The Napa Valley is brimming with wondrous wineries , word-class gastronomic experiences, luxurious hotels and picture perfect landscapes with immeasurable beauty. Napa Valley is one of the worlds leading viticulture country with approximately 5 million visitors each year who travel from across the globe to experience the Napas full-bodied Cabernets, fruity Merlots, and buttery Chardonnays. The Valley is home to over 400 premier wineries with rich and fertile soil making the Napa responsible for the critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon.
Napa Valley is serene today & more sublime tomorrow
38.5025° N, 122.2654° W
Location: Napa Valley, California
Recommended International Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Flying Time (from Sydney, Australia): 15 hours
Airlines: Qantas, Virgin, Delta, United
Traveller Types: the foodie traveller, the collector traveller, Eat Pray Love traveller & the luxurious traveller
Best Time of Year to Visit: October – January
Maximum Average Temperature: 17 degrees
Minimum Average Temperature: 4 degrees
Ideal Length of Stay: 6 Nights
Day One : Into The Vines
Arrive : At San Francisco International Airport where you will be greeted by your American private driver in the baggage claim area. Your driver will guide you out of the airport, ready for a private scenic transfer to Napa Valley.
Transfer : Your guided scenic drive will include experiencing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Peninsula and the curvaceous rolling hills of California.
Stay : Meadowood is a boutique luxury resort tucked away in the forests of Napa Valley’s wine country and the center of social, cultural and viticultural life. The property has classic style with sophisticated ambiance, and features championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a nine-hole walking golf course, hiking trails, gorgeous swimming, a full-service health spa, and Michelin three-star dining in The Restaurant.During your stay with the Meadowood, you will be residing in the luxurious Hillside Terrace Room where no expense has been spared.
Escape Beyond benefits at Meadowood
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
A USD50.00 credit towards daily breakfast in The Grill or via room service for up to 2 in-room guests
USD100 Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay.
A box of handcrafted Napa Valley Chocolates
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dine & Wine: Tonight, we recommend dining at the property’s Michelin Star, The Restaurant at Meadowood for a gourmet & luxurious gastronomic experience.
Day Two: A sip of the Vines
Morning: We recommend you take a leisurely stroll into the Napa Valley township for a light, yet tasty breakfast at the lively-casual, all American, Boon Fly Cafe. We recommend the Boon Fly Benedict paired with a cheeky Bloody Mary.
Activity: Today’s activity is a Wine by Design, as showcased by a Napa Valley Sommelier. Today is the day where you will be exclusively introduced to some of Napa Valley’s hidden gems and world famous wineries, such as the V, Sattui Winery…Along the way, highlights of the Valley will be explored. By the end of your day, you will have a new understanding, taste and appreciation for Napa Valley and its gorgeous wines.
Return to the hotel late afternoon with time to indulge in a relaxation massage in the quiet of your suite before dinner.
Dine: Tonight your dinner is sorted by the Celadon, where scrumptious food is served in a homey restaurant with aged brick walls & rustic courtyard. For éntree we recommenced the gourmet Cheese Plate, followed by the Filet Mignon with potato, summer squash gratin and wild mushroom reduction. Finish your evening with a vanilla bean crème brûlée, paired with a glass of vintage 2004 Topaz Late Harvest.
Day Three: Pairing in the Vines
Morning : Take a moment to rest and rejuvenate with a lengthy sleep-in this morning. Wake up to fresh sunlight dancing through the french doors of your balcony while you let the heat of the traditional wood-burning fireplace warm your soul.
Let your body slowly wake up while you sip on American-style coffee in the quiet of your private deck, overlooking the Autumn leaves falling from the resorts forested hillside.
Activity: Meet your with your private wine-maker at noon, and start off your tour with a delightful and delicious 3 course luncheon at the Michelin star restaurant, Auberge du Soleil where the chef has paired your culinary creations with Napa’s premium wine collection.
After lunch, bypass the crowds and noisy tasting rooms for private meeting with your winemaker in their vineyard. You will get in-depth information about their approach to wine-making, and have a chance to taste extraordinary wines that are often crafted in small batches. The day is engaging, the wines are amazing, and the experts you will encounter through the day will long be remembered.
Dine and Wine : Tonight you will dine al fresco and watch the sun settle into the horizon at a table set for two in your suites private balcony.
- To start you will have Day Boat Scallops with a Meadowood Garden Carrot, Coconut, Cress
- For mains you will indulge in California Halibut with Summer Squash, Spanish Chorizo and Lemon Thyme
- A sweet ending to your meal is the Chocolate Caramel Tart Cashews and Sea Salt.
Day Four: Adventure in the Vines
Morning : This mornings activity begins before the sunrise! You will take a short and scenic transfer through the Napa country side to the Model Bakery where you will sample some delicious scones and croissants and Stumptown Coffee.
Activity: Now you are ready for takeoff on your hot air balloon flight. Marvel at the spectacular morning sunrise while soaring above the treetops and vineyards of the famous Napa Valley.
With your feet back on the ground, and your body still alight with adrenaline, its time to expend your energy with a leisurely walk through the vines of Lake Hennessey.
Dine and Wine : After a hearty morning of strenuous activities, it is time spend the afternoon unwinding with a relaxing dine and wine experience. Settle into your picnic lunch upon the hillside of Lake Hennessey, provided by the Meadowood Resort…share a bottle of 2012 Shiraz and gourmet selection of freshly prepared picnic delicacy’s while you lounge around lasting warmth of the fall afternoon.
Day Five: Culture in the vines
Morning : This morning, take a private transfer into the heart of Napa Valleys township for an American-diner style breakfast where we highly recommend their fluffy pancakes, a coffee milk and a chocolate cookie on the side.
Activity : After your authentic American diner experience, it is time for your private docent led tour to the Rosa Art Preserve, the most significant holding of Bay Area art in the world, with 2,000 works of art by 800 artists. Take time to learn about artistry in the contemporary and historic arts buildings nestled in the vineyard landscape.
The next stop on your day of culture is at the Peju Vineyards where you will enjoy a private tour, tasting and cooking class. Established in 1983, Peju Family Winery is dedicated to producing balanced, expressive, and elegant wines from organic and sustainable farmed vineyards in the Napa Valley. Located on an idyllic estate in the renowned Rutherford appellation, the winery is home to lush gardens, distinctive architecture, and a tasting room offering world-class hospitality and culinary experiences.
After a tour and tasting, you will join Peju’s Executive Chef in the kitchen or at the wood-fired brick oven in the vineyard to craft a marvelous meal together. Pick vegetables and herbs from the organic garden and learn special tips and tricks for making the meal. You will leave Peju full and inspired to mix up your usual home cooking.
Day Six: A Château in the Vines
Morning : This morning your driver will take you to Claude Taittinger’s breathtakingly beautiful château, Domaine Carneros where you will enjoy a seated sparkling tasting paired with gourmet starters to begin your final full day in the vines.
Activity: After, spend time on own exploring Sonoma Square’s old adobe storefronts, meandering alleyways, and historic landmarks hum with an eclectic mix of tasting rooms, artisan boutiques, and galleries.
At noon you will stop at Ram’s Gate Winery, known for small lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the finest Sonoma and Carneros vineyards. Today’s palate play pairing experience begins with a glass of wine in hand for an in-depth winery tour before sitting down to a tasting of five single-vineyard wines alongside their culinary pairings.
Dine and Wine : Return to the hotel after lunch with time to relax and rejuvenate before your final farewell dinner in Napa Valley. Tonights Dine and Wine is to be hosted at the historic Logan Ives House, where you will experience enjoy a intimate, chef-guided, multi-course dinner paired with Long Meadow Ranch wines.
Day Seven : Goodbye to the Vines
Today you will bid the vines farewell, with a promise to return soon. Check out this morning and meet your private driver for the 1.5 hour transfer to the San Francisco Airport. Board your flight and depart for home with forever sweet memories of your Dine and Wine experience in Napa Valley.
Wanting to experience the Napa Valley on a uniquely designed itinerary? Contact our luxury travel managers on 1300BEYOND.
Have you seen our previous post? Click here to see Dine & Wine by Design in Tuscany, Italy.