A Luxurious 24 Hours at Stanly Ranch Hotel in Napa

I have to admit that of all of the valleys in wine country, Napa (although probably known the most worldwide) is typically the one we visit the least. There are some incredible spots I love, which I’ve called out below. But generally the vibes are stuffier, more pretentious and more expensive. Though certifiably excellent wines obviously exist (and it will probably cost you $100 a tasting for them).

But I was delighted that Stanly Ranch, where we stayed for my birthday, markets their hotel as “the new Napa” which I can get behind. Previously we’d only ever been to Stanly Ranch for lunch at the hotel restaurant Bear not long after they first opened, but I’m so glad we decided to stay for a night because it really activated the whole vacation vibe. After an 11am wine tasting nearby in Sonoma (Scribe, per usual) we headed to the hotel for an early check-in. After considering some experiences (the pasta making class is pretty popular), we decided to head straight to Halehouse to check out the spa and wellness amenities. In my opinion this is what sets this place apart from other wine country hotels (ps if you are local they have special discounts on stays and at the spa!!). We used the gorgeous curved dry sauna that looks out over the property, followed by the salt room and then took a dip in the outdoor pool.

Aside from the spa and pool we loved spending time in the room (we got an upgrade from Amex which was a nice birthday treat!), which had an outdoor shower, living area, two sided fireplace and large bathroom with a soaking tub. My favorite thing about this property is how all of the rooms are like little houses with beautiful flowers, vines and wild grasses outside. You’ll have an amazing time no matter if you are just visiting for the day or take some extra time to soak it in overnight.

Where We Eat & Drink

If you’re not visiting a few vineyards when in wine country you’re not doing it right! On our list:

Wineries and Vineyards

Faust: I planned this trip for a girls weekend with my best friends from college so I wanted to go places that had different feels - whereas Scribe is more boho Faust has more edge; the gothic black house is decorated with modern art inside. We even bought a bottle of wine that had a limited edition label designed by the same artist who did the house’s interior walls.

Quintessa: A good one to save for last this estate is so expansive and breathtaking! After our red and white tasting we got to hop on a golf cart and tour the gorgeous property. Highly recommend!

Duckhorn Vinyeards: Aside from getting to taste several different labels Duckhorn produces (like Paraduxx and Decoy) tasting at the property has a homey feel, whether you are sitting on the porch or in the gardens. Just be sure to bring allergy meds when my boyfriend and I were first dating and went here he had a sneezing fit :)

Restaurants

For our stay at Stanly Ranch we enjoyed eating onsite at Bear for breakfast (get the straberry rhubarb pancakes) and for dinner, where everything we had was excellent from the crispy rice to the half chicken. We even tried the bison tartare!

The places I’ve gone the most to eat in Napa are on the casual side. A favorite tradition on the drive up to the wineries is to stop and fuel up at Boon Fly Cafe, the casual restaurant connected to the Carneros Inn and Spa. They are known for their donuts and also for their line as they don’t take reservations - get there early! Also stopping at Gott’s Roadside for a burger and milkshake never disappoints.

If you move up North through Yountville you’ll come across the bold names like RH (Restoration Hardware), The French Laundry and Bouchon.