NAPA (KRON) — If you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley, you’ll naturally want to experience everything the nation’s premier wine region has to offer. That would include great wineries, impressive vistas and world-class dining. So where better to plant your flag than the Napa Valley Lodge, a luxury hotel in Yountville surrounded by vineyards.
Located in the heart of wine country, the Lodge is a Tuscan villa-inspired hotel with fountains, beautiful landscaping and a relaxing pool. It’s the ideal locale for a peaceful getaway. To make your stay even more comfortable, the staff is courteous, helpful and – most importantly – knowledgeable about the hotel’s offerings and the valley’s many delights.
As a boutique hotel, the Napa Valley Lodge makes each guest feel special. Upon check in, you’re greeted with a glass of bubbly. Enjoy an elaborate complimentary continental breakfast buffet, wine happy hour every Thursday and Friday plus plenty of free parking are just the start. Fresh-baked cookies every afternoon are also a nice touch. The hotel’s concierge service can offer helpful suggestions and access to the full range of Napa attractions, including reservations at the area’s finest wineries and restaurants.
The Napa Valley Lodge is close to countless fine dining establishments, but the hotel’s own champagne breakfast merits special acknowledgment. Each morning, guests are free to enjoy breakfast in the Vintage Hall – with its vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace – on the garden patio, by the pool or in their rooms. The buffet features sweet and savory breakfast favorites, freshly made and ready for your enjoyment. And considering that you’re in wine country, you might as well enjoy a mimosa or a glass of sparkling wine with your breakfast.
Meanwhile, the area surrounding the hotel includes three restaurants that are absolute musts for any traveler: Bottega, Redd and R+D Kitchen.BOTTEGA
Bottega Restaurant is located in the Groezinger Estate, one of the Napa Valley’s oldest wineries, and combines the rustic with the refined. “One of my all time favorites! Always a “must go” when I’m in Yountville. As a Chef, it was an honor to meet Chef Chiarello. Bottega is a true culinary experience,” said Suzanne Siroonian of Fresno.
Two indoor dining rooms with a private dining/wine room and bar, five communal tables made of forty year-old timbers, Calcutta d’Oro marble and recycled concrete. The outside covered Terrazzo has two wood-burning stone fireplaces, with both lounge and table seating. Chef Michael Chiarello, a Food Network host and Emmy winner, makes southern Italian dishes from artisanal and house-made ingredients and local produce for a fresh, flavorful experience.
“Always a favorite. Food is consistent, great cocktails, just the smells are enough to make you decide to eat here! Chef Michael is a great guy and always takes time to greet customers and fans whenever he can. Don’t miss this place if you are in the area”, said Susan Sinclair of Knoxville TN.
Cookie Escalante agrees, “Great ambience and delicious cocktails! One of the culinary highlights – raw tuna served on a Himalayan sea salt rock. Very flavorful and eye catching presentation.”REDD
Redd Restaurant is Northern California chef Richard Reddington’s first restaurant, an elegant but relaxed space in which traditional wine country fare meets Mexican, European and Asian influences. Redd also relies heavily on locally-sourced ingredients, and Reddington creates dishes that complement the local wines.
“The wine selections are designed to keep the most discerning oenophile happy as well as the novice wine drinker, said REDD Wine Director William Sherer.
“A truly wonderful experience. The flavors were amazing and each bite was tremendously delicious. The tartare had such a distinctive texture and the seasoned vegetables were prepared well,” said Lan Nguyen of San Ramon.
At REDD, large windows look out on to the courtyard and to the vineyard of Napa Valley beyond. The furnishings blend in naturally with the space, with streamlined tables inspired by the sample worktables employed at the Valley’s vineyards, contrasted by contemporary curved chairs with plush seating. “Excellent food… Lobster risotto (butter buillet was an accidental pairing that blew my mind) and oxtail was an exciting meal, said Alexander Jelinek of San Francisco.”
“Had my birthday lunch there and it was fabulous. The roasted pepper soup was exquisite! My husband had the roasted chicken and I enjoyed the BLT. Wine pairings were perfect,” said Tammy Gilroy of Williamston Michigan.R+D
Finally, R+D Kitchen provides classic American dishes with a twist. They too are reliant on local produce and other ingredients. In fact, theirs are about as local as you can get, coming from their picturesque raised herb garden adjacent to their patio. Every single herb is used in at least one of the items on their menu.
R+D offers a host of items from sushi to a Prime flat iron steak with chimichurri. “It might seem strange to pair sushi with a more American menu, but I can promise you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and refinement of all items on our menu”, said General Manager Kyle Frasure.
Experience stunning vineyard views from this airy modern building. Featuring outdoor seating with relaxing adirondack chairs clustered around fire pits.
“Hands down best patio in Yountville! The Dip Duo – Guacamole and Jalapeño Queso Dip with warm tortilla chips is simply the best while sitting by a firepit sipping on wine . AMAZING!,” said Liz Olkiewicz of Martinez. R+D’s food, service, and warm and welcoming atmosphere fits perfectly in this special town.