October 30, 2015, Napa, CA -- This holiday season, the Napa Valley shimmers with seasonal hotel packages, holiday happenings at area wineries and tasting rooms, holiday inspired food and wine pairings and spa treatments, as well as festivals aglow with twinkling lights and a wealth of good cheer. The holidays fall at the height of the region’s Cabernet Season, the perfect time of year to enjoy Napa Valley’s famous red wines. Here is an overview of what the Napa Valley has to offer this season.
Hotel Packages
The Thanksgiving package at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa includes overnight lodging accommodations and a Thanksgiving buffet in the resort’s Grand Ballroom, featuring an array of traditional holiday dishes including honey brined organic turkey, slow roasted prime rib and Alaskan halibut, as well as seasonal appetizers, salads, vegetables and holiday treats. Festivities throughout the weekend include the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Mansion Lawn and visits from Santa Claus November 25-29, 2015. The buffet dinner is served Thursday, November 26, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, November 27, 6 to 7 p.m.; and Breakfast with Santa at The Grill at Silverado, is Saturday, November 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. (Please note that the package does note include breakfast with Santa).
Website: www.silveradoresort.com
Media contact: Julie Maurer, Julie.Maurer@SilveradoResort.com
The Christmas Package at Silverado Resort and Spa includes overnight lodging accommodations and a Christmas Buffet in the resort’s Grand Ballroom, featuring an array of traditional holiday dishes such as roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, assorted shellfish, desserts, and other holiday favorites. The package is available December 23 to 27, 2015 and the buffet dinner is Friday, December 25, 2015 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Website: www.silveradoresort.com
Media contact: Julie Maurer, Julie.Maurer@SilveradoResort.com
Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville gives guests the gift of an experience this holiday season with the Enchanting Holidays package, available through March 31, 2016. The Enchanting Holidays package offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious weekend, beginning with a glass of Napa Valley wine upon arrival and an upgraded suite, complete with a fireplace and in-room spa option. The package also includes a $100 gift card to use anywhere onsite at Bardessono, including Lucy Restaurant & Bar and spa services. Also included is a private wine tasting for two and 20 percent off all Ralph Lauren Home furnishings at Silver Trident Winery. To book the Enchanting Holidays package, use the promotion code BRHoliday.
Website: www.bardessono.com
Media contact: Autumn Mayfield, amayfield@mayfieldpr.com
Celebrate Cabernet Season in the heart of California’s Napa Valley with the “Winterscape in Yountville” package at Villagio Inn & Spa and Vintage Inn in Yountville. The package includes a two-night stay for two at Villagio Inn & Spa or Vintage Inn, Sunday through Thursday; a complimentary bottle of wine at check-in; daily Champagne breakfast buffet and afternoon tea service; two 50-minute wellness massages; complimentary access to Spa Villagio’s facilities; daily access to the hotel’s fitness center; one Chef’s choice lunch at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Napa Valley for two (lunch is available Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday and excludes tax, gratuity and beverages); an autographed copy of a Michael Chiarello cookbook. This package is available November 22, 2015 through January 28, 2016 and is $799 per room.
Website: www.Villagio.com
Media contact: Susan Bejeckian, sbjeckian@gmail.com
Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer in St. Helena offers the Winter Warmer package, including dining credit at Harvest Table (the package includes a holiday dinner during the week of Christmas), a signed copy of Charlie Palmer's American Fare cookbook, and house made hot cocoa and cookies at turndown. Rates start at $319 per night.
Website: www.harvestinn.com
Media contact: Ashley Hamik, ahamik@charliepalmer.com
Auberge Du Soleil in Rutherford offers a special 'Holiday Getaway' package which includes an overnight stay; a $100 credit towards dinner for two in the resort’s Michelin Star restaurant; a 10 percent discount on all services at the Auberge Spa; a complimentary upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability); a wine and fruit amenity; a holiday gift from the Auberge du Soleil kitchen; and daily complimentary breakfast.
Website: www.aubergedusoleil.com
Media contact: Lea Wilson, lea.wilson@aubergeresorts.com
Feel the warmth of giving back this holiday season by booking the Brannan Cottage Inn in Calistoga’s Warm & Fuzzy Holiday Package, a special holiday offer that benefits Valley Fire victims. Savor irresistible Alice's stick cookies with steamy in-room illy Espresso upon arrival and enjoy deluxe turndown service in an elegantly modernized historic guestroom. Guests will feel good knowing that each reservation includes a $20 donation to the Valley Fire Victims Relief Fund via the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce. The package, available November 16 through December 30, 2015 (excluding November 26) may not be combined with any other packages and starts at $289 per night mid-week for the Historic Queen guestroom.
Website: www.brannancottageinn.com
Media contact: Trisha Clayton, t.clayton@comcast.net
The Bergson in Calistoga (formerly Christopher’s Inn) offers a special holiday package that includes two one-hour massages at The Spa @ Eurospa with local sparkling wine, a holiday gift basket with Napa Valley wine and treats, dinner for two at Jole restaurant (a $90 value), and a one-night stay in a newly renovated guestroom in the heart of Calistoga. Packages start at $348 for two guests; are subject to availability; and are valid November 1 through December 30, 2015.
Website: www.thebergson.com
Media contact: Trisha Clayton, t.clayton@comcast.net
Spa Treatments
SENZA Hotel in Napa offers “SENZA and Spice and Everything Nice,” an autumn themed spa treatment through November 2015. Calm and nurture the body during the changing season with a 75-minute “Autumn Spice Spa Renewal” featuring an autumn spice massage with cedar wood, fir and cinnamon oils, as well as a vitamin rich hydrating hand and foot treatment. The spa treatment is $155 per person.
Website: www.senzahotel.com
Media contact: Lindsey Orellana, lindsey@senzahotel.com
Holiday Feasts
Hosted by three-star Michelin Chef Christopher Kostow, Director Nathaniel Dorn and The Restaurant at Meadowood team, The Twelve Days of Christmas® at Meadowood Napa Valley returns for its eighth season, December 4 through 19, 2015. Influential chefs from around the world will cook in collaboration with Chef Kostow to create unique menus accompanied by wines from the Napa Valley. This year’s celebration will once again benefit two Napa Valley charitable organizations with the goal of making a positive impact on the community and locals in need: The Holly Cranston Memorial Fund and the Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS). Meadowood will donate $2,000 in honor of each participating chef plus 10 percent of every dinner ticket sold will be shared equally between the local charities. Pricing options for the Twelve Days of Christmas 2015 range from $495 per guest to $2200 per guest (with overnight accommodations), exclusive of tax and gratuity.
Website: www.meadowood.com
Media contact: Jennifer Chiesa, jchiesa@meadowood.com
Solage Calistoga celebrates the holidays with the new “Sparkle and Savor” culinary series, pairing celebrity chefs with sparkling wine and Champagne. Sparkle and Savor will take place weekly at Solbar at Solage beginning Thanksgiving weekend and is limited to 50 guests per night. Dinners include: Saturday, November 28, 2015 with Chefs Hung Huynh and Kenneth Myszka paired with Domaine Carneros/Taittinger; Saturday, December 5 with Chef Raphael Francois paired with Contratto; Saturday, December 12 with Chef Michael Gulotta paired with Schramsberg; Saturday, December 19 with Chef Casey Thompson paired with Michel Gonet; Tuesday, December 22 with Chef David Nayfeld paired with Laurent-Perrier; and Tuesday, December 29 with Chef Gustavo Rios paired with Bollinger (at sister Restaurant Evangeline). Reservations are $250 per person, and December 22 is $275 per person. Each event includes a five-course dinner paired with accompanying Champagne or sparkling wine. Advanced reservations are required.
Website: www.solagecalistoga.com
Media contact: Valeska Muromoto, vmuromoto@solagehotels.com
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa with a multi-course feast prepared by the resort’s culinary team. The special menu, which includes appetizers, entrees and desserts is offered on December 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is $75 per person.
Website: www.meritageresort.com
Media contact: Andrew Bradley, abradley@meritageresort.com
Executive Chef Victor Scargle of Lucy Restaurant & Bar at the LEED Platinum-Certified Bardessono in Yountville has created Thanksgiving and Christmas Day menus with traditional holiday dishes that incorporate a flavorful twist made with locally sourced ingredients picked from the onsite culinary garden, when possible. Guests may enjoy a four-course holiday dinner for $90 per person, and children under ten are $40.
Website: www.bardessono.com
Media contact: Autumn Mayfield, amayfield@mayfieldpr.com
1313 Main in downtown Napa debuts the Winter in Wine Country experience, where guests will enjoy a six-course tasting menu, each with a selected wine pairing, amid the backdrop of a winter setting complete with more than 20 pounds of ‘snow’ bedecked with 25 trees that create semi-private dining alcoves for each table. Executive Chef Adam Ross has worked closely with Restaurant Director Jordan Nova to curate six pairings for this event. This holiday experience is available December 1 to 30, 2015, with two seatings Tuesday through Sunday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and is $250 per guest, inclusive of wine, tax, and gratuity.
Website: www.1313main.com
Media contact: Jamie Kopmann, jamie@afandco.com
Let Harvest Table in St. Helena make the holiday feast memorable with Christmas Eve dinner which includes three-courses ($59 per person) with two choices per course, optional wine pairings and a children’s a la carte menu.
Website: www.harvesttablenapa.com
Media contact: Ashley Hamik, ahamik@charliepalmer.com
Holiday Events and Special Offers
Kick off the holiday season at the 27th Annual Festival of Lights in Yountville on Friday, November 27, 2015 from 2 to 6 p.m. Watch as Yountville is transformed into a magical winter wonderland using thousands of tiny (energy efficient) twinkling lights. This family holiday event is free, and tasting bracelets are available for purchase.
Website: www.yountvillecom
Media contact: mackenzie@mackenzieagency.com
Calistoga kicks off the holiday season with the 20th annual Lighted Tractor Parade, a Calistoga holiday tradition. Vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights roll down Calistoga’s scenic main street to celebrate the season and the city’s agricultural heritage. The parade is December 5, 2015 from 7 to 8 p.m. in downtown Calistoga at Lincoln Avenue and admission is free.
Media contact: Charlene Peters, charlene@calistogachamber.net
Napa County Landmarks’ annual Candle Light House Tour is December 12, 2015 from 3 to 7 p.m. This year’s event will be held in the historic Fuller Park/Abajo District. Up to ten beautiful homes, each featuring its own architectural style and unique history, will be open for viewing. Antique and vintage cars will also be displayed. Ticket prices are $30 for wine club members; $35.00 for guests; and $40 on the day of the event. Tickets are limited.
Website: www.napacountylandmarks.org
Media contact: Ernie Schlobohm, ernie@napacountylandmarks.org
Join Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena for Gingerbread Ranch Decorating on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. for apple cider, hot cocoa and decorating gingerbread farm animals. Each child will receive one gingerbread farm animal to contribute to the ranch and two cookies to take home. Admission is complimentary. The Farmstead Gingerbread Ranch will be on display throughout the holiday season for everyone to enjoy.
Website: www.longmeadowranch.com
Media contact: Farley Green, farley@longmeadowranch.com
Silverado Resort & Spa Teddy Bear Tea is Sunday, December 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and includes traditional treats including English tea, scones, watercress sandwiches and petit fours. Each child will enjoy a holiday themed puppet show and take home a teddy bear. The tea is $39 for children and $49 for adults (price includes a glass of sparkling wine).
Website: www.silveradoresort.com
Media contact: Julie Maurer, Julie.Maurer@SilveradoResort.com
The Crusher Wine District in Napa is having a “Holiday Wine Hunt” on November 7 and 8, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scavenge for holiday specials and tasting opportunities throughout the Crusher Wine District at the south end of Napa. Check in at the Meritage Resort and Spa for the shuttle to access all of the wineries within one mile. Interactive tastings, small bites and holiday spirit will be found at each of the seven (or more) participating wineries. Meet the winemakers, see behind the scenes and enjoy cutting edge wines and honest hospitality. Tickets are $50 per person for a one-day pass and $75 per person for a two-day pass. Hop-on, hop-off transportation will be provided and a wine valet will provide wine pickup at the end of the day. Lunch options include a $24 prix fixe menu at Siena and $10 boxed lunch at Blend at The Meritage Resort and Spa. Weekend getaway lodging reservations are also available by calling The Meritage Resort and Spa located in the heart of the Crusher Wine District at 707.251.1900.
Website: www.crusherwinedistrict.com
Media contact: info@crusherwinedistrict.com
Join Gourmet Walks on a three-hour walking and tasting tour of downtown Napa on their Napa Holiday Sips & Sweets Tour. Take in the festive decorations and lights and sample an array of holiday treats, boutique wines or a holiday cocktail. Each tour makes seven tasting stops and is offered Fridays and Saturdays in December at 4 p.m. Advance tickets are required and are $75 per person.
Website: www.gourmetwalks.com
Media contact: Andrea Nadel, info@gourmetwalks.com
Uptown Theatre Napa in downtown Napa is hosting a holiday program direct from the shores of Ireland on Wednesday, November 25th at 8 p.m. An Irish Christmas takes a journey through Christmas in Ireland and celebrates the great traditions of Irish mythology, music-making, Christmas carols and storytelling, all led by an award-winning cast of Irish dancers. Tickets to An Irish Christmas are $35; $40; and $55 per person.
Website: www.uptowntheatrenapa.com
Media contact: Shelby French, shelby@uptowntheatrenapa.com
Celebrate at the 10th Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny at Judd’s Hill in Napa while sipping current vintages and library wines, enjoying beef brisket, a latke bar featuring Judd’s secret latke recipe and traditional jelly donuts. This event benefits Napa Children's Health Initiative and is December 6, 2015 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Judd's Hill Winery. Tickets are $55 per person.
Website: www.juddshill.com
Media contact: Devin Joshua, devin@juddshill.com
Enjoy the Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer Christmas Tree Lighting in St. Helena on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring nibbles from Harvest Table, mulled Napa Valley wine, hot cocoa and holiday cookies, as well as carolers and entertainment. On December 6, 2015, join Harvest Inn from 6 to 7 p.m. as they light the menorah, and offer latkes, sufganiyot, a variety of farm fresh cheeses, kosher wines, dreidel games, and traditional Jewish songs.
Website: www.harvestinn.com
Media contact: Ashley Hamik, ahamik@charliepalmer.com
HALL Wines in St. Helena presents two special “A Taste of HALL” events in November and December 2015. These engaging, educational workshops embrace the Napa lifestyle by matching culinary arts with winemaking excellence. Guests will embark on a unique culinary adventure that challenges the inner chef. Each monthly workshop features cooking demonstrations by acclaimed visiting chefs from the Bay Area. On Sunday, November 1, 2015, from noon to 2 p.m., Giving Thanks “A Wine Country Thanksgiving” showcases the 2012 HALL Napa Valley Merlot. On Sunday, December 6, 2015 from noon to 2 p.m., “Where’s My Wine!?” Stress Free HALLiday Entertaining, features the 2012 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Both events are $125 per person.
Website: www.hallwines.com
Media contact: Lisa Heckaman, lheckaman@hallwines.com
The Clif Family Holiday Party is Saturday, December 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Velo Vino in St. Helena. Toast the holidays with the release of the inaugural sparkling wine and the 2013 Bici Rhone Style Red Blend and enjoy Chef John’s curated bites while learning techniques on how to replicate crowd-pleasing recipes at home. The event is $25 per person.
Website: www.cliffamilywinery.com
Media contact: Tricia Denci, tricia@barngroup.com
Robert Mondavi Winery’s 5th annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration is Saturday, December 5, 2015, 3 to 5 p.m in Oakville and features an afternoon of food, fun and award-winning wines to celebrate the holiday season. The event includes buggy rides in the vineyard, carolers, cheese and charcuterie appetizers, hot cider and holiday cookies. Admission is $25 per person and complimentary for wine club members, or with a donation of food for the Napa Valley Food Bank.
Website: www.robertmondaviwinery.com
Media contact: Anne LeBlanc, anne.leblanc@robertmondaviwinery.com
Experience the flavors of the holiday season at Peju Province Winery’s Holiday Food and Wine Pairing Saturday, November 14, 2015 in Rutherford. Enjoy an afternoon of sweet and savory holiday-inspired small bites paired with Peju cellar selections and find unique wine country gifts at the holiday boutique. Hosted by tasting room ambassadors and Peju’s Chef Alex Espinoza, reservations are available 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. and tickets are $55 per person for wine club members and $80 per person for guests.
Website: www.peju.com
Media contact: Haley Sansom, hsansom@peju.com
During the entire month of December, Materra/Cunat Family Vineyards in Napa is celebrating the “12 Bottles of Christmas.” Purchase an entire case (12 bottles, any combination) and ground shipping is just $1. In addition, they are offering special savings on a different wine each day 12 until Christmas Eve. Offer valid December 1 to 31, 2015 for U.S. residents.
Website: www.materrawines.com
Media contact: Neena Cunat Heitz, neena@materrawines.com
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena offers the Cafe Wine Bar Happy Hour at the Bakery Café by illy 3 to 5 p.m. everyday throughout December 2015, featuring half price Greystone Cellars wines and a “Holiday Flight of Bubbles.” In addition, the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant offers a holiday cocktail menu 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every night during dinner service throughout the month of December. Specialty cocktails include Gin and Jam, Winter Wonderland, Auld Lang Syne and Christmas in Manhattan.
Website: www.ciachef.edu/california
Media contact: Anne Girvin, a_girvin@culinary.edu
The Holiday Food & Wine Pairing at Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford is Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grapevine Catering will offer an array of morsels while the French Corner will satisfy sweet cravings with crepes hot out of the pan. Tickets purchased in advance are $45 per person for Wine Club members and $55 per person for non-members. Tickets purchased at the door are $50 per person for wine club members and $65 per person for guests.
Website: www.grgich.com
Media contact: Ken Morris, ken@grgich.com
For more information about travel to the Napa Valley, including special offers and a full calendar of holiday season events, visit www.visitnapavalley.com
