We cycled back to town and onto the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which meanders through Napa’s vineyards. Upon completion, the trail will extend 47 miles.

Wine tasting is a Napa standard. At The Meritage Village, four tasting rooms highlight Napa Valley’s finest boutique wineries. I loved Trinitas Cellars for its chardonnays and cabernets crafted in the iconic California style. Gen 7 Wines offers wines from the family-owned winery that has been perfecting winemaking for almost two centuries. This expertise is evident in each sip. Anarchist Wine Co. features a blend of uncommon varietals—be sure to taste the Outré Blend. Sora Napa, the newest of The Village’s tasting venues, is dedicated to the art of bubbles serving artisanal sparkling wines and champagnes. Sora is perfect for a girls’ get-together— my next visit will be with a gaggle of girlfriends toasting each other in Sora’s glamorous setting.

For music lovers visiting in the summer or fall, The Meritage’s Blue Note Summer Series offers a season of unparalleled live music. These electrifying performances are hosted under the stars on the sprawling Village Lawn. You can even book a room overlooking the lawn for a “front row” seat. This year’s talent varied from Dwight Yoakam to the Gypsy Kings and so much in between. If you are planning a holiday visit, Merry Meritage transforms the Village Lawn into a wine country winter wonderland featuring an ice-skating rink with darling little “igloos” and fire pits dotting the rink’s edge.

SPA

Located beneath the resort vineyards in the 22,000-square-foot Napa Estate Cave, Spa Terra offers a truly unique spa experience. Just beyond large glass doors adorned with grapevine ironwork, you’ll find a long barrel-vaulted hallway leading to a relaxation room, treatment rooms, and dressing rooms. The latter houses a steam shower and a gorgeous spa pool. Wandering under the vineyards toward the changing rooms was a meditative experience— the ideal precursor to the amazing massage that followed. Be sure to try the cave-inspired hot stone massage or a wine-infused spa treatment—both are Terra-ific. In addition to treatments, the spa offers a wide range of wellness classes including morning flow yoga, vineyard yoga hikes, barre, guided meditation, and the very popular healing sound baths.

Visit America’s wine capital and savor a glass to celebrate the rich heritage of this extraordinary land while ensconced in the luxury of The Meritage Resort & Spa.

For more information, visit meritageresort.com.