Napa Valley is more than just a destination for wine lovers—it’s a playground for your taste buds. With more than 400 wineries, countless restaurants, and an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this region offers the perfect blend of indulgence and sophistication.
During my recent visit, I stayed at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Nestled in the resort’s Calistoga vineyard, I enjoyed exceptional cuisine at Michelin-starred Auro, rejuvenated with holistic wellness rituals at Spa Talisa, enjoyed a day by the pool, and basked in personalized service from their dedicated team
Auro Restaurant
Discover the magic of Auro, Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley’s Michelin-rated fine dining spot. Against the breathtaking Palisades Mountains backdrop, indulge in a seasonally-inspired, seven-course tasting menu crafted by acclaimed Chef Rogelio Garcia and his talented team.
One of the restaurant’s highlights is its intimate counter seating, where guests get a front-row seat to watch their meal prepared. Here are some of my favorite dishes and wine pairings from that exciting experience:
Cape Cod Scallop
Koshihikari rice, garlic mojo verde
2020 Simonnet-Febvre Chardonnay
Porcini and Russet Potato Gnocchi
Spring fava bean, moliterno pecorino, petit sugar snap peas
2020 Heitz Cellar Chardonnay
Oak Grilled Japanese Wagyu
Spanish sherry braised maitake, bok choy soubise, confit morels
2019 Rudd Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Tenbrink Farm Strawberry
Crème fraiche gelato, strawberry lemon curd, rose coulis
2017 Far Niente Sauvignon Blanc + Semillon
Hailing from Mexico City, and growing up between Los Angeles and Napa, Garcia has made his mark in the culinary world. His expertise and creativity earned him a coveted star in the 2023 Michelin Guide California.
In his early days, Garcia worked in top Michelin-starred restaurants, including Cyrus and The French Laundry. He then ventured to San Francisco, where he earned his stars at Spruce in 2018 and 2019. A finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: California, Garcia also showcased his skills on Bravo’s Top Chef season 15. Stay tuned for his upcoming cookbook, Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country.
“The reviews for Auro continue to be overwhelmingly positive,” said Robby Delaney, General Manager Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley. “Chef Rogelio’s hyper-focused seasonal ingredients are transformed into a global fusion of flavors that truly wow the senses. Guests particularly enjoy the nightly specials and add-ons available “off menu,” which have been consistent crowd-pleasers.”
Rejuvenate Your Body and Soul
No food and wine adventure is complete without a bit of pampering. Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley offers a wide range of holistic wellness rituals that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Let their expert therapists guide you through customized treatments that relax your body and soothe your mind.
In addition to traditional spa services, Spa Talisa offers unique experiences, including vineyard yoga classes and vinotherapy treatments that feature antioxidant-rich grape seeds from the surrounding vineyards.
Endless Activities
The resort offers a wide range of activities and experiences to make your stay memorable. Take a dip in their tranquil outdoor pool and relax in a private cabana. Order a leisurely lunch at their poolside restaurant, Campo, located between the adult and resort pools. Enjoy a menu of Cal-Mexican dishes while taking in the surrounding valley’s breathtaking views.
“Campo deserves recognition for its outstanding food quality, prime poolside location, and inviting ambiance. Additionally, our Golden Hour Happy Hour offers exceptional value to our guests and the local community,” said Delaney.
If you want to taste wine but don’t want to leave the resort, stroll to their onsite winery, Elusa, just steps from your room. “We’re a one-stop destination for luxury travelers who love wine, thanks to our onsite Elusa winery featuring renowned winemakers Thomas Rivers Brown and Jonathan Walden. Our resort is ideally situated in the heart of the prestigious Calistoga AVA, surrounded by some of the valley’s best wineries,” said Delaney.
Indulge in an epicurean Elusa experience. Begin with a tour of their estate vineyards and winemaking facilities, then savor their small-production wines, each perfectly paired with gourmet bites. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Elusa’s finest vintages.
Beyond Elusa, guests can explore wineries with the help of their house car service and sustainable Polestar vehicles, or the concierge can arrange convenient transportation to nearby vineyards.
Expansive one, two and three-bedroom suites
After a day filled with gourmet food and exquisite wines, retire to the comfort of your guest room or luxurious suite. Accommodations include plush bedding and spacious bathrooms.
Many rooms offer beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards. I relaxed on the patio couch and enjoyed my breakfast each morning, snug among the rolling hills and grapevines, serenaded by birds.
New Experiences Coming Soon
Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley is introducing a Membership Program, Fireside Chats in Truss, special events at the Vineyard Pergola, and an Evolution tasting experience at Elusa Winery featuring crafted culinary bites by Four Seasons chefs.
They’re introducing enchanting winter chalets for a unique outdoor experience this winter. “We’ll cap off the season with a spectacular New Year’s Eve featuring a Michelin-star dinner at Auro and a festive speakeasy celebration. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and winter magic, surrounded by the majestic Mayacamas mountains overlooking the vineyards. The best food, wine, views, and service come together to show that Four Seasons is the place to be for the holidays,” said Delaney.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, retreat with friends, or a family adventure, Four Seasons Napa Valley caters to every need in an idyllic setting.