Traveling to Napa, CA
Though travel looks a little differently, we are all adjusting, following safety guidelines and still trying to enjoy local travels. Luckily, Napa California was a close drive to visit. Keeping in mind safety guidelines and local travel advisories, if you have the green light, Napa California is still as beautiful as ever. Our team stayed at the beautiful Meritage Resort, visited Plumpjack winery, Laird winery, and La Calenda.
HERE’S WHAT OUR TRIP LOOKED LIKE:
THE MERITAGE RESORT & SPA:
Napa, California
You may be relived to hear, the Meritage Resort was able to offer not only a beautiful stay, but a safe stay.
Here’s how:
Guests are required to wear face coverings while in public and in a high-risk indoor setting. All guests to maintain 6 feet distance from other guests, even at the pool. Hand sanitizer is available in all public areas as well as the guest room. Team members wear their PPE gear with their temperatures checked at the beginning of each shift. Not only that, but team members also do not enter occupied guest rooms for housekeeping, maintenance requests, in-room dining, or luggage deliveries. All deliveries are presented at the door.
Due to these conditions, the nightly resort fee has been reduced to $20 which includes:
One welcome drink, bottled waters, one bottle of signature Napa wine, hand sanitizer, high speed WIFI, in-room coffee and tea, overnight parking, fax and local calls, and daily electronic newspaper access.
Though some of this may sound daunting, we are proud to adhere to these rules, follow CDC guidelines and visit a resort that is following such important rules. You may hear and see the saying, “No Mask, No Service” and that followed true throughout our stay. Travel is looking a little different with these new guidelines and there are ways these stays may be affected. But, at the end of the day, everyone is adjusting and the Meritage Resort's main priority is still the happiness and safety of each and every guest.
You’ll be happy to know, the Terrace pool and bar were in full swing! Keeping in mind all these safety rules, you will still be able to sit back, relax, and grab a drink and snacks at the bar. You can also enjoy the vineyard walking trail to enjoy the beautiful vineyards and some fresh air. Our rooms were cleaned, sanitized, and had beautiful views that overlooked the Terrace pool. We did request bathrobes that were brought up and left outside our doors. Our room had hand sanitizer, waters, and a delicious bottle of wine! We were able to dine at the Olive & Hay restaurant for breakfast and it was such a lovely way to start the day… we suggest the French toast! You’ll be happy to know that even though travel may look different, there is nothing like having a night away on vacation and feeling truly safe about it.
PLUMPJACK WINERY:
Positioned on the eastern side of the Oakville appellation, tucked below the foothills of the Vaca mountain range, our 42-acre estate vineyard is the cornerstone of our winemaking program here at PlumpJack Estate Winery. We are extremely fortunate to have several different soil types on our property, giving us the ability to cultivate and blend copious blocks with different flavors and characteristics to craft wines with intriguing complexity. Our wines are a reflection of our unique terroir, the passion and precision of our winemaker Aaron Miller, and our commitment to craft wines that consistently express the distinct qualities of our estate vineyards in the Oakville appellation.
When we arrived at PlumpJack winery, masks were required and there was signage around the building that highlighted their new guidelines. This included:
GUESTS MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR TASTING EXPERIENCES AND ALL EXPERIENCES ARE THEREFORE PRIVATE.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING OF 6 FEET IS REQUIRED IN ALL SPACES PROVIDED FOR GUESTS.
THE TASTING ROOMS AND WINERIES ARE OBSERVING ELEVATED CLEANING AND SANITATION PROTOCOLS TO MEET AND/OR EXCEED THE PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS.
FACIAL COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL STAFF AND GUESTS. GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK UNTIL SEATED AT DESIGNATED TABLE.
STAFF IS REQUIRED TO FREQUENTLY WASH HANDS AND RECEIVE DAILY TEMPERATURE AND WELLNESS CHECKS.
IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN A MASK AND/OR DESIRE GLOVES A TEAM MEMBER WILL OFFER YOU COMPLIMENTARY MASKS AND GLOVES.
During our reserved outdoor tasting, we were able to have a flight of wine tastings and enjoy a new glass each time we were served. It was a great way to sit back, relax and respect all the guidelines provided. We were lucky enough to sit down with my goddaughter, Cortney Zolezzi, who is the assistant wine maker at PlumpJack. She showed us the ins and outs of her operation and the dedication that goes into each bottle of wine. We all enjoyed our flight tasting on PlumpJack’s outdoor patio that overlooked the vineyards and once we were finished we were able to go inside and shop wines with the more than helpful staff.
LAIRD WINERY:
After nearly 50 years in the wine business, we understand the ins and outs of the industry, from the trends to the challenges. We believe that our success is due to our vineyard expertise as well as our shared goal to produce great estate wines.
With a concentration on Napa and Carneros vineyards, we have sought to produce wines that are “a window to a place.” Each one of our vineyards is different in expression, with its own subtle, yet distinctive character and voice. Each year renews in us an intense drive to understand, react to, and work with each vineyard to allow it to reach its full potential. This process, lead by our winemaking and vineyard management team, is crucial for the execution of successful wines.
Laird Winery was a wonderful place to taste delicious wines, relax on their outdoor patio and enjoy a tasty charcuterie board! Once we were seated on the patio, we were able to take off our masks. There were hand sanitizers and the staff was extremely helpful with these new guidelines. Reservations are required. You can book your reservation here https://www.exploretock.com/lairdfamilyestate and you will receive an email confirmation that includes our new visitation protocol.
Overlooking the vineyards, the view from Laird was truly beautiful. Once you sit down, take off your mask, and enjoy a flight of tasting you’ll truly feel like you’re on vacation.
LA CALENDA:
“La Calenda takes its name from a Oaxacan parade that traditionally kicks-off weddings, graduations and other community celebrations. True to its festive inspiration, the restaurant is a cheerful gathering place that fosters a spirit of togetherness.
With the culinary program led by Chef de Cuisine Kaelin Ulrich Trilling, La Calenda combines traditional food and fixtures in a family-friendly environment. Drawing on fresh and artisanal ingredients, and employing traditional cooking methods, the restaurant features dishes from Chef Kaelin’s native Oaxaca while casting a glance across a range of Mexican regional cuisines.
La Calenda marries its menu with an ambitious beverage program, punctuated by a full-service bar specializing in tequilas and mezcals, beer, and local wines selected in partnership with the Mexican-American Vintner’s Association (MAVA), a nonprofit association in Napa Valley that partners with Latino vintners and winemakers. La Calenda also offers a number of wines from Mexico, including varietals from the Valley of Guadalupe and the Santo Tomás Valley.
La Calenda is a place for all occasions, accommodating everything from planned celebrations to casual sit-down dinners, drinks at the bar and last-minute take out meals.”
Dining at La Calenda was such a wonderful experience. With their outdoor dining patio, we were able to sit down, take off our masks and enjoy some delicious food. Masks were required when we were not sitting at our table and each team member was following all guidelines. It was a great place to take a break from wine tasting, grab a bite to eat and enjoy Napa. We recommend ordering the following;
AGUACHILE DE ATÚN*
Yellowfin tuna, avocado, sesame & chile costeño salsa macha, citrus
ELOTE
Grilled Mexican sweet corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chile guajillo, lime
CÓCTEL DE CAMARÓN*
Shrimp cocktail, tomato, avocado, tortilla chips
TACOS AL PASTOR
Slow-roasted pork, roasted pineapple, white onion, cilantro, salsa morita
Overall, visiting Napa was a breath of fresh air. It’s wonderful to know that business are not only complying with the states newest guidelines, but are adjusting in a way to have each guest leave with an unforgettable experience. Before you travel, do make sure to check your local and state guidelines as things are changing daily.
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The Meritage Resort & Spa invited me to a night stay at their property, though I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are 100% my own.