Kenny Kim Photography
In the New World of wine, one destination rises above them all: Napa Valley. This venerated grape growing region is ripe, pun intended, for tourism. But a shift is afoot in the valley. What was once a simple imbibing destination has blossomed into something more, something for everyone. The land is beautiful, perfect for outdoor pursuits, with untapped spaces allowing for inventive wellness programming and creative winery experiences. The culinary scene continues to flourish, and new tasting rooms have freshened the wine landscape. The New Napa has finally become welcoming to all travelers, not just wine lovers.
Stanly Ranch
A Luxe Home Base
The perfect base for exploring wine country is Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, an upscale hotel with contemporary California charm. Toiletries from Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials adorn the standalone cottage-like rooms, complete with outdoor showers and fire pits. Multiple onsite eateries, including a coffee shop, a massive spa complex and proximity to the private-only airfield, Napa County Airport (APC), help make Stanly Ranch a compelling accommodation pick. Wellness Director Yalda Teranchi adds, “Stanly Ranch embodies the vision of the ‘New Napa’—an inclusive destination that welcomes all types of travelers, whether you’re a seasoned epicurean or new to the world of wine. We asked, ‘What if Napa could be more?'” The hotel embraces this idea with its sprawling Halehouse spa complex, an unparalleled wellness destination in wine country. “Halehouse offers a cutting-edge approach to health, with a focus on training, rest and recovery, all set against Napa’s natural beauty. As culinary and wine culture continue to attract visitors, we’ve integrated wellness, outdoor activities, unique offerings and educational opportunities to offer a more holistic Napa experience,” adds Teranchi.
Stanly Ranch
Now, let’s get ready to meet the New Napa through a carefully curated three-day itinerary:
Day 1: In the Neighborhood
To mix a little wine and wellness, start with a hike, picnic and tasting at the 2,000-acre Hudson Ranch, a sustainable Carneros winery just down the road from Stanly Ranch. The moderate hike is roughly 2.5 miles and includes sweeping views of the Bay and surrounding counties. Don’t miss their take on Aleatico, a rare red grape uniquely crafted into an aromatic white. Both Chardonnay and Grenache tend to be lovely at Hudson Ranch, too. (When wine tasting, it’s best to hire a private driver for the safest, most exclusive experience. We recommend Chris Gilmore with Crush Napa Valley for an excellent private driver option.)
Day 2: Northward Bound
Far Niente Wine Estates
Begin day two with a visit to The Cheese Shed by Fraîche Wine. Nestled in the hills of Coombsville in the southeastern hills of Napa Valley, “The Cheese Shed is [what] everyone wants a Napa wine tasting and tour to be,” notes Fraîche’s Director of Hospitality Dan Bell. “The experience is private, intimate and personally tailored with a high attention to detail in a cozy space with warm ambiance, an old dairy barn from the 1800s,” he shares. (A winery cave tour is another bonus.) Portfolio wines are paired with a seasonal, local charcuterie board complete with estate olive oil. Bell adds, “We offer a variety of wines from single-vineyard Napa Cabs to Italian Super Tuscans to Oregon Pinot Noir to Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc which the guests can choose pre-arrival.” The Component Sauvignon Blanc is a delight, but with such a strong tasting portfolio, it’s hard to miss with Fraîche Wine.
According to Bell, Charlie’s, a new eatery in St. Helena 30 minutes from the Cheese Shed, is his lunch pick. “This is a locals’ spot offering very well done classics with a modern twist. Their fried chicken is fabulous,” he shares. And, for a change of beverage pace, it’s a great place to grab a beer at the square, central bar.
Bella Union Winery
Next, head to Bella Union Winery, a convenient trip from lunch. This spot, one of the newest wineries in Napa, has quickly become a convivial social hub of the valley. Kate McManus, VP of marketing at Far Niente Wine Estates, adds, “Bella Union has immediately become a beloved addition to our family of wineries here at Far Niente Wine Estates. The stunning design, impressive art collection, lively atmosphere and range of exciting experiences have all given rise to a completely different tasting space in our portfolio.” McManus recommends booking the Jewel Box Tasting, her personal favorite. Here, you’re perched within a glass “box” on the top floor of the winery with stunning views of the valley, sampling some incredible red blends from talented Winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price. “But whichever journey you decide to take (there are many to choose from), ask for a pour of the Bella Union La Gemma—an especially iconic wine considered a crown jewel within the portfolio. It’s complex, elegant and very memorable,” she explains.
Bella Union Winery
For a truly memorable meal post tasting, try The Restaurant at North Block, an airy wine country escape ensconced in the Two Michelin Key North Block hotel. There, Executive Chef Juan Cabrera makes California cuisine comforting with open hearth, live fire cooking. Don’t miss the Valley to Coast Tasting Menu, a celebration of the state’s culinary bounty, designed to be an approachable version of traditionally stuffy multi-course meals.
The Restaurant at North Block
If you’d like to make your way closer to the hotel, return to Napa proper for dinner instead. According to Bell, dining at one of the trendy restaurants in the revitalized downtown corridor is a no-brainer. He suggests one specific restaurant for dinner. “TORC is my favorite and has a wide-ranging, seasonally-rotating menu. The appetizers are killer,” he says. The space includes an open kitchen and dining room, tall ceilings, two levels, private dining and a very nice local and global wine list.
The Restaurant at North Block
Day 3: Wellness Wind Down
After a couple of days of exploring and imbibing, consider a slow-paced spa day at Halehouse. “I’ve heard the spa is amazing, and lots of pro athletes from the Bay Area go there for treatment and relaxation,” notes Bell. Don’t miss the dreamy, iconic sauna. And if time allows, splurge for the entire Springhouse Regimen, including cold plunge, salt therapy and hyperbaric oxygen chamber, just to name a few. To stretch your legs, check out the easy Stanly Ranch walking trail, a paved 1.5-mile section of the San Francisco Bay Trail. It extends through a pretty eucalyptus-lined row of trees to Carneros Highway. There’s no better way to unwind after a few busy days in the heart of New Napa.