There are no pristine white sandy beaches, no cascading or arresting waterfalls, no wickedly wild water-sporting activities to lure visitors to this valley. Instead, as we entered Napa Valley we were surrounded by vineyards everywhere, in the valleys and atop the hills. The area has hundreds of acres of land reserved for growing grapes which will eventually be harvested to compete for the best varietals or estate signature wines for wineries and lodgings to impress their guests.
In the wine country it is a custom for a lodging or restaurant to have its own vineyard, and the Meritage resort is among that list. Sitting on 9 acres of private vineyard, they offer guests an opportunity to sip, soak, and relax. Sip on world class wines from their cellar, soak in grapeseed from one of their signature treatments offered at Spa Terra, then wrap yourself in the Meritage robe and relax with a glass of their signature wine on the balcony. The Meritage offers a bundle to travelers visiting the Napa Valley area and serves as an outpost for wine enthusiasts to participate in wine excursions within the valley.
A large statue of a man standing over a huge bucket, the wine crusher, signaled our arrival into wine country and the property of the Meritage Resort and Spa. Gary and I were both invited out to Napa for a celebration of the recent upgrades to the Meritage and its $40 million expansion which lasted for over 19 months. Shortly after our entry through the iron gates, the hotel revealed its true characters. The weather was below 70 degrees, and walking into the lobby to check in where a lit fire place was centered, was a warm welcome from the outside chill.
The Meritage offers just the right combination as an introduction to the valley with complimentary wine, full spa treatments, underground and earthy experience to block your mind from the outside world, an outdoor urban village, a sports lounge with bowling lanes, a cafe and an outdoor wedding area over looking hillside vineyards, delicious local-seasonal cuisine and more.
Our room was located on the newly constructed wing where we were offered a complimentary night and reduce rate on the second night. A welcome gift and a pleasant surprise was a bottle of the hotels signature wine, Trinitas from their Trinitas Cellar was left in our room, and a gift to all guests of the hotel. The room featured a king size bed, full shower, double sinks, an enclosed toilet and a private balcony. The balconies on this wing offer a view of the Vineyard and the wine crusher statue. However, the wing is new, and has a few kinks to work out, but overtime will be ironed out.
In revealing its true characters, the hotel boasts the only underground spa in the region, Spa Terra. A 22,000 square feet estate cave spa which offers natural, earthy and a truly relaxing subterranean experience through its massage therapies, facials and signature treatment, Solo Vino. For 100 minutes, exfoliate in cabernet grapeseed scrub, followed by an invigorating jet shower rinse, and a decadent body wrap with wine cave mud. End with a Terra Massage and a cheese tray.
The cave serves double purpose as a spa and wine cellar. Venture into the underworld of the Meritage and be seduced with a glass of wine and de-stress with one of their signature massage therapy in this inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Adjoined to the spa is the Trinitas wine cellar, a showplace for the Meritage wine collection that is open for explorations and tastings from morning to night for both guided and private tours.
Siena Restaurants, Executive Chef Michael prepares Tuscan and California inspired fares that are locally sourced in Napa and its vicinity.On the first evening we were welcomed with a glass of proseco and later gorged on small portions of their delicious offerings.
Although the Meritage sits outside Napa Valley, they offer reasonable rates and offer guests just the right amount of excitement to keep them entertained, including a luxury sports bar, Crush Ultra Lounge which features a 6 bowling lanes and is also the first in the United States to utilize the Vollmer String Bowling system to reset bowling pins. The friendly and exciting bar allows the wine experience to continue after you have left the valley.
If you are looking for the perfect home-base to visit the wineries of the valley or have the ultimate wine adventure wedding, visit http://www.themeritageresort.com/.
Date Visited: May 2012