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Top 10 Napa Valley wine hotels
With its endless summers, sweeping vineyards, fine dining and close proximity to the ocean, Napa is perhaps one of the most enticing wine regions in the world.
In a country that prides itself on service, it is perhaps not surprising that Napa is home to some pretty luxurious hotels.
Nestled among the vines of some of the world’s top producers, a stay at one of these hotels is likely to be at the top of most wine-lovers wish list.
Whether you are an established native, planning your next wine adventure in Napa or a first timer, get some inspiration from this collection of top-notch wine hotels – all within spitting distance of the vines.
Click through to discover some of the most luxurious wine retreats in Napa…
Napa Valley Appellations
Meadowood Napa Valley, St Helena
Meadowood is a luxury golf resort and spa and wine estate. First founded in 1964 as a country club, it wasn’t until 1979 that William Harlan saw its potential and set about transforming it into a hub for the local winegrowing community and a luxury destination. Since 1981 it has played host to the Auction Napa Valley, cementing its importance within the world of wine. The resort’s modern American restaurant, simply titled The Restaurant, offers a prix fixe menu heavily influenced by the seasons and produced using the spoils of chefs’ foraging explorations of the estate. Its wine list boasts 950 wines, mostly from California, curated by Master Sommelier Gilles de Chambure, who also offers wine education classes and winery excursions to guests.
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville
With a contemporary, back-to-nature feel the Badessono Hotel and Spa is perfectly suited to the eco-conscious wine traveller. Based in downtown Yountville in Napa’s centre, guests can make use of its carbon fiber bicycles to get out and about with several tasting rooms within walking distance. Its Lucy Restaurant and Bar operates a “field to fork” policy taking fresh ingredients from its on-site garden building on the hotel’s “modern aesthetic eco-spirit”. Each of its 62 guest rooms is “designed for private in-room spa services” with olive trees, stone sculptures and man-made streams spotting the grounds.
6526 Yount St., Yountville, CA 94599
Napa Valley Lodge Inn, Yountville
Also located in Yountville, the Napa Valley Lodge is within walking distance of a selection of restaurants, tasting rooms and specialty shops, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle for a relaxing stay. Set in a vineyard, the Lodge resembles a Tuscan villa and is surrounded by lush gardens, water features and an outdoor fire pit. A bonus of staying at this hotel is that every morning guests are treated to a complimentary Champagne continental breakfast buffet. Fill you boots with all the fizz, pastries and juices you desire.
2230 Madison St, Yountville, CA 94599
Napa River Inn, Napa
Located in Downtown Napa’s Riverfront District, part of this waterfront hotel is actually inside the historic Napa Mill which was built in 1884. It is well-placed for those wishing to sample the delights of the city’s growing nightlife, as well as visit the areas many tasting rooms. The hotel itself is spread across a complex of three buildings which are also home to a jazz club, day spa and several restaurants. Each of the three buildings carries a different theme; old-fashioned charm, nautical and contemporary, while guests’ complimentary breakfast comes courtesy of the Sweetie Pies bakery.
500 Main St., Napa, CA 94559
Meritage Resort, Napa
Built in 2006, the Meritage Resort is perhaps one of Napa’s most luxurious hotels. Set beside the Valley’s rolling vineyards, the Meritage Resort and Spa covers 32 acres and recently underwent a $40 million makeover in the spring of 2012 with its 322 rooms said to be “Tuscan-inspired”. It features Napa’s only underground full-service spa, tasting room and banquet room which are built into a cave filled with steam grottos, soaking pools and waterfalls. Its on-site tasting cellar provides a number of wine experiences including by-the-glass tasting, chocolate pairing as well as vineyard tours.
875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558
Avia Napa
The sleek and modern Avia Napa, part of the Hyatt hotel chain, is located in the heart of downtown Napa making it a perfect base to explore Napa’s wine country. The Terrace, Andaz Napa’s “outdoor oasis” featuring porch swings, lounge chairs and fire pits is a particularly nice spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
1450 First St., Napa, CA 94559
Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga
Based in Napa’s Upper Valley Calistoga Ranch sits on a 157-acre estate spotted with ancient oaks and private lakes and boasts an on-site private vineyard. As such, guests to its 50 lodges have offered the opportunity to get a taste of winemaking from the ground up getting to grips with pruning and picking during the harvest and crush with private barrel tastings also on offer. The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga deck and pool with views across its vineyard and oak groves.
580 Lommel Road, Calistoga, CA 94515
Carneros Inn, Napa
With an array of dining destinations and stunning surroundings the Carneros Inn makes for a truly memorable wine country retreat. Nestled next to an organic vineyard, which a handful of guests can view from their Vineyard Suite or Harvest Cottage which also boast an outdoor soaking tub, outdoor fireplace and private garden. Nearby wineries include Domaine Carneros, which is owned by Taittinger and is known for its sparkling wines.
4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559
Cabernet House, an Old World Inn, Napa
Established in 1979, Cabernet House was one of Napa’s first bed and breakfasts. Offering cosy, home-like accomodation, it is located in Downtown Napa and is a short walk away from plentiful shopping, restaurants and tasting rooms, while the nearby Napa Wine train will take you through the heart of the wine country. Expect hearty homemade breakfasts, afternoon wine receptions and handmade chocolates.
1301 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
Auberge du Soleil started out as a restaurant founded by French-born Claude Rouas who held an ambition to recreate the “sun-drenched ambiance of a Provençal restaurant in the California Wine Country”. The hillside restaurant, overlooking Rutherford, opened to acclaim in 1981 and is now recognised as one of the region’s best fine dining establishments. It boasts more than 1,500 wines carefully curated by its wine director Kris Margerum with a focus on Napa. Today, the restaurant has spawned into a luxury estate boasting a number of suites, which first opened to guests in 1985, and an on-site spa.180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
While the Bernardus is a lovely place to stay, it is not anywhere near Napa Valley. The heart of Napa is approximately 1.5 hours north of San Franciso. Carmel Valley, where the Bernardus is located, is approximately 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. How did the Bernardus end up in an article on the top places to stay in Napa!!!!