Page 29 - Terroir_2014

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Meadowood
Center Stage in Napa Valley
Meadowood embodies the soul of Napa Valley in its entirety—a veritable perfect storm of
wine, food, and hospitality gathered on 250 acres in a beautiful natural setting.
You can feel it as you enter the driveway—that same magical sensation
that compelled H. William Harlan and his partners to purchase the
property just 48 hours after setting eyes on it in 1979. Back then it was a
rustic country club, albeit set on breathtaking land—not the impressive
destination resort of today.
Harlan would become one of the most admired vintners in the valley,
but it was his original vision for Meadowood—to make a community
gathering ground for Napa’s vintners and growers—that would set the
stage to transform the property into the perfect destination to entice
visitors to taste the fruits of the Valley’s labors. There is perhaps no
other place that has become as fitting a symbol for what Napa Valley
represents today.
A key element to the vision of making Napa Valley the premiere wine
region of the world was that winemaking and hospitality are inseparable.
Meadowood added a collection of guest rooms and cottages and, in 1987,
became one of California’s first Relais &Châteaux members. Its vintner
members and their families have full access to tennis courts, swimming,
hiking, an award-winning golf course, and even a croquet lawn. The
resort also features a Michelin three-star restaurant under the guidance
of Chef Christopher Kostow where his commitment to local food and
local wine is showcased. Produce comes directly from Meadowood
Garden and the wine list highlights the finest wines from Meadowood’s
Napa Valley neighbors.
The understated, unpretentious style of Meadowood was designed to
blend seamlessly into the natural setting. The guest rooms reflect a
Californian style of living—guests can take advantage of the natural
beauty of the surroundings with ample outdoor space, and the natural
beauty is reflected in the colors and tones of the inside decor.
Napa Valley Vintners’ first office was at Meadowood, and the inaugural
AuctionNapa Valley took place there in 1981. The auction was originally
conceived as the perfect way to bring the vintners together to raise
funds for the community and awareness of Napa Valley wines. Thirty-
three years later, Meadowood continues to be the location for what has
become one of the most important wine auctions in the world, raising
more than $120 million to directly benefit and support local charities in
the community.
Although Napa Valley Vintners now has a new home, the strong
connection continues. For the past 10 years, Meadowood, Napa Valley
Vintners, and the Culinary Institute of America have collaborated to
bring together the most important wine writers in the country for The
Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. The four-day conference
explores contemporary wine writing, and this year’s keynote speaker was
none other than Robert M. Parker Jr.
As a gathering place for vintners, Meadowood has grown and thrived
with the families of the local community and is certainly part of the
culture of the valley. As a resort, Meadowood represents the essence of
Napa Valley on a world stage.