Fall Crush Tour

Food & Wine Trails has partnered with Travel + Leisure to bring you an extraordinary offer.

For decades, Travel + Leisure has been scouring the globe in search of the best of the best for the world’s most discriminating travelers.  Food & Wine Tails is pleased to offer this exclusive and intimate getaway to Napa Valley.  You’re invited to relax and enjoy the ultimate California Wine Country experience as a guest of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Collection.

Fall is Crush Season!  This is the perfect time of year to visit – you’ll be in Napa during harvest season which means all of the wineries will be up and working on producing their wines.  It’s the one time each year you’re able to see the wineries in full operations and crush pads loaded down with just-picked grapes.  It’s truly spectacular!  On top of that, Travel + Leisure has put together a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, fully hosted, with a luxury resort stay, visits to elite wineries, gourmet meals and of course, impeccable wines.

Join your hosts Jacqueline Gifford, Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief and Ray Isle, Executive Wine & Spirits Editor of Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure and Departures.  There are no better people to show you around the best of Napa.  As their guest, you will enjoy exclusive access to special tastings at Napa’s finest wineries, including several elite venues normally not open to the public.  Your 4-night stay includes accommodations at Meadowood (in a Treelined Suite), on of only 13 properties in the world to have earned a triple five-star award from Forbes Travel Guide.  the Meadowood estate is home to a five-star hotel, restaurant and pampering spa.  Icing on the cake…under Chef Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadowood was awarded three Michelin Stars!

Experts

Jacqueline Gifford

Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief

Ray Isle

Executive Wine & Spirits Editor of Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure & Departures

Itinerary

Napa Valley, California

October 27
2019
Welcome to Napa, the Heart of the Wine Country.

Meet your driver at the airport and transfer by private car to Meadowood Napa Valley.  After check-in, enjoy a private wine market reception hosted by Jacqueline Gifford and Rya Isle on Meadowood’s lovely Vintners Lawn.  Sample some of your hosts favorite wines and mingle with fellow travelers before enjoying dinner created by one of Meadowood’s top chefs.
October 28
2019
Discover the Best of Napa.

Your first full day in Napa Valley beckons.  If desired, start your morning with a World’s Best wellness option – a 30 minute walk led by a Meadowood guide and 30 minute yoga practice.  Enjoy breakfast at The Grill or order room service.

Midmorning, head to the Staglin Family Vineyard nestled at the base of Mount St. John.  Focusing on premium, limited-production wines, this certified organic estate features a 19th-century homestead, 51 acres of vines and a state-of-the-art underground winery.  You will be greeted by President of the Staglin Family Vineyard, Shannon Staglin.  Shannon will host an exclusive tour of the grounds, vineyards and caves.  The tour concludes at the private Staglin residence where a Meadowood chef will lead a cooking experience with items harvested from the family’s gardens.  Enjoy lunch in the garden before heading back to Meadowood.

This afternoon, take a private car to St. Helena’s captivating downtown to indulge in some retail therapy on Main Street.  Or enjoy one of Meadowood’s many amusements: tee off at the 9-hole golf course, take a bike ride, work out at the newly renovated fitness center, play a game of tennis, practice your croquet skills or relax by one of the sparkling pools.

This evening, sample one of Napa’s extraordinary restaurants at your leisure.  Your World’s Best Collection concierge is always available to make suggestions and reservations.

 
October 28
2019
Napa State of Mind.

Another idyllic day of Wine Country discovery is calling.  Your host, Ray Isle has asked three of his favorite wineries to open their doors for exclusive private tastings only for World’s Best Collection travelers.

Ray’s first pick is Ovid, an organically farmed, 15-acre vineyard perched on a secluded mountaintop.  Here, the rocky red and volcanic soils craft wines composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Since 2006, winemaker, Austin Peterson has combined his experience with experimentation to create a blend of clissica and cutting-edge winemaking methods.  Along with Austin, Ovid Manage Partner, Jack Bittner will host this spectacular experience.

Today’s second winery is one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious new additions along with a long history of award-family winemaking.  This winery is opening its doors for tastings exclusively for T+L guests.  You’ll enjoy lunch prepared by Meadowood chefs paired with some of the winery’s best selections.

Before heading back to Meadowood, you will be making one last stop at Lokoya.  It’s perched on top of Spring Mountain and creates some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the Valley.  At elevations ranging from 500 – 2,600 feet, these Napa mountain sites are rare in the world of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Highly sought after by collectors, the wines of Lokoya can be enjoyed for decades to come.

Tonight offers one more opportunity to experience fine dining in Napa Valley at your leisure.  Reservations are available at many of the area’s most exclusive restaurants, including The Restaurant at Meadowood, one of the areas only Michelin-starred dining destinations.

 
October 30
2019
Sip. Savor, Repeat.

This final full day in Napa is crafted by your host Jacqueline Gifford, who promises a day filled with exclusive tastings at wineries you’re sure to love.

Among Napa Valley’s most acclaimed labels, the beautiful Bryant Estate property overlooks Lake Hennessey on the western slop of Pritchard Hill.  You will be welcomed by President and Proprietor Bettina Bryant, as you take in one of the most dynamic sites in winemaking.  The vineyards are planed with 100% Cabernet Cauvignon grapes and do not disappoint.

The Oakville name is synonymous with the finest winemaking in the world.  That’s where you will stop at your second winery of the day.  This exclusive winery has quietly taken its place among the most highly regarded cabernet sauvignon producers in Napa Valley.  You’ll enjoy the panoramic views as you realize the passion poured into every corner of this estate.

You’ll enjoy lunch al fresco before heading back to Meadowood midafternoon.  Tonight, Jacqueline will host an exquisite dinner at one of the world’s most exclusive wine clubs – with only about 600 members from around the world – the perfect ending to your unforgettable Napa getaway.
October 31
2019
Farewell Napa.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on this final morning in Napa.  Your driver will collect you from the hotel for your private transfer in time for your return flight

Per Person Price

$9,995 per person, double occupancy/shared room

Book by August 15, 2019 for special rate of $9,000 per person

Individual/Single Room: $10,995