5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love California Wine Country

Vineyard Views: Amidst the neat lines of trellised grapes, the rolling hills are filled with outdoor patios designed to start conversations and inspire big thoughts. The Mediterranean climate affords pleasant days most of the year with just enough chill in the evening to make toasting the new partnership near a firepit a welcome activity.

Sustainability Notes: Winemaking is, at its core, an agricultural activity, so operations take into account the environmental impact of everything from F&B to off-sites. As America’s first designated agricultural preserve in 1968, Napa Valley’s green spaces will be forever preserved. Sonoma County Winegrowers formalized its innovative environmental effort in 2014 by committing to be the first completely sustainable wine region in the country.

Read More: Sustainability Tools for Easier Green Planning

Easy Entry: Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the small-but-mighty gateway adding 30,000 sq. ft. of new buildings to accommodate additional Alaska Airlines and Avelo Airlines. Private planes breeze into Napa County Airport (APC) for VIP access year-round.

Perfect Pairings: In addition to some of the world’s top-rated wines, some of the most decorated restaurant experiences are in Sonoma and Napa counties. Michelin-starred restaurants include the granddaddy of foodie favorites, The French Laundry in Yountville, Kenzo in Napa and Barndiva in Healdsburg. Private dinners at stately venues such as Chateau Montelena Winery (home of the “Judgement of Paris” wine competition) bring gravitas to any gathering.

Wild Times: Sonoma County is home to the meeting and retreat venue Safari West, a conference center in the middle of a flamingo lagoon with access to a South African-style braai cookout before embarking on a private twilight safari to observe white rhinoceroses and cheetahs. Or get above it all with Napa Valley hot air balloon rides.

 

5 Fantastic Places to Meet

Silverado Resort & Spa: This completely renovated 1870 golf, tennis, spa and meeting retreat has a residential feel on a 300-acre picturesque postcard in the middle of Napa Valley.

345 guest room cottages; 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Bardessono Hotel & Spa: As one of only three California properties that meet LEED Platinum-certified standards, this luxury boutique property in Yountville offers wellness after dark and sober alternatives in an art-filled background.

65 guest rooms; 13,274 sq. ft. of meeting space.

The Meritage Resort and Spa: The largest meeting space in Napa includes indoor and outdoor venues, a new barn-chic experience, a nine-acre vineyard with an event deck and walking trails, and Grand Estate Cave for wine dinners 40 feet underground.

467 guest rooms; 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Montage Healdsburg: This hotel opened its first phase in 2020 under the oak-dotted landscape in the hottest corner of California Wine Country. The earthy design blends into the 258 acres with an 11,500-square-foot spa, zero-edge resort pool and three acclaimed dining options.

130 bungalow-style guest rooms; 6,270 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Flamingo Resort: This remodeled 20-acre campus in the heart of Sonoma County offers kitsch, convenience and functionality. Amenities include a year-round heated pool, ice bucket shower, The Club full-service gym with pickleball courts, retro music lounge and spa.

210 sanctuary rooms; 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

This article appears in the November 2024 and November/December 2024 issues. You can subscribe to the magazine here.