Napa Valley has been cultivating grape vines since the 1800s but in the last 15 years it has achieved international acclaim as a true wine destination, sparked by the movie “Bottle Shock.” Now there are over 400 wineries and 90 urban tasting rooms in 30 miles plus a bustling downtown which celebrates a trendy culinary, shopping and music scene.
Stay
In the heart of Napa Valley, Silverado Resort is the only resort with 36 championship golf holes. Opened in 1967, a signature white mansion built in 1870, is the resort focal point with rockers on two terraces, the front facing the circular drive, expansive lawn, and magnolias, where all the action begins. In the morning corporate delegates dressed in heels and suits parade to conference rooms while golfers get ready for their rounds.
The rear terrace is an extension of the newly remodeled Mansion Bar, past the registration and concierge desks, facing the South Course 18th green and fairways beyond. Comfortable seating with a peaceful and often entertaining view combines with stellar service for a memorable evening of lively conversations.
Dining
Delectable cuisine at the Mansion Bar is creatively prepared and presented, often incorporating fresh harvests from the Chef’s Garden along the 18th fairway of the South Course. The same goes for The Grill, serving all three meals, overlooking the north course. The Market and Bakery opens at 6:30 with pastries, sandwiches, snacks, wine, necessities, and memorabilia. A new pizza oven off the patio is a huge hit. Pick your picnic choices and eat al fresco watching the comings and goings of guests with a round firepit and heat lamps when needed.
Consumption at Silverado Resort is balanced by tennis, bocce, pickleball, a fitness center and three swimming pools as well as golf. A seasonal kids camp makes it fun for families too.
KSL
Golfer Johnny Miller who grew up in the house by number 11 on the North Course, acquired the property with his partners Tim Wall, and Roger Kent in 2010. Johnny updated the courses that were originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Since KSL’s acquisition in 2022, along with Troon Golf management, improvements are constant. Although the resort is a AAA Four Diamond Award Winner since 1976, KSL Capital’s financial injection was the shot in the arm that Silverado Resort needed.
Todd Shallan, Managing Director, started with KSL Resorts 23 years ago at the Arizona Biltmore and this is his eighth posting, at the helm of Silverado Resort. His experience serves to manage a $20m maintenance catch up plan and renovation projects that will carry Silverado Resort into the future. His former colleague, Colleen Reardon, Director of Marketing leapt out of retirement to join the exciting renaissance. Little by lots, changes are made with many more coming to ensure four plus star ratings. Overdue maintenance such as roofing the mansion combine with aesthetic enhancements throughout the resort.
Golf
$2 million improvements on the golf courses include a new fleet of carts with the latest GPS technology. Cody Sherrill, Director of Club Operations has high quality experiences at Troon North and other locations including Down Under. His team is on the spot welcoming single golfers and during our visit, celebrities to a charity tournament held annually.
The North Course has hosted the PGA, now Fortinet Championship for ten years. The design flows around the foothills and waterways of Napa Valley like a smooth Pinot Noir except for number 8 which crosses a creek in angular fashion and is then an uphill battle to wage war on the severely sloping elevated green.
David Walter, Director of Agronomy shared the renovation success on hole 13 as the beautiful waterfalls is operational again for the first time in ten years. Perhaps this is one reason for winning 2022 NGCOA Regional Course of the Year. The entire team is readying for the Fortinet Championship in September. The rough on the North Course will be cut to 2.5 inches ten days ahead of the tournament and it will then grow to four inches. Some of the 650 members don’t care for that depth but many volunteer for the event and some are charged with vigilance in tracking the Pros’ errant balls destined to be swallowed by the thick outer grass.
While the North Course is PGA Tour ready, the South Course is maintained with the same exceptional fairways and greens that reflect the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and homes. It is like a walk in the park with more elevation changes and gentle rolling hills, habitat to deer, skunks, and the red headed acorn woodpecker. Both courses are set in an arboretum with 300 species of trees, and both have a snack shack strategically placed for the famous burger dogs and libations.
The Pro shop has one of the best selections of apparel for men and women. Alexis Hayes, LPGA, Merchandise Manager, and team are constantly changing up the displays with new items every week to please both the members and visitors, winning 2022 Northern California PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort and continuously winning Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) Platinum Award since 2013.
Spa
After golf, the Spa offers many treatment options. A Hi-Tech Massage facilitates a deep release of tissue issues you might not know you have, focused on the upper body with a lower inclusion. Talk to the experienced therapists for your personal outcome.
The Spa boutique has a lovely selection of fitness and comfort items, and the Boost Café delivers healthy options. A spacious locker room area, dry and steam saunas as well as a jacuzzi al fresco and private spa pool for members and resort guests fulfill the spa experience.
Accommodations
117 rooms and 228 suites in four neighborhoods are very comfortable. Suites include a private patio or balcony for lounging as well as a fireplace. Dial 0 to ask for a log and it will quickly be lit.
All rooms have the amenities you would expect plus Down Dreams pillows, the best in the business and guest bathrobes make you feel pampered.
Wineries
It’s all about the wineries and food pairings in five towns of Napa Valley. Even beer buds and spirit sippers are seduced by the vines. As they listen to the language of the vintners, and sommeliers, they transform into oenophiles.
Take an Uber or chauffeur to sip, shop, and savor. Pick your favorite Napa wine, like Duckhorn or go to the famous Castello di Amorosa for a fantastical time. Close by Silverado is Primo Solum, a wine tasting barn where artist Elana, daughter of master wine grower William Hill, has combined her passions, teaching about wines, in the tasting room where her abstract art hangs on the walls and on the labels of Expression wine bottles.
Fly into San Francisco, Santa Rosa or the best, Sacramento “Hareport” where a giant Red Rabbit is suspended from the ceiling as if jumping to the baggage claim area. His name is Leap, instilling confidence in flyers to hop to it. Find your favorite varietal along with music venues and for a bird’s eye view of the vineyards, hop in a hot air balloon. And enjoy Silverado Resort. www.silveradoresort.com
