4 Seasons’ Latest Resort Is within the Center of a Working Napa Winery

On a vibrant afternoon this fall, I paid a go to to Elusa Vineyard, operated by Napa winemaking legend Thomas Rivers Brown. The group tasting started with a wonderful 2018 sauvignon blanc, which we sipped as we wandered Elusa’s 5 acres of grapes. Again within the tank room, we bought a particular style of a younger, still-in-process pink — siphoned off for us en path to its second fermentation. We headed deeper into the cellars to style and style and style some extra, ending on a excessive notice with the winery’s 2012 cabernet sauvignon, born from the identical vines we had been touching not lengthy earlier than.

Then, I walked two minutes to my resort room and took a scrumptious nap.

When the 4 Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley opened in November 2021, in the course of a working winery in Calistoga, California, it had been a very long time coming. Building started 5 years in the past, waylaid by unpredictable setbacks (like final yr’s devastating wildfire season) and extra anticipated hurdles (like navigating the intricacies of Napa Valley constructing ordinances). Calistoga — tucked into the northwest nook of Napa County — is considerably sleepier than the remainder of the area. New issues do not open right here that always. So this large, Toronto-based model needed to earn its hold.

"As a newcomer, we’re grateful to be welcomed by the locals," says Mehdi Eftekari, the resort's normal supervisor, who relocated to California after a number of years on the 4 Seasons Lodge New York. "It's been essential to us to honor and rejoice Calistoga. We’re so lucky to be a part of this group."

One of many methods the resort is embedding itself is thru this partnership with Elusa. The primary grapes have been planted right here again in 2001, and Elusa acquired the property in 2010, bringing in Rivers Brown, a Calistoga resident, to start crafting property wines. The workforce had by no means had an official tasting room — till now.

"Elusa has a synergistic relationship with the resort, so we function as separate entities and our partnership doesn't change the best way we do issues," explains Luke Magnini, Elusa's property director. "The resort was designed and constructed to be set inside our present winery, so company get a entrance row seat to the winemaking." (Plus, says Eftekari, "having a winery in our yard additionally makes for distinctive views.")

The Elusa tasting room is positioned straight beneath the principle eating venue on the 4 Seasons: Truss Restaurant + Bar, one other of the “only-in-Napa” particulars that root this property squarely in wine nation. A bistro portion of the restaurant is already up and operating, helmed by resort govt chef Shaun Acosta — highlights from the California-focused menu embody silky, savory marinated gigante beans; the smoky grilled Caesar; a platonic-ideal-level cheeseburger; and caviar service with native roe. The principle restaurant and fine-dining chef’s counter are nonetheless within the works, however after I visited, the house was already full of company, locals, and Bay Space day-trippers.

Elsewhere on-property, 85 rooms and suites are unfold throughout a number of wood-and-stone buildings that lie low between the olive and oak bushes. A 3,400-square-foot standalone villa can be out there for unique use. (And sure, it is a "resort and residences" — the 20 vineyard-view residential villas have already been claimed, however about half of them can be found for rental when the homeowners aren't on the town.)

"It's an expertise not like every other within the Napa Valley, and a extra boutique setting than many different close by properties," explains Eftekari. All lodging have fireplaces, personal terraces, and views of the vines, with many looking onto the Palisades, the small mountain vary that borders Calistoga to the east.

That is nonetheless a 4 Seasons, although, which suggests you will be nicely taken care of — even when it sometimes feels extra like a private trip residence than a 22.5-acre resort. The buildings are gathered round a pair of swimming swimming pools (one in all which is adults-only) and Campo, the poolside Calexican restaurant helmed by Oaxaca-born chef Juan Agustin. For these flying in privately, 4 Seasons’ partnership with NetJets contains Napa-focused in-flight tastings and hard-to-book appointments at NetJets Vintner Circle wineries. Out of doors facilities on the resort embody bocce, communal hearth pits, and a steady of resort bicycles.

And no Calistoga getaway could be full with out a good spa. “This has been a famend wellness vacation spot for the previous 150-plus years,” Eftekari explains, referring to the realm’s well-known sizzling springs. (The title Calistoga is definitely a portmanteau of “California”‘ and “Saratoga,” as in Saratoga Springs, New York.) Along with the requisite facials and massages, Spa Talisa presents remedies involving Calistoga’s well-known mud: mineral-rich volcanic ash recognized for its anecdotal therapeutic properties.

The 4 Seasons is well-positioned for exploring the perfect of Calistoga and close by St. Helena, in addition to Sonoma County, which is correct subsequent door. However I might be mendacity if I advised you I spent a lot time off-property — I used to be completely content material to sit down on my balcony, watching the autumn mist settle over the vineyards and the mountains past.

For extra data and to guide your keep, go to 4 Seasons Napa Valley’s web site.