Imagine being at home for 89 days due to stay at home orders… then imagine for a second where you would go first? Of course you can imagine, we’ve all been in the same situation (unless you’re an essential worker). That was my reality in June 2020 after the COVID-19 stay at home orders in California and I finally reemerged back to a taste of the “new” reality.

I hadn’t been to Napa Valley, California in almost 12 years! Can you believe that? I love wine and am obsessed with the many luxury hotels and wineries… so what took me so long to return? I suppose life gets busy or maybe it took a pandemic to remind me of this beautiful destination right here in America.

This time, I spent 48 hours at the Vista Collina Resort located right at the entry of Napa Valley, located at the feet of the landmark Napa Valley Grape Crusher. The resort sits on 80,000 square feet and includes 9 acres of vineyards. While the property is vast, there are plenty of quiet corners that reveal solitude from the hustle and bustle.

One of my favorite parts of the resort was this area called the Village. It literally felt like we had all the best that Napa Valley had to offer in one place. Between the market, the ample yard for picnics, to the tasting rooms there was so much to see.

There have been several adjustments to the resort, due to COVID-19. There are electronic signs around the resort to encourage social distancing, masks are recommended and the restaurants have made adjustments while others are closed momentarily. There is sanitizer in the guest rooms, partitions at the front desk and plenty of outdoor space.

The Fivetown Grocery has the best selection of beer, wine, snacks and retail shopping. The dirty chai with oat milk was incredible and one of the best lattes I’ve had! To make it even better, the team made my lattes with my logo and “have a nice day” on them. They immediately recognized me from the advanced communication to the entire team at the resort. Really a special thing and can’t wait for other to experience that level of attention when you stay there!

Napa is known for it’s epicurian scene. The Food & Wine Center offers several signature cooking classes for food enthusiasts. You can view a demonstration or schedule a private class. Great for a girls weekend getaway, romantic evening or just a lunch with friends. This is such a special feature of the resort.

Did I mention how much I love wine? Did I also mention that Vista Collina Resort has 9 Tasting Rooms??? Yes, 9! Well technically, 8 wine tasting rooms and 1 brewery.

FEATURED TASTING ROOMS

• Trinitas Cellars

• Foley Food & Wine Society

• GEN 7 Wines

• Anarchist Wine Co

• Napa Smith Brewery

• Cornerstone Cellars

• Jayson by Pahlmeyer

• Mi Sueño Winery

• Luna Vineyards

I tasted the Cabernet FRANCis which was made just for Pope Francis. The owners are devout Catholics and have a chapel on the property. I must say, the wine did taste divine! The Trinitas Cellar is under the same ownership as the resort and is a staple.

After being in my apartment in San Diego during stay-at-home orders, pool time was exactly what I needed. An unusually warm 95 degree day made for ideal sunbathing. The cabanas were great and private.

The Vista Collina One-Bedroom Suite is the perfect getaway and nicely appointed. The full kitchen will allow you to test some of the lessons you learned at the Food & Wine Center. The kitchen has an iPad with recipes and step-by-step instruction to cook your own gourmet meal in the suite.

We had a private dinner at the Olive + Hay restaurant. The restaurant is still currently closed until July 8th, however my dear friend was able to arrange a four course dinner curated by the Chef Des Cuisine, Jose Mejia. The food, the wine and the ambiance were so perfect… how lucky was I to have my first meal post quarantine in such a luxurious experience!

Now the next morning, we woke up to a lovely picnic basket waiting at our door. It was an assortment of fruits, coconut chia seed pudding, yogurt parfait and an assortment of pastries. Found a spot within the vineyards underneath a large oak tree. The cool morning, wind blowing and quiet setting brought a level of peace I’ve often wanted during the last few months.

The Vista Collina Resort is located just across the street from the sister property Meritage Resort & Spa where you can enjoy their Spa Terra located in a cave under the vineyards. It also has the Crush Lounge that has a six lane bowling alley! It is quiet the impressive set up and allows for plenty of entertainment for everyone in your family or friends.

On the weekends, located in the lawn is the Village Food Truck. The Tandoori Chicken sandwich was so tasty and was a great way to finish the experience before hitting the road.

I would highly recommend the Vista Collina Resort for couples, families and friend getaways. Are you ready to visit Napa Valley?

Making a ‘Case’ to Visit Napa

Book this offer and we’ll give you a case of wine & beer from our on-site tasting rooms.

Make it a ‘case’ to visit Napa, when you stay 2 nights or more in one of our spacious one-bedroom epicurean suites with full kitchens. Enjoy this Napa villa-like experience while taking advantage of up to $300 in savings and benefits reserved only for our top-tier guests.

Offer includes:

• 2 nights or more in our luxurious epicurean suites

• A mixed case of wine & beer from our on-site tasting rooms

• Daily Breakfast for two at Fivetown Grocery

• Daily Self Parking

• Waived Resort Fee ($30 daily value)

For more information on Vista Collina Resort and want to receive special Lilacs & Chai amenities for your next reservation, email me at janelle@lilacsandchai.com.  

#lcroadtrip #lilacsandchai

***Photo credit: Vista Collina Resort and Janelle Ruhumuliza