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Napa’s Most Unique Bed & Breakfast Accommodations

by nptadmin on 2014-12-05 in Filed Under: Lodging

When it comes to great lodging opportunities Napa Valley does not fall short. There are gorgeous properties some nestled among vineyards, others right in the heart of Napa downtown and a few so very hidden only the most knowledgeable of travelers could ever aspire to visit. For the more whimsical at heart Bed and Breakfast opportunities may just be the right choice.

Imagine for a moment arriving on a Thursday afternoon to a casual and quaint wine-pouring event hosted by a local winery. Most B & Bs’ host tastings sponsored by local wineries on Thursdays & Fridays usually after 5.00 p.m. If what you crave is intimacy and familiarity don’t miss out on what Napa’s best B & Bs’ have to offer.

Our favorites are known for excellent cuisine that might include locally sourced ingredients, private Chefs and lovely veranda dinners paired with the finest of wines.

As an added perk don’t be surprised if your host bed and breakfast offers you the option to purchase two for one wine deals in partnership with many of the most coveted wineries in the region.

#1. The Inn on First

The Inn on First is one of Napa Valley’s most beloved Bed & Breakfast. Jim Gunther and Jamie Cherry are the owners and Innkeepers, and the reason you want to stay here. The mansion dates back to 1905 and only three families lived there before it was converted to a B & B. This transformation began in 2002 and was completed in 2003. The property is luxurious, but it manages to keep the warmth and coziness that we have come to expect from small luxury properties. We are particularly fond of their excellent taste when it comes to creating a holiday ambiance that simply makes our hearts melt. Jim and Jamie bring a fresh look and fervor to excel in service to their guests. What distinguishes their Inn from any other in Napa Valley property is the touch of San Francisco style they have added to the decor, and their focus on hospitality. Jim Gunther is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. His education in gastronomy is reflected in the superior cuisine offered to their guests. The Inn on First is a perfect destination for romantics and heart wishing to be pampered. Did we mention they are Green Certified and dog-friendly?

#2 Candlelight Inn

If you envision a postcard quality breakfast with made-from-scratch baked goods the Candlelight Inn is the place for you. Candlelight Inn is a classic Bed and Breakfast Napa Valley perfectly situated on the border of Sonoma and Napa at the gateway to the Los Carneros wine region. I personally recommend this lovely property. Expect seamless and generous hospitality from Scott; their Innkeeper.

#3 The Poetry Inn

Nestled in the hills above the Napa Valley, with a majestic view of the Mayacamas mountains, the Poetry Inn offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The moment you enter the property you lose track of time and reality and completely relax, thanks to the exceptional staff and beautiful surroundings. Accommodations are decorated in warm colors, and each has a private porch from which to ponder the sunset while enjoying the vineyard’s excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Obsessive attention to detail is standard operating procedure.

#4 The Lavender House

Lavender started life in the 1850s as a country farmhouse on Capt. John Grigsby’s ranch southeast of Yountville; it is one of the oldest homes in the Napa Valley. The house was moved to the present location in the village in the 1860s. The staff is personable and has tremendous concierge skills. Just ask for a dinner recommendation and they will point you in the right direction!

#5 Chateau De Vie

Quiet personal and detailed attention surrounds you as you enter our formal gardens of lavender, roses and deep evergreens at Chateau De Vie. The setting is just enchanting. Peter and Philip are the most gracious hosts and are truly concerned with making your experience “over the top”. Their impeccable manners, the comfort of the rooms, the breakfasts to-die-for, the surrounding beauty, and all the added details made this place a must for future travel.

Wishing You a Most Lovely Friday

Javy

Meet Aurita: The Magic Behind Back to the Vine!

by nptadmin on 2014-11-29 in Filed Under: Charity

We are less than 24 hours away from hosting our third annual Back to the Vine event. Words cannot express how thrilled we are to have the opportunity once again to give back to the Napa community that has given so much to us.

Tomorrow, friends from a variety of local enterprises, along with the NPT family will meet at The Boys & Girls Club and will pour our hearts out loving and serving children from economically disadvantaged families. What an honor!

Before we get crazy busy with the hustle and bustle of the event I wanted to pause and give credit where credit is due. While there are many hands that make this event happen there is a very special woman whose drive, determination and love for others truly drives each of our events.

Meet Aurita Vega: For almost two decades, Aurita has poured her heart into making sure that thousands of children in the most vulnerable communities in California welcome the winter holidays with the joy and love that comes from receiving a toy and appropriate winter clothing.

Aurita’s organizational skills, endless energy and passion to serve is an example worthy of imitating. Aurita, we are thankful for what you do; you never cease to amaze us.

As for the rest of the team, we love you more than words can express and we are looking forward to spending a beautiful love-saturated and fun-filled day with each of you.

Javy

Pairing Your Thanksgiving Meal With Napa’s Best Wines

by nptadmin on 2014-11-22 in Filed Under: Uncategorized

With Thanksgiving right around the corner we wanted to pause and take a moment to help our friends and clients maximize their wine collection and present the best possible wine pairings for their Thanksgiving guests. We realize that every family has different culinary traditions and flavors can vary based on your geographical region or ethnic background. To cater to these differences we are highlighting wines likely to pair with a variety of cuisines and selected for their versatility and palate-pleasing flavors. Let’s head to the cellar together and pick a few of our best bottles. If these wineries are not yet part of your cellar repertoire please remind me to include them in your next wine tour.

Traditional Roasted Turkey

The very centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts deserves a wine that speaks of family tradition & love. Why not consider a Pinot Noir from Peter Michael. Sir Peter Michael is known for cultivating wonderful varietals that yield gorgeous wines. Consider Clos du Ciel or Le Moulin Rouge. You can learn more about Peter Michael Wines here.

Rosemary Infused Leg of Lamb

If you are planning to slow roast a beautiful leg of lamb you will need to pair your meal with a wine that is rich, complex and able to balance the landscape of flavors present in this dish. Red meats must be paired with the most beautiful of red wines. Consider pulling a couple of bottles of Favia Cabernet Sauvignon their 2011 limited production Cab will not disappoint.

Deep Fried Cajun Turkey

We could not help make this pairing for our dear friends living in the deep South. We love y’all and wish we could be there. The wonderful smell of rich spices and peanut oil is best paired with a Bure Sauvignon Blanc. Luc Morlet, a 4th generation wine maker does not disappoint.

Smoked Ham with Sweet Glaze

We adore how a well prepared smoked ham can make any Thanksgiving table complete. We are particularly fond of Benton’s Country Hams. If you have not yet tried one consider ordering one for Christmas. Our recommendation is that you pair your ham with a Rosé from Fleury Winery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce

Can we say yum! If you have a baker at home consider yourself lucky. There is no better way to end a feast than by sharing a sweet delight. The creaminess and contrast of spices present in a Pumpkin cheesecake will be best paired with a Dolce from Far Niente. If you have not visited Far Niente please don’t let me forget to include it in your next tour. The grounds are pristine and picturesque with postcard qualities. I am certain you will love it!

Words cannot describe how thankful I am for your friendship and patronage. The team and I are honored to host you and yours and make of every trip to Napa a unique adventure that will be remembered for years to come.

With Gratitude,

Javy

Luxury Wedding Transportation in Napa? We Got You Covered

by nptadmin on 2014-11-18 in Filed Under: Uncategorized

As a boutique transportation operator we frequently receive calls regarding wedding transportation. The majority of weddings hosted in Napa & Sonoma are elegant, discreet and planned with luxury in mind.

If your vision is to be transported to your wedding venue in a vehicle that blends with the agricultural landscape of Napa Valley why not consider one of our luxury white SUVs. Or vehicles are pristine and we know Napa like the palm of our hands. Backroads, main roads, secluded wineries we will get you to your destination in a timely fashion.

We are also a fantastic option to host your Great Escape from the City. After your wedding reception we can pick you up on location and take you to your Napa Hotel to get your honeymoon started. In the morning following we will pick you up and get your first wine adventure as husband and wife started.

The Details

Our passion is hospitality and wine and during your honeymoon wine tour you can expect to enjoy a few of the amenities that we offer in tandem with our local partners:

Decorated vehicles by award-winning local floral shops.
Artisanal chocolate.
Romantic hot air balloon excursion over vineyards.
Picnic in a secluded location of choice hosted by www.picnicsandpairings
Exclusive wineries with limited access

We can’t wait to be part of your memorable day. Send us a quick note to concierge@napaprivatetorus.com so we can chat about the details.

Join Napa Private Tours for Back to the Vine 2014

by nptadmin on 2014-11-03 in Filed Under: Uncategorized

It is that time of year once again and we are thrilled to host our 2014 Back to the Vine Event benefiting children of low wage families within our community.

Why Joining Our Efforts is Critical to Napa’s Prosperity?

Our target population, according to a study conducted by Bay Area Economics, hired by Napa county, released a report last year that estimates more than 7,000 families are employed during vineyards’ peak growing season and are living in low-to-very low income households and almost half do not qualify for government aid. And so, as we enjoy the beautiful festivities with family, friends, food and gifts, we want to share some of that joy with those that make our Napa a vibrant and prosperous community.

Last year we served over 150 children.This year, we invite you to be a part of this amazing event; with your support and the generosity of Central Valley Project we hope to be able to reach out to about 250 little ones.

Back To The Vine this year will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Napa on November 30th starting at 12noon.

Napa Private Tours in collaboration with Central Valley Project, Executive Chef Gerry Castro & Picnics & Pairings by Alma would like to thank you in advance for your support. Here are 3 ways you can engage and make a difference:

1. Nominate Families

We want to be intentional in how we distribute gifts. To this end, we will only give presents to nominated families identified by our friends & business partners. If there is a family within your operation that you think will be blessed by making their holidays even more special please include them. We will be honored to make their holiday season a magical and memorable one. Please send us the following to concierge@napaprivatetours.com:

The first and last name of the parent or guardian of the nominated family.
A contact phone number for the parent for us to invite them.
If available the names, age, size and gender of the children nominated (don’t worry if you don’t have this information, we can certainly reach out to the parent to secure it prior to the event.
Any special circumstances you might want to mention such as disabilities or special struggles they are currently trying to overcome.

Send no later than November 15, 2014, 5:00pm.

2. Join us November 30th at 12:00pm & Help Us Give Hugs, Love & Good Wishes

We are firm believers in community and we would love to have you with us. To make this event a success we need boots on the ground. You can help us by simply showing up and acting as an agent of good will. Here are the things we would love for you to bring:

One bottle of wine to share with fellow volunteers after the activity.
One or two bottles of wine that Napa Private Tours will use to create awareness among bloggers about this project by reaching out and asking them to highlight this activity as well as our sponsors on their blog or social media platforms. Our hope is to build buzz and be able to serve even more families in 2015.
A big smile & tons of love.
Please let us know if you are volunteering no later than November 27, 2014 by sending us a quick note to concierge@napaprivatetours.com or clicking yes to this invite.
Unable to come but you still want to help us celebrate? We are happy to pick up your wine donation prior to the event. Just contact the NPT team at concierge@napaprivatetours.com

Supporters will be featured on our blog as part of the 2014 Back to the Vine event. Please note that this portion of our activity is not tax deductible and focused mainly on all of us getting together, serving together and celebrating together.

The Details:

Location:

Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley

1515 Pueblo Ave., Napa, CA 94558

Dates & Times November 30th 2015

Volunteers arrival: 12noon

Benefited Families arrival: 1p.m.

About Napa Private Tours

Napa Private Tours is a boutique tour & transportation company working closely with wine aficionados to deliver personalized wine tasting & wine purchasing experiences at the most exclusive wineries in the region. With several years in the industry we are well known among our partners and customers as a trusted service provider that aims to deliver excellence and innovation. Our team is comprised of industry professionals with extensive wine knowledge and unique partnerships with the most coveted vineyards and culinary destinations in Napa Valley.