Meritage Resort & Spa—the gateway to California’s famed Napa Valley wine region that’s set among rolling vineyards—unveiled its $25 million renovation this spring, and there’s much for groups to be excited about, including a new high-end steakhouse, the debut of an effervescent champagne room, and a chic bowling alley that’s available for buyouts.
Situated on 36 acres, and with nine acres of active vineyards, The Meritage is Napa Valley’s largest resort, with 467 guest rooms and suites. Loyal to its viticulture surroundings, the redesigned resort is defined by Mission-style architecture with a modern vineyard aesthetic.
The series of renovations began at the resort in 2022, with the redesign of the Meritage and Carneros Ballrooms. Some more highlights include transformed guest rooms and suites, as well as a new lobby area that’s outfitted with a baby grand piano and anchored by the Commons Bar—a perfect place for hosting a cocktail hour.
With mindful meetings growing in popularity, the Vineyard Deck and Garden can be reserved for group wellness breaks such as yoga classes overlooking the Trinitas Cellars’ grapes. Meeting guests can also take vitner-led walks through the rows of vines, followed up by meditation sessions.
In all, The Meritage boasts 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, and, while downtown Napa and a number of tasting rooms are close by, those meeting here can enjoy a wine country experience without ever leaving the property, complete with wine tastings, treatments in the 22,000 square-foot Spa Terra that’s nestled in an estate cave and through curated experiences at the state-of-the-art food and wine center. The Village is encircled by tasting rooms that spotlight some of Napa Valley’s best boutique wineries.
“Featuring a wide array of venue spaces for groups, ranging from an Estate Cave to a Vintners Terrace, there is no shortage of unique options and activities at The Meritage,” says Jay Heindenreich, Director of Sales. “Whether looking to host a kick-off concert for a large event on the Great Lawn or an intimate cheese-making class for the crew, there is an ideal space and program in place to knock it out of the park.”
Ahead, a spotlight on The Meritage’s new arrivals—a handsome steakhouse and a celebratory champagne room—as well as a look at its reimagined bowling alley.
The Meritage Debuts a Premier Steakhouse
Ember, which is just as rustic and warm as its name suggests, is Napa Valley’s new premier steakhouse and the place to fulfill a hankering for a perfectly seared steak paired with a glass of Napa Valley’s famed Cabernet Sauvignon.
Slated for an early May opening and led by Chef Cary Roy, Ember is filling a much-needed niche for a more upscale dining experience in wine country, with a focus on high-quality steaks. The menu features dry-aged beef from Northern California farms, plus succulent Kurobuta Iberico pork chops, heirloom vegetables and options for vegan and vegetarian crowds, as well as elevated steakhouse sides like truffle mashed potatoes.
The restaurant follows in the footprints of its onsite sister restaurant, Olive & Hay, which Wine Spectator recognized for its outstanding wine list. Ember’s wine list will include bottles from California winemakers, as well as imports from around the world.
Ember will be a great spot for groups to host receptions, company dinners, business meetings, and special occasions, says Heindenreich.
A Look Inside the New Champagne Tasting Room
Raise a glass: Bubbles are enjoying a surge in popularity, and are no longer reserved for just special occasions. The number of Americans drinking sparkling wine has increased by 30 percent between 2019 and 2022, according to an analysis from Wine Intelligence, a division of International Wine and Spirits Research.
Here to meet the demand is Sora, which is also scheduled to open in early May 2024 at The Meritage. The newest addition to the property’s Food & Wine Village, Sora provides wine lovers with a tasting lounge that’s dedicated to the art of bubbles, serving artisanal sparkling wines, champagnes and cocktails that can be ordered through innovative flights. Champagne cocktails will include staples like the French 75, mimosas, and bellinis, but with a twist. There will also be zero-proof drinks available in the lounge.
Sora is named after a small waterbird that’s native to Napa Valley, and the immersive, eccentric space is filled with fun patterns and colors. It’s a great spot for a pre-function bubbly tasting, says Heindenreich, and groups can also reserve the space for cocktail parties, networking events, product launches, or VIP gatherings and small celebrations.
Unwind at Crush
Meritage excels with its unique wine country offerings. Groups focused on wellness can opt for a vineyard hike or Sound Bath in the Estate Cave, while others might opt for cocktails by the pool in one of the resort’s renovated cabanas or even a group high tea at the new Sora sparkling tasting room, Heindenreich says.
The Food & Wine center can also entertain groups looking to learn the art of cooking the perfect steak, similar to the ones served at Ember.
But for the competitive crowd, there’s no better place to stoke some healthy competition than Crush Lounge.
The on-property lounge has six bowling lanes and a menu with over-the-top boozy milkshakes that are topped with sweets (think: a slice of cake!).
Crush is not only the coolest bowling alley in Napa, but it’s also one of the only true late-night lounges in the destination. It’s the perfect spot for team bonding or casual events, and it’s available for group buyouts.