Carneros Inn

Carneros Inn provides a luxurious yet unpretentious getaway on 27 scenic acres in California Wine Country. While taking in gorgeous views of Napa Valley vineyards, guests can enjoy three restaurants including Farm, a sophisticated eatery that uses local produce and wines. There are also three bars, two pool areas (one restricted to guests 14 and older), a spa with open-air treatment rooms, a fitness room, and a yoga pavilion.

Accommodations consist of 86 extremely private cottages with their own deck and garden or vineyard views. The rooms have a clean, simple, modern look that some may find stark. Indoor and outdoor showers complement bathroom tubs, which are soaking tubs, rather than Jacuzzis, possibly to conserve water and energy. Gas-fired heaters, wood burning fireplaces, indoor and outdoor showers, flat panel TVs and DVD/CD players, a complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks and juice, wi-fi, Frette linens, bathrobes, heated bathroom floors, and Red Flower bath amenities are provided.

Carneros Inn’s poolside Hilltop Dining Room, which has vineyard views, serves breakfast and lunch. Its Boon Fly Café offers diner-style meals. In-room dining is also available. The executive chef at Farm whips up such entrees as oven-roasted Colorado lamb sirloin with sweet pepper fennel piperade. Desserts may include house-made lavender ice cream. The extensive wine list offers local wines. For those who like to experiment, some 24 are available by the glass. The elegant restaurant includes an outdoor lounge.

Wedding ceremonies can take place in an apple orchard overlooking the vineyards and the scenic hills beyond or in a lovely courtyard with an outdoor fireplace and flower gardens. For groups of 80 or fewer, receptions can be held at the Hilltop Dining Room overlooking the vineyards. Groups of up to 175 can use the Napa and Sonoma party rooms, which flank the courtyard. Food must be provided by the inn, but outside vendors are welcome for all other aspects of the event.

Upon request, a private chef can prepare a meal to be served in your cottage. Picnics anywhere on site can also be arranged. Couples massages are available at the spa or in-room.

The spa comprises 9 indoor and 5 outdoor treatment rooms, including one for couples. There couples can enjoy side-by-side massages or Huichica Creek hydrotherapy baths in pebble-covered tubs. Treatments use local ingredients and have different themes: Harvests, Farms (such as a warm goat butter massage), Minerals, Cellars, Flowers, and Creeks. The spa menu offers scalp therapy, facials, body scrubs, hair treatments, makeup, manicures, and pedicures. Spa-goers may make use of the herb-infused steam rooms and saunas.

Carneros Inn has two pool areas: The infinity-edged Hilltop Pool and hot tub, with vineyard views, is for guests 14 and over. A palm-tree-edged lap pool with cabanas and a children’s pool are in a different part of the property. Other facilities include a fitness room, yoga pavilion, bocce ball courts, a clothing boutique, a post office, and the Market, which sells snacks, wine, and sundries. Bicycles and yoga classes are available free of charge.

Carneros Inn is close to the wineries of Napa and Sonoma. In the nearby town of Napa are the Oxbow Market, where local artisans sell cheese, olives, and chocolate; Copia, a wine education center; and the Wine Train, which provides scenic rides, gourmet meals, and wine. Shops, cooking classes, restaurants, and other wine country attractions are in the vicinity.

Wine-lovers, or even couples who simply appreciate the beauty of rolling hills covered with vines, will love the views, as well as the inn’s proximity to wineries and the other attractions of Napa and Sonoma. One of the real pluses is the privacy the separate cottages afford, with their own front porch and secluded back deck and garden. The staff is friendly and helpful. But there is no late-night party scene aside from the restaurants and bars on site. Overall, the inn is comfortable and inviting but more sophisticated than cozy.

Carneros Inn
4048 Sonoma Highway
Napa, CA 94559
707-299-4900 or 888-400-9000

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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.