Discover what's new in the Napa Valley, including recently opened and upcoming restaurants, wineries, hotels, shops and experiences.
Where to Eat:
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone opened Gatehouse Restaurant at their historic St. Helena property in January 2017. Orchestrated by CIA faculty-led students, Gatehouse Restaurant is the capstone experience for CIA students after two years of rigorous culinary, baking and pastry, hospitality and beverage management instruction. These future industry leaders transform the freshest regional ingredients, as well as those from the CIA’s own farm and herb gardens, into creative contemporary dishes. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Website: www.ciagatehouserestaurant.com
PR Contact: Anne Girvin, a_girvin@culinary.edu
Ottimo, the Italian market by Chef Michael Chiarello, opened January 2017 in V Marketplace, Yountville. The marketplace includes brick oven pizza, hand-pulled mozzarella, an espresso and dolci café, craft beer and wine, and a tasting bar featuring family recipes central to Chiarello’s rustic Italian cooking.
Website: www.ottimo-nv.com
PR Contact: Todd Kincaide, todd.kincaide@ottimonv.com
Bella Bakery, the family-owned coffee shop in Calistoga, had an extensive makeover in February 2017 with new display cases, flooring and menu boards showcasing added seasonal soups and more. Bella Bakery offers local-roasted coffee selections, teas, and is also a full-service bakery with a large selection of house-made pastries, custom cakes, paninis and pizzas, which are offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only.
Website: www.bellabakerycalistoga.com
PR Contact: Paul Crudo, bellabakerycalistoga@gmail.com
XiXi Bistro, a contemporary Chinese cuisine restaurant in downtown Napa, will open July 2017. Special Features will include a wine-tasting room, an elegant bar, and art. XiXi Bistro hopes to become a new Napa favorite where locals can come, eat, and experience the richness of authentic Chinese flavors.
Website: https://rbmc-advisors.com/
PR Contact: Katherine McComic, xixibistro@gmail.com
Acacia House at the new Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel in St. Helena, will open spring 2017. The restaurant was created by chef Chris Cosentino with business partner Oliver Wharton of San Francisco's acclaimed Cockscomb restaurant. The menu at Acacia House will feature a selection of small and larger plates designed to complement a diverse Napa Valley wine list. Cosentino and Wharton will oversee the food and beverage components at Las Alcobas including an on-site artisan bread program with a focus on sprouted grains from organic growers; breakfast, pool, lounge and room service; banquets and catering; as well as picnic baskets and musette bags for cyclists.
Website: http://www.lasalcobasnapavalley.com/napa-valley-restaurants
PR Contact: Annie Black, ablack@baltzco.com
The Charter Oak, an elemental restaurant by Chef Christopher Kostow and Nathaniel Dorn of the Michelin-three starred Restaurant at Meadowood, will open in St. Helena in spring 2017. The Charter Oak will be centered on a celebratory, casual, family-style dining experience, with simple, approachable, and seasonal food. The menu, with Chef Katianna Hong at the helm, will reflect the products of the Napa Valley and surrounding San Francisco Bay Area with an elemental cooking style highlighting one or two ingredients at a time.
Website: www.thecharteroak.com
PR Contact: Martina Kostow, mkostow@thecharteroak.com
Napa Noodles, from the owners of Eiko’s and Eiko’s at Oxbow, will open in summer 2017 in downtown Napa. Napa Noodles will be an Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant that fuses the delicious taste of Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine. Specialties include house made noodles, savory soups, slow roasted meats, seasonal salads, Peking duck, flavorful rice dishes, Asian beers, Sake, and local wines.
Website: www.NapaNoodles.com
PR Contact: Charlotte Tyran, napanoodles@gmail.com
Charlie Palmer Steak by Chef Charlie Palmer (owner of Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer and Harvest Table in St. Helena) will open at Archer Hotel in downtown Napa in 2017. Palmer and team will also oversee the culinary direction of the rooftop bar, poolside and in-room dining, as well as private events for Archer Hotel.
Website: www.charliepalmersteak.com
PR Contact: Christa Weaving, cweaving@charliepalmer.com
Where to Drink:
Gabrielle Collection taste + opened in March 2017 in downtown Napa and provides an exclusive urban food and wine experience. They offer palate-teasing bites paired with Gabrielle Collection, Pietro Family Cellars, and O’Connell Family Vineyard wines. They also offer an exclusive line of Gabrielle Collection Napa Valley Products for those who love to cook, want to maintain a healthy home, pamper their pooch, and indulge in lavender spa moments. The product’s core ingredients are grown at their certified organic gardens at the O’Connell Family Vineyards Estate.
PR Contact: Bob Magnani, bob@oconnellfamilywines.com
Outland, the stylish collective wine tasting room in downtown Napa, opened in March 2017. The Outland collective represents Farella Vineyards, Forlorn Hope, and POE Wine (which may only be tasted here). They offer flights, by the glass, as well as by-the-bottle selections.
Website: www.outlandwines.com
PR Contact: Caitlyn McCormick, caitlyn@outlandwines.com
Tannery Bend Beerworks, Napa’s newest homegrown brewery operation, opened its taproom and brewing space south of downtown in March 2017. A unique collaboration between a chef, a restaurateur, and a brewer, Tannery Bend Beerworks is brewing beers made with unique, locally sourced ingredients. The taproom offers an ever-changing menu of lighter fare such as grilled cheese, grilled blue crab, popcorn and more created by Chef Tyler Rodde to complement the current beer selection.
Website: www.tannerybendbeerworks.com
PR Contact: Bertram Whitman, bertram@mediaenplace.com
RiverHouse by Bespoke Collection in downtown Napa launched their Portfolio Tasting with Bespoke Bento Box in February 2017. The tasting is paired with a bento box from Morimoto and includes the Chef's selections of sushi, tempura, and teriyaki beef (adjustable for any dietary restrictions).
Website: www.riverhousenapa.com
PR Contact: Mackenzie Reilly, mr@bespokecollection.com
B Cellars in Oakville will launch their exclusive Heritage Experience in May 2017. The private tasting experience includes a tour of their caves, followed by a tasting in the Beckstoffer Heritage Room of their wine made from Beckstoffer Heritage Vineyard sites paired with small plates. B Cellars is the only winery in the Napa Valley that produces a wine from each one of the six Beckstoffer Heritage Vineyards, and, the only winery that is allowed by Andy Beckstoffer to also produce a wine blended from several Beckstoffer Heritage vineyards.
Website: www.bcellars.com
PR Contact: Kerry Andrews, kerry@bcellars.com
Odette Estate Winery, located in Napa’s famed Stags Leap District, has achieved official status as a certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold business by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This prestigious environmental recognition represents the latest affirmation of The PlumpJack Group’s commitment to sustainability. Odette’s sister property, CADE Estate Winery, was the first winery in the Napa Valley to become LEED Gold certified for the entire property, including the hospitality building, caves, and production facility.
Website: www.odetteestate.com
PR Contact: Kira Cooper, kira@glodownead.com
Trefethen will reopen the doors of its iconic winery in Napa on May 6, 2017. As one of Napa Valley’s only surviving wooden wineries from the 19th century, Trefethen’s distinctive pumpkin-colored structure is truly one of a kind. Designed by the leading California winery architect of the 1800s, Hamden McIntyre, it was awarded a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Website: www.trefethen.com
PR Contact: Charlotte Milan, charlotte@cmilancomm.com
Stone Brewing is set to open in the historic Borreo building in Downtown Napa and will include 24 beers on tap, indoor and outdoor dining, plus a 10-barrel brew house with recipes unique to the Napa Valley. Look for Stone Brewing- Napa to open in summer of 2017 with a locally focused menu, growler fills and unique Stone merchandise.
Website: www.stonebrewing.com
PR Contact: Colleen Gatlin, colleen.gatlin@stonebrewing.com
New Things to See and Do
Gordon Huether Studio installed two sculptures at the new Culinary Institute of America at Copia on First Street in downtown Napa in February 2017: ‘Fork’ and ‘Is That Bob And Margrit?’ A Gordon Huether Sculpture Garden, a curated selection of the artist’s work, will be featured throughout the 2017 BottleRock Napa Valley festival grounds. ‘Up We Go!,’ another new sculpture, may be viewed in the town of Yountville, in front of the Yountville Community Center located at 6516 Washington St.
Website: www.gordonhuether.com
PR Contact: Christina Rosenberger, cr@gordonhuether.com
Active Wine Adventures launched an innovative new tour service in Napa Valley in summer 2016, pairing wine and food with scenic hikes and inspiring art. The company offers private, guided Hike & Wine Tours, Art & Wine Tours, and Literary Legend Tours, along with Custom Wine Tours by SUV. In April 2017, they started a new Hike & Beer Tour featuring scenic hikes, lunch and local microbreweries.
Website: www.activewineadventures.com
PR Contact: Sorel Klein, activewineadventures@gmail.com
The CIA at Copia in downtown Napa will launch their new Tasting Showcase in May 2017 in the building’s atrium. Guests may taste wines directly from the producer (up to seven at a time), while learning about the California wine industry in the new Wine Hall of Fame exhibit, also launching this spring.
Website: www.ciaatcopia.com
PR Contact: Evita Broughton, evita@ellipsespr.com
The Meadowood Spa in St. Helena has won the hospitality industry’s highest honor of Five Stars from the Forbes Travel Guide, just 15 months after opening its doors in November 2015. The Meadowood Spa, which is the first Five-Star spa in the Napa Valley, welcomes estate guests and members to an elevated spa experience, which offers eight treatment suites, each with its own private bathroom, steam shower and built-in seating lounge area. There is also a dedicated Spa Culinary Menu full of healthy options created by Chef Victoria Acosta to enjoy in-suite or in one of the Spa’s two relaxation gardens.
Website: www.Meadowood.com
PR Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, jchiesa@meadowood.com
Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer in St. Helena is undergoing a major enhancement of its grounds and landscape. A new sculpture garden debuts in April 2017 and includes 11 new pieces, curated by ÆRENA Galleries & Gardens. In addition, Harvest Inn’s five culinary gardens are expanding to immerse its offerings into the guest experience, with new walking paths around the garden boxes in the largest area, a garden table for events, and hanging bistro string bulbs. New edible species include multiple varieties of carrots and peppers, Buddha’s Hand lemons, tangelos, pineapple guava, and finger limes.
Website: www.harvestinn.com
PR Contact: Christa Weaving, cweaving@charliepalmer.com
Where to Stay:
UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, formerly the Comfort Inn Calistoga, is undergoing a renovation that is expected to be completed May 2017. All 55 guestrooms will feature new furnishings and bathrooms with a rustic-meets-modern style. The Inn also features geothermal hot springs mineral pool, whirlpool and steam room.
Website: www.upvalleyinn.com
PR Contact: Trisha Clayton, t.clayton@comcast.net
River Terrace Inn in downtown Napa is refreshing their arrival experience by enhancing their porte-cochère and lobby; in addition to a redesign of their bar and lounge. This portion of the expansion is to be completed May 2017. They will also add eight new suites, an enhanced river front experience with a newly landscaped River Walk, an addition of 1,500 square-feet of event space, which is scheduled to be completed November 2017.
Website: http://www.riverterraceinn.com/expansion.aspx
PR Contact: Audrey Hardy, ahardy@riverterraceinn.com
Wine Country Inn in St. Helena completed an extensive renovation of its Winery House Building in March 2017 (guest reception and 14 rooms in the main Winery House). The inn has 29 spacious guest rooms, 80 percent with vineyard views, and landscaped gardens. The property includes a large heated outdoor pool and hot tub as well as massage therapy treatments. Rates include a “Napa-Style” breakfast buffet, a split of Duckhorn wine, waters and sodas upon arrival.
Website: www.winecountryinn.com
PR Contact: Debbie Greene, debbie@winecountryinn.com
Rancho Caymus Inn is an historic boutique hotel in Rutherford brought back to life by the developer of the acclaimed Hotel Yountville. Originated by the late vintner, designer, pilot and Renaissance woman, Mary Tilden Morton (from Berkeley California's Tilden Park & Morton Salt families), the renovation has restored the hotel's natural beauty and features 25 large suite-style rooms with heritage wood ceilings, fireplaces, living areas and private patios. The intimately scaled hotel wraps around a lovely plunge pool and spa. Rancho Caymus Inn's classic California hacienda style was handcrafted using materials that were carefully dismantled and re-imagined from a 19th century Ohio barn.
Website: www.ranchocaymusinn.com
PR Contact: Austin Luther, austin@ranchocaymusinn.com
The Ink House is set to open their renovated historic inn June 2017. The original home of California pioneer, Theron H. Ink, the Inn combines Italian elegance, wine country style and gracious hospitality. The 130-year-old residence has been completely restored over the past two years with the expertise of noted Napa Valley architectural firm, Backen, Gillam & Kroeger. Interiors have been carefully selected by Sarahliz Lawson Design to reflect the history of the Ink family, and also tributes Elvis Presley’s stay in 1960. The Ink House experience includes “Open Access” to the fully stocked chef’s kitchen, aperitivos and digestifs with the Castellucci family, educational wine tastings with the family’s winemaker, Jac Cole, and private tours of their Spring Mountain estate.
Website: www.InkHouseNapaValley.com
PR Contact: Mindy Joyce, mindy@castelluccinapavalley.com
Vintage Estate, comprised of the Vintage Inn and Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, is undergoing a complete renovation. Both hotels and spa have teamed up with SB Architects and interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, to completely enhance the guest experience of the lobbies, hotel rooms, spa, and meetings and event space. Renovations are expected to be complete at Vintage Inn spring 2017 and Villagio in early 2018.
Website: www.vintageestate.com
PR Contact: Nancy Uber, nancy.uber@smapr.com
Auberge du Soleil will unveil eight new guest rooms and suites in May 2017, designed by acclaimed San Francisco interior designer Suzanne Tucker. The project continues the contemporary-chic transformation of Auberge and introduces dramatic features that maximize the hotel’s panoramic hilltop views. In addition, there will be enhanced landscaping throughout the property, with special attention to the guest room level and lower area of La Pagode.
Website: www.aubergedusoleil.aubergeresorts.com
PR Contact: Rachel Farnham, RFarnham@murphyobrien.com
SENZA Hotel, in partnership with More Associates and Construction, will complete a significant renovation to its eight-room Parker Mansion spring 2017. The historic Parker Mansion dates back to 1870 and houses SENZA's Parker Classic and Parker Plus rooms. The revamped interior design of the Mansion, undertaken by Leslie Wilks Design, will offer guests new modern bathrooms, oversized showers and a custom amenity line from Marin-based Prima Fleur.
Website: www.senzahotel.com
PR Contact: Graham Yallop, graham@senzahotel.com
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, opened in St. Helena March 2017 as a sister property to Las Alcobas in Mexico City. Las Alcobas features 68 guest rooms and suites with terraces and outdoor fireplaces; Acacia House, a signature Chris Cosentino restaurant; Atrio, a 3,500 square foot spa; an outdoor swimming pool, meeting and event facilities and all of the brand’s signature amenities and services.
Website: www.LasAlcobasNapaValley.com
PR Contact: Lisa Glover, lglover@ldpr.com
Archer Hotel Napa, a new-build hotel in the heart of downtown Napa, is set to open in 2017. The hotel will feature 143-rooms and 40 balcony-clad suites spanning five stories and a sweeping 360-degree view of Napa Valley from its expansive rooftop. The rooftop will feature a spa, fitness studio and ledge pool with cabanas and fireplaces. Charlie Palmer Steak will be the hotel’s signature restaurant and also provide the culinary direction for the 17,000 –plus square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
Website: http://archerhotel.com/napa
PR Contact: Carla Caccavale Reynolds, carlacaccavalepr@gmail.com
