Tag Archives: rutherford

There is nothing I like more than landing somewhere, and immediately become a part of a neighborhood and beat… Within Napa Valley, you could stay in the tiny town of Yountville for 2 nights and never step foot in a car—there is just so much to eat and taste! Yountville has the French Laundry, Bouchon Bakery + Bistro, Bistro Jeanty, Redd, Bottega, Ad Hoc… all within a 4 minute walk.

In the thick of it all, is Bardessono Hotel, Spa and Restaurant — the only LEED Platinum certified hotel in California. I like the sound of all of that— and all the modern 21st century gadgets sprinkled throughout the property. What I like most is the truly eclectic crowd this hotel attracts—and it is the only luxury hotel in Yountville offering a lovely full service stay, delicious food service, a real bar with a great cocktail menu, roof top pool, in-room spa services, and bikes available at the-ready! I particularly like that it is 2 minutes walking distance from Bouchon or Bottega.

At the end of Money Road, in Oakville is the Oakville Vineyard Bed + Breakfast née The End of Money Road Inn– a haven for the curious, eccentric and bohemians visiting the area. If I were in the witness protection program, I would beg to be dropped off here: It is the very best kept secret, situated on an old compound/ commune (think Marie Antoinette’s peasant village at the Petit Trianon) surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards, plus the resident chickens, roosters and goats on the loose. This otherworldly b+b is where we send all of our friends, aunts and cousins when the houses get too full in the summertime. FYI: there are 3 bedrooms in this raised cottage, perfect for friends traveling together!

The Auberge du Soleil, nestled in the terraced hills of Rutherford, is a major splurge and super treat; with the most intoxicating and heavenly views, bedrooms, fireplaces, pool, spa, wine list, service, room service and dining patio. This hotel is the #1 game in town and nothing compares in the winter or summer.