The Meritage Resort + Spa must have known that it was my birthday in May to plan the spring unveiling of their reimagined resort property.
Or perhaps a more reasonable explanation is that their multi-year, $25 million dollar rollout was to officially present one of the most legendary and iconic resorts in Napa Valley as the premier Wine Country experience. The largest of the region’s resort properties, The Meritage recently merged with The Grand Reserve, formerly its sister resort.
Nestled in the sprawling sundrenched vineyard hills that span 36 acres and nine working vineyards, The Meritage’s renovation has elevated the destination to the next level of luxury – from its gorgeous lobby to the stylish décor and a serene color palette of its 322 newly enhanced guest rooms.
The property’s reimagining also revealed 165 new golden Bordeaux rooms, each with a traditional California wine country feel and opulent appointments characterized by warm Tuscan-inspired colors and interiors (rich reds, deep greens, browns) and private patios or balconies with idyllic resort vineyard views.
An elevated Commons Bar and elegant lobby experience (think sloped ceilings, exposed wood beams and a grand double-sided fireplace that serves as the focal point of the rustic chic aesthetic). Guests at the bar can indulge in a curated selection of craft cocktails, small-batch bourbons and share plates of charcuterie and appetizers. Other inspired updates include an adult-focused vineyard-facing pool area, an expanded culinary program and the opening of Sora Napa and Ember Steak.
Named after the small waterbird native to Napa Valley, Sora is a brand-new, bubbly (pun intended), bright tasting room dedicated to the “art of bubbles” where creative flights of sparkling wines and champagne abound.
One of the only late-night lounges in the resort, Crush Lounge serves up casual eats and boozy milkshakes with … bowling! Our party agreed that an hour or two of little competitive play was the perfect way to while away a late afternoon.
An exceptional new culinary experience, Ember Steak’s rustic charm and elegance extends from its intimate dining room through to its al fresco spaces and views of the gateway to Napa for a gorgeous fine dining experience. The menu here revolves around Chef Cary Roy’s masterful blend of prime cuts and dry-aged beef and produce sourced from local area farms, seafood and innovative sushi options (the signature Ember Roll combines lobster, shrimp, asparagus, truffle charcoal mayo and charred American wagyu.
Our table had trouble in deciding between the different cuts from the broiler so we opted to share the 45 oz. Black Angus Prime Tomahawk Ribeye – grilled to medium rare perfection and enhanced with our pick of flavorful sauces of chimichurri, Cabernet Bordelaise and the signature Ember sauce, crafted with black garlic and dried persimmon. Our succulent cut was accompanied by Yukon gold mashed potatoes and jumbo asparagus and followed by a decadent chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and Armagnac cherries.
Whether you are planning a multi-generational family staycation, bachelor or bachelorette party, romantic retreat or a girlfriend’s getaway, The Meritage reflects the thoughtfulness that Napa vigneron’s take with their vines. If all you want to do is sip wine in bed, I don’t blame you, but save a few minutes or a whole morning to explore the 22,000-square-foot underground Estate Cave, Spa, and expansive property, pool, vineyards, and more.
