Carneros Resort & Spa is as good as it gets in wine country. My very good friend moved to LA a year or so ago and decided to move back, as they all do, and we decided to plan something fun to celebrate, so we did just that. We packed our bags and headed up early Tuesday morning.
Upon arrival, and starving, we sat down for lunch at the Hilltop restaurant overlooking the infamous pool and vineyards. When a setting like this presents itself, I won’t deny that I’ll jump immediately on board and order a bellini while I’m at it. Their salads and truffle fries are an absolute yes. One of the many luxuries of Carneros is that you don’t really have to leave the property. They have three restaurants on sight, a market, a spa, a boutique, a pool, and a bocce ball court. All you need to relax and indulge!
Since we were able to check in a lot earlier than we expected (perks to Tuesday reservations), we settled in and rode our bikes around the property to get a better lay of the land and take in that warm summer sun. Afterward, we walked back to our room to layout in the 88º heat on our back patio and then freshened up before our dinner reservation at Farm. Slight tan line = success.
I threw on this new dress that I actually bought from the Carneros Inn boutique last time I was here. For such a tiny store, the selection is out of this world. They have amazing brands like Tory Burch, Trina Turk, Velvet and Joie – that little goldmine is trouble.
Holy hamachi. First of all, the camera definitely ate first in this scenario because, cherry foam and edible flowers. You guys, I LOVE sitting al fresco with bubbles and great company over summer – but add in the most delicious summertime meal and I’m officially happier than a little kid with a cold popsicle on a hot summer day. We raved about this meal for the rest of the evening. AND, our lovely waiter told us that they are starting to do Sunday brunch every weekend as of this Sunday! I snagged this info below offline to share in case you’d like to know more:
Designed by Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli, this elevated family-style brunch will be a play on classic brunch items with Napa Valley nuances. Guests will choose four menu items as a table to be shared family-style for $45 per person. The menu will change weekly, depending on the best local seasonal produce, as well as what is being harvested in The Carneros Inn’s culinary garden. A sampling of Chef Aaron’s brunch dishes will include Smoked Fried Chicken and Waffle with pepper jelly; Beets and Berries with fresh ricotta, garden greens, pistachio, and saba; and Fresh Biscuits with Silverado Trail strawberries, foie gras mousse, and Marshall Farms honey, among others.
The best summer evenings end with s’mores. It hits the spot with a big glass of red wine and a warm fire. We wrapped up our evening outside and couldn’t have been more blissed out after such a lovely day. You seriously must try and make a trip to Carneros if you haven’t been yet, it’s truly wonderful.
