What’s Happening in Napa Valley Summer 2019

Openings & Renovations

Napa Valley’s first Four Seasons Resort & Residences will begin accepting reservations as of January 6, 2020. The Calistoga-based resort will have 85 guestrooms, all with mountain and vineyard views as well as private outdoor spaces.  The décor will include local touches like a map of Napa Valley designed by Nick Cann, a St. Helena-based artist, and a “Grapes of Wrath” book that will be displayed on the wall. Given the resort’s close proximity to the Petrified Forest, the rooms will also include a piece of petrified wood furniture.  In addition to an on-site vineyard and tasting space, the property will offer an eight-room spa with steam pods in which hammocks will be suspended above geo-thermal pools for guests to absorb the heated vapor.

1881, Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon will open summer 2019. Housed in a landmark Victorian home, the space is named after the year the house was built. The museum features a collection of winemaking artifacts, such as decanters, vineyard tools and labels from the 18th and 19thcenturies. The ceiling is covered with a 240-square-foot wallpapered map of Napa Valley from 1895 and is anchored by a 48-light Baccarat crystal chandelier that illuminates the space. Visitors can explore photos and stories of the pioneers who first settled and planted grapes in Napa and were instrumental in creating the landscape as we know it today. Tasting experiences are also unexpected with names like “Is it Cool to Be Hot or Hot to Be Cool,” with a sampling of wines from the coldest growing regions in Napa paired with wines from significantly warmer areas.

Brix Restaurant and Gardens in Yountville re-opened on April 1, 2019 following a three-month, top-to-bottom renovation. Situated on 16-acres, it’s the only restaurant in Napa Valley with an on-site vineyard. As part of the redesign, the dining space now spills outside and offers views of the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains. The grounds were initially home to the Grape Vine Inn – a spot where local farmers and vintners of the 1960s and 70s gathered for a martini after work. The space was transformed into Brix more than 23 years ago and remains a staple in the Valley.

Opened in March 2019, La Calenda is Thomas Keller’s first foray into modern Mexican. Expect delicious (and affordable) tacos, tamales and enchiladas with ingredients sourced from the French Laundry Culinary Garden located down the street. Margaritas made from a selection of more than 30 mezcals and tequilas are served in hand-blown recycled glassware sourced from Oaxaca, Mexico. Guests can also opt for their own handcrafted house beer, “El Chefe” made with local corn.

RH Yountville is a new indoor/outdoor wine, dining, and design concept by Restoration Hardware that opened end of 2018. The formal garden café was built around 100-year-old olive trees with design elements like lavish crystal glittering Rococo chandeliers, tricking fountains, and a soaring glass roof. Steps away is the wine tasting room, housed in stone building constructed in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The owners behind Peju Province Winery in Rutherford opened the new Calmere Estate Winery and Tasting Room in Carneros on March 29, 2019. Set on a 100-acre estate, the design incorporates materials like reclaimed wood paneling from an oak tree on the owner’s vineyard. The name Calmere (pronounced cahlm-air) comes from the French words for calm (calme) and sea (mer), reflecting the serene location and views of San Francisco Bay.

Overseen by Napa Valley architect, Howard Backen, Louis Martini Winery completed its 10-year restoration on March 29, 2019. Originally built in 1933, the winery was one of the first five establishments in Napa Valley to open after the repeal of Prohibition. The new space seamlessly integrates indoors and out and features 30-foot-high glass walls with views into the barrel cellar.

Cocktail Culture Comes to Wine Country

Regarded as America’s top wine region, Napa Valley’s thriving cocktail scene is not to be overlooked. With elaborate concoctions designed by master mixologists, to classic cocktails at new establishments, Napa Valley is seeing a spike in spirits. The rooftop Sky & Vine opened at the Archer hotel in 2018 and quickly became the most happening spot in town with its panoramic views and signature drink named the “Wilson St. George,” with pear brandy, coconut, green tea, kaffir lime and sherry. When a guest orders it, the bartenders shouts, “Wilson!” as a nod to the movie Castaway (because, why not?). Down the street atMiminashi, guests can choose from one of the 125 drink options from their cocktail rolodex, which also includes 20 Japanese whiskeys. Up valley, Goose & Gander in St. Helena is synonymous with spirit offerings in the Valley. Located in the landmark Martini House, which operated a bootlegging whiskey business in 1920s, Goose & Gander serves crowd favorites like the Cucumber Collins with pickled “‘cukes” and muddled huckleberries. Continuing north to Calistoga, Sam’s Social Club offers hand-crafted proprietary drinks that are as equally pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Their summer sangria includes house-infused vodka using grapes from the resort’s vines, while the Agua Caliente, named for Calistoga’s famous hot springs, will suit guests who prefer some heat.

Wineries Bring Fresh Wave of Design to Napa Valley

A departure from Napa’s prevalent hacienda-style architecture, a handful of Napa Valley wineries are going against the grain with their design. Cabernet producer, Quintessa in Rutherford offers three 250-square-foot minimalist wood and glass private tasting pavilions set in the heart of their vineyard, while Ashes & Diamonds emits a mid-century Palm Springs vibe with its white zig-zag roof, porthole windows, and vintage furniture. The Art Deco Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga is housed in a former 1930s-era service station with vintage gas pumps. The tasting room was previously the mechanic’s garage and offers quirky elements like 50-year-old pin ball machines and neon signage. There’s also cult label, Prisoner Wine Company, which opened its first-tasting outpost at the end of 2018. With a retro-futuristic feel, salvaged iron and wood from the original San Francisco-Oakland Bay were incorporated into the space with accents that include a life-size skeleton installation and a diesel tank repurposed as chandelier.

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