At the southern end of the Valley, Vista Collina is the most recent addition to the The Meritage Collection, adding to the bounty under the watchful eye of Napa Valley’s iconic Grape Crusher. As another vacation destination––in what some consider a saturated market––it’s nice to say––Vista Collina has a local-friendly vibe. The luxury resort welcomes visitors from afar and extends the same hospitality to those of us who call Napa Valley home.
Approaching Vista Collina, you can’t help but notice the formidable, natural wood and stone architecture. The attractive design concept compliments Meritage, across the street. The eye is drawn to the Village Lawn, picnic commons and game area which is surrounded by eight premiere, wine-tasting rooms, and Napa Smith Brewery with their popular tap room representing for those who prefer a hop forward beer, brewed on-site! The fine wines featured at Vista Collina are impressive. Anchored by the Foley Food & Wine Society, each tasting room is staffed with wine enthusiasts who await the opportunity to pour the fruits of their vine.
Rotating art shows featuring the work of popular Napa Valley artists, at the Cellar Collection tasting room, bring in art lovers from around the Valley. Once again, you can see a pattern emerging, a pattern of including locals, nurturing the spirit of community and an appreciation for the finer things in life. April through July, the ethereal art of Maggy Walton will be on display.
The Village Lawn
You can’t avoid the draw of the cool, green lawn; it’s picnic-perfect; you’ll want to kick your shoes off and feel the blades of grass between your toes. Along the perimeter of the sixteen-thousand square foot Village Lawn are casual seating areas to relax in the afternoon sun. A Lawn Butler will direct you to available seats, or bring a blanket for your picnic on the lawn, or if you like, you may enjoy your meal at the tables and chairs on the patio. (No outside food or beverage allowed.) Place your order from of The Village Picnic Menu, offering hearty sandwiches made of flavorful combinations such as, Fennel Salami, Prosciutto and Mortadella with a Calabrian Chili Aioli, Smoked Mozzarella, on a house-made Ciabatta. Or dive into a Whole Wheat Wrap with Hummus, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Asparagus, Pickled Carrots and Baby Kale, it all sounds delicious.
You may prefer to pick out something to eat from Fivetown Market before you sit down. The market has a mouth-watering array of specialty sandwiches, which are ready-made and flavorful (I can vouch for that), your sandwich can also be made-to-order. A little short on time? Call ahead and the market staff will shop for you and have your order ready when you arrive. Wines by the bottle are available on the Lawn Butler menu, or they can assist with wines purchased in any of the eight tasting rooms (reservations are appreciated and walk-ins are welcome).
Vista Collina has much more to offer Saturday evenings from 4 to 7 pm, it’s time to relax with your friends for “Lawn Hour,” a unique Wine Country experience. Grab your feast at Fivertown to enjoy on the Village Lawn. There will be a pop up bar, drink specials and live music from 4 to 6 pm. The festivities continue in the wine and beer tasting rooms until 7 pm. From Food Pairings on the Lawn, to Easter Egg and Cookie decorating, followed by an Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt, Food Truck Fridays or Mommy and Me Princes Teas, Rosé all May, or Smoker Sundays, Tacos + Tequila, to the tree lighting at the holidays, there’s much more than meets the eye when to comes to Vista Collina, it’s part of our Village now.
The Village Food and Wine Center
No matter what your level of cooking experience may be, you can feel at home in the Food and Wine Center. Gather a group of your besties and take a hands-on approach to having fun. Explore the simplicity of French cooking as Paris native, Chef Vincent Lesage, shares simple techniques that will enhance your cooking skills.
On Mother’s Day, May 12, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, show your mom, grandma, aunt, daughter, sister or wife how much they mean to you. She’ll know you care when she’s enjoying a lovely Sunday afternoon with the people she loves the most. The luscious buffet menu sounds as though it will be a sight to behold, including: made-to-order omelets, assorted seafood, prime rib, soups carving station, chilaquiles station, farmer’s market fruits, berries, and vegetables, decadent desserts and more. The complete menu is online; don’t wait too late to make your reservation! All moms will receive a complimentary glass of rose.
On Thursday, May 30, the culinary stage will belong to Brian Streeter, who holds the title of Culinary Director at Cakebread Cellars, a winery known for its world-famous vineyards, fine wines, and kind hospitality. Chef Streeter will demonstrate some of his favorite Napa Valley inspired recipes, composing a four-course tasting menu which will be paired with wines crafted by Cakebread Cellars. Look at the Village website events page for details, menu and wine pairings. Spoiler alert, there’s a Pinot on the menu!
If the group cooking scene is not your thing, maybe you and your sweetheart just want to spend the evening cooking alone in a more personal setting––in-suite. Get a room! This virtual, culinary experience is possible thanks to the ingenuity of Vista Collina and their partnership with Hestan Cue, a Smart Cooking System which takes the guesswork out of cooking. After you choose your farm-fresh ingredients, the culinary team will deliver them to your door. Then you follow the instructional videos created by Chef Lasage, in combination with the Hestan Cue Smart Cooking System you will be led through the meal preparation, from menu to the table.
The fun doesn’t stop there
Have you been to Crush Lounge and Bowling Alley, Siena Restaurant or had a massage at Spa Terra, in the cave, here you’ll bask in the comfort of Napa Valley hospitality. The Village celebrates life good life throughout the year and invites the community to take part. Check out the website, it’s full of exciting events to fill out your calendar.