Wine Country Agenda: MacArthur Place Revival, Spa Til You Rock at BottleRock, World of Pinot in Santa Barbara and More

Author:Annette Hanami

A New Luxury Hotel Property With Deep Roots at MacArthur Place in Sonoma

Established 150 years ago as a homestead to miner, rancher and banker David Burris, the completely renovated MacArthur Place re-opens as a six-acre, 64-room luxury Wine Country getaway in March. Reimagined by SFA Design and RDC Architecture, MacArthur Place combines fresh modern farmhouse style with subtle, sophisticated references to its rustic past.

Just four blocks south of Sonoma Square, MacArthur Place is a little oasis with beautiful gardens by Girvin Landscape Architecture, a complete spa and pool. The new food and wine program in The Bar, The Porch coffee shop and marketplace, and the elevated Mediterranean restaurant Layla led by Chef Cole Dickinson, was developed in partnership with celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian.

Inside the spaces, exposed beams, finishes of iron, copper and blackened steel contrast with modern limestone fixtures, heated travertine floors, outdoor showers and luxurious fabrics. The property has also been overhauled with the latest technology.  29 E. MacArthur Street, Sonoma

Transition to Spring at Domaine Carneros

Photos by Avis Mandel

Sparkling wine landmark Domaine Carneros recently opened a new conservatory-style addition to its chateau that expands the hilltop view of rolling hills and shields guests during cool days. Seamlessly integrated with the 18^th century-style chateau, the glass-enclosed Jardin d’Hiver was inspired by garden conservatories designed by Gustave Eiffel at the Place de la Concorde, complete with its own fountain.

Inside the brightly-lit space, Domaine Carneros offers a new 5-course sparkling wine and bites pairings showing the versatility of their dry, rose and off-dry sparkling wines with savory food. The current menu is Asian-inspired and will change with the seasons. The pairing ($85 pp) is offered once a day at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday with 48-hour advance reservation. 1240 Duhig Road, Napa

Spa Til You Rock at BottleRock Napa Valley

Already the only music festival in the world that features world-class food, wine and music all in one venue, Bottlerock distinguishes itself again with an on-site spa customized by Live Love Spa and SoFi to cater specifically to festivalgoers to make it the most enjoyable, comfortable experience ever.

Pamper your feet with the team at Carneros Resort & Spa, recharge at the Rapid Recovery Lounge and get into the spirit with your face glittered at the Sustainable Sparkle Bar or painted by Cassandra Love. To freshen up the look, Hen House and Shampoo and Chardonnay will be styling hair, Blinc Salon the makeup.

The 7^th annual BottleRock festival hosts over 80 of the most renowned and hottest up-and-coming musicians on five stages over three days May 24-26, 2019 in Downtown Napa, including headliners Imagine Dragons, Neil Young, Pharrel Williams and Mumford and Sons, combined with world-class food, wine, craft beers and spirits and one-of-a-kind culinary mashups between performers and celebrity chefs. The VIP and 3-day passes are sold out but one-day GA passes are still available.

The World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara

In one of the biggest events of its kind, the 19^th annual World of Pinot Noir (March 1-2) takes place at the coastal Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara with grands tastings of over 100 Pinot Noirs from around the world each day, in-depth tasting seminars and sumptuous Pinot Noir-paired dinners. Friday’s seminars contrast New World Pinots from New Zealand, Oregon, Chile and California, and famed single-vineyard wines from Sonoma and Mendocino. Following the grand tasting, guests can select dinners featuring Burgundy, North Coast or Central Coast wines. Saturday’s marquee events focus on Burgundy and the wines from the Willamette in Oregon, as well as the popular Pinot Noir Rose lawn party featuring over 50 wines and a casual buffet lunch. The themes for Saturday’s dinners focus on Central Coast or Burgundy. Weekend passes are $1,250 pp, daily passes are $550 pp Friday and $600 for Saturday. Access to individual seminars, the grand tastings and dinners are also available. Check the website for details and to book. Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Zinfandel Weekend in Paso Robles

Zinfandel is a heritage California grape and the Central Coast is one of its oldest homes. If you love Zinfandel, head to Paso Robles for Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend (March 15-17), starting off on Friday March 15 with Zinposium, an interesting panel discussion of farming and the unique blending of this grape that happens only in Paso Robles. In the evening, attend the Z After Party for a casual walk-around tasting of wines from ca. 20 Paso wineries, dessert bites and live jazz. The weekend will provide a wonderful opportunity to leisurely explore the wine country, wineries and wines, with more than 100 wineries holding individual events celebrating all things Zin. The Zinposium and Z After Party are $40 pp per event or $70 combined. Check the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance website for more details and to book Friday’s events, and to get the latest list of wineries welcoming guests that weekend.

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