As you wind the roads into Napa Valley, the world out your window seems to transform. Vineyards, their rows perfectly aligned, unfurl on either side, extending a welcome that seems lifted straight from the opening scenes of Amy Poehler’s “Wine Country.” The air carries a hint of oak and earth. The Mayacamas Mountains stand sentinel in the distance, their peaks seemingly keeping watch over the grapevines. Ahead, Napa Valley Lodge emerges, its façade rustic and framed by spindly cypress trees. Quietude greets your first steps onto the property, the trickle of a nearby fountain adding to the serenity. It’s here, in this Yountville retreat, that the essence of wine country comes alive.

“No detail is overlooked, no request is a bother, and no guest remains a stranger.” This is Napa Valley Lodge’s approach to wine country hospitality. As a family-operated establishment, it carries the legacy of generations, offering guests an authentic and intimate experience deeply rooted in the local community. The personal touch is palpable in their meticulously curated grounds, locally sourced cuisine, and well-connected concierge service. Brimming with Tuscan charm and contemporary comforts, all 55 of their spacious guest rooms exude simple sophistication. It’s understated luxury at its finest, just a short stroll from Yountville’s collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and artisanal shopping.

The history of Napa Valley Lodge is a testament to the vision of its founders and the region’s enduring allure. It’s one that’s also just as much intertwined with the broader story of its proprietor, Woodside Hospitality Group. As the origin story goes, founders Ellis and Katherine Alden were East Coasters with a shared dream of settling west. In 1966, the couple moved to Menlo Park and began raising a family; neither of them with experience nor careers in hospitality at the time. Yet, when an opportunity came up to buy a 36-room motel on the Sonoma coast they jumped at it. Seeing enough potential to renovate and expand what is now The Lodge at Bodega Bay, the amateur hoteliers bought adjacent land and grew organically from there. Their bootstrapping mindset then led them to Yountville, where they built and opened the Napa Valley Lodge as their second property in 1979.

Over the years, Woodside Hospitality Group has only continued expanding its portfolio, with Napa Valley Lodge now one of seven properties under their helm. Sprinkled throughout Northern California, the properties have become known for their unique character, personalized service, and commitment to preserving the cultural and natural beauty of their respective locations. To commemorate the group’s 50^th anniversary, the string of independent hotels were recently rebranded as the Woodside Collection, reflecting the common thread of “West Coast hospitality” that ties them together.

Lodge in Luxury

With its Californian farmhouse-feel, Napa Valley Lodge is a natural fit in Yountville’s north end. The property warrants a considerable stroll through its grounds and on-site vineyards, while still ensuring an easy lay of the land. As you wander the natural stone pathways, swaying hammocks and cushy seating areas make for a stiff competition of where to unwind. Acting as the courtyard’s centerpiece is a tree-lined pool, where comfortable loungers offer an oasis for sun-soaked relaxation or a refreshing swim.

Once ready to retreat, step inside to airy guest rooms and suites. Though there are a half-dozen room categories, a continuous design of earthy accents, mahogany furnishings, and exposed wood beams pay homage to the surrounding landscapes. Dressed in sheer drapes, the large windows allow natural light to pour in, opening out to private patios or balconies with a front-row seat to the Napa Valley views. Touches of local artistry and thoughtful amenities ensure convenience and comfortability, while attesting to the attention to detail. The spa-inspired bathrooms further extend the luxury, inviting you to rejuvenate in deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers. And just before you sink into the plush bedding for a restful night’s sleep, guests can curl up next to the crackling fireplace with a glass of the day’s tasting in hand.

Relish in Renowned Restaurants

When you finally decide to rise, the breakfast at Napa Valley Lodge is sure to awaken your senses. While it’s the lodge’s only meal, it’s a filling one, served buffet-style with bottomless mimosas among the bonuses. In Vintage Hall guests will find vineyard-side indoor seating, but on sunnier days many take to the courtyard with their plates of farm-fresh eggs, locally cured meats, and waffles hot off the iron.

For all other meals, world-class dining experiences await in the town’s many Michelin-starred spots. At Thomas Keller’s three-star restaurant, the French Laundry, dine on butter-poached lobster or melt-in-your-mouth foie gras in an intimate garden atmosphere. Meanwhile, Keller’s more casual bistro, Bouchon, transports you to the heart of Paris with crispy duck confit and perfectly prepared steak frites. For those seeking informality and comfort, Ad Hoc is his one-star gem, known for its family-style American fare and ever-changing menu that promises a unique experience every visit. Another not-to-miss Keller creation is one-star La Calenda, where the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico take center stage in a lively and colorful atmosphere. Not starred, but worth noting as a local favorite is the renowned Bistro Jeanty, where coq au vin is a standout dish, as is the tender and flavorful beef bourguignon. Wine is, of course, the star of the show in Yountville. Thus, the lists are extensive and diverse at every restaurant, offering the opportunity to pair your meal with local vintages or rare finds from around the world.

A Day in Yountville

As quaint as it may be, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Yountville. The crisp morning air seems to encourage strolls along the town’s tree-lined streets, where artisanal bakeries offer a rest stop for coffee or a pastry along the way. Whilst exploring, the many charming boutiques and art galleries that line the main thoroughfare draw you in with handcrafted treasures. The pace is unhurried, allowing a presence in each moment and maybe even some conversation with local shopkeepers.

A stay at the Napa Valley Lodge is a true immersion into the region’s rich wine culture. Every guest that comes through joins a narrative steeped in the passion of the proprietors who made it their mission to share the beauty of Napa Valley. It’s a place where luxury meets legacy, where Michelin-starred dining neighbors small-owned boutiques, and where the spirit of the surrounding landscapes infuse every corner of the property. In a world often defined by rush and glamour, the Napa Valley Lodge stands as a reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable experiences come from slowing down.