Silverado Resort has long been one of wine country’s most classic destinations. The 1,200 acre property, with its picturesque, 145 year old Franco-Italianate Mansion at its epicenter, is considered the grand dame of Napa Valley hospitality. A favorite locale for corporate retreats, weddings, wine country events, golf outings, and good old rest and relaxation getaways, Silverado checks all of the boxes as a one-stop shop for personal renewal, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Here are five reasons that Silverado continues to retain its status as one of wine country’s most popular spots:
1: Recreation - Golf is often the draw here, and Silverado’s two championship courses have made it one of Northern California’s best spots for teeing-off. The North Course is a bit more challenging, while the South Course attracts those who prefer a more casual pace. Greens are beautifully groomed, and are surrounded by old growth trees and well-maintained gardens. Yet, one need not be a golfer to find recreational activity. Tennis, pickleball, bocce, hiking, cycling and swimming opportunities abound. (The resort boasts a number of swimming pools. My favorite can be found in the 300 wing. Surrounded by a border of greenery, the setting is sublime.)
2: Spahhhh - Silverado’s state-of-the-art, 16,000 square foot spa is Napa Valley’s largest and most comprehensive featuring 16 treatments rooms and an outdoor private whirlpool and heated lap pool. A thoughtfully designed spa menu features traditional massage, body scrubs, wraps, and skincare. Try the Chardonnay Sugar Scrub with its blend of shea butter, six natural oils, and the healing power of grape seed, or the Just For Him three-hour journey of three services the promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Experience the Boost Café for healthy fare and visit the Spa Boutique for some retail therapy.
3: Weddings - Few venues within Northern California wine country are as well equipped for destination weddings as Silverado. Ceremony and reception options are plentiful. Surrounded by large oak trees and seasonal flowering plants, The Grove accommodates up to 280 guests. The recently renovated Mansion Ballroom, with space for up to 300 guests, has high ceilings and crystal chandeliers that set an elegant tone. An open air deck overlooking the golf course is ideal for cocktail hour. And the adjoining Mansion Garden Lawn is another al fresco possibility.
For smaller weddings, the Arbor provides an intimate atmosphere where up to 100 guests can gather on the round brick courtyard with greenery covered walls. Additional options include the 90-seat Vintner’s Court with its sophisticated black and white dining room, and the 40 seat Royal Oak, a contemporary space with large windows overlooking the golf course. And, unlike many Napa Valley venues, Silverado can host indoor gatherings until 1am. It’s not uncommon for outdoor events to move inside at the 10pm mark in order to continue the festivities.
4: Residential-Like Accommodations - You’ll be hard pressed to find any hotel or resort in Napa with rooms as large, and with fully functioning kitchens. Silverado’s spacious, one-bedroom condominium suites are clustered around hidden courtyards and secluded swimming pools. Several line the golf course fairways. Each has been remodeled over the years to reflect current trends; design juxtaposes Silverado’s history with modern luxuries such as stone vanities and showers, open kitchen design, redesigned fireplaces, crisp bedding, and additional modern fixtures that lend a welcoming air.
5: Special Events - Silverado offers a multitude of annual events such as winemaker dinners which pair Executive Chef Patrick Prager’s seasonal cuisine with local wines. (Prager has worked with some of the country’s leading chefs including Wolfgang Puck, Bradley Ogden, Michael Mina, George Morrone, and Traci Des Jardins.) Brunch on the Green, held the third Sunday of each month, features bottomless mimosas and buffet-style stations of locally sourced favorites. Holidays, such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve are always celebrated in style.
Despite the proliferation of luxury resorts, inns, and B&B’s throughout the Valley over the past many years, Silverado continues to be considered the epitome of genteel Napa hospitality, and a celebration of the Valley itself.
Photos courtesy of Silverado Resort
