On our recent trip to the Napa Valley, we revisited two classic properties that have been member favorites for many years. Of particular interest was Meadowood (recommended since 1989), which was severely impacted by the devastating Glass Fire that scorched over 67,000 acres of wine country in September 2020. The resort lost its Michelin-starred restaurant to the flames and experienced severe smoke damage. Renovations were still underway at the time of our stay, but we were keen to see how much progress had been made.

Meadowood

Originally established in the early 1960s as a country club for vintners around St. Helena, Meadowood was transformed into a hotel in 1979. It grew into a distinctive resort offering 86 rooms in clusters of dormered cottages, plus a nine-hole walking golf course, a golf performance studio, seven tennis courts, a casual grill and, most famously, a formal three-star dining room helmed by chef Christopher Kostow. A six-year $60 million renovation, finished in 2015, led to the redesign of guest rooms on the southern side of the estate, as well as the spa, fitness center and three swimming pools.

Astonishingly, the renovated parts of the property did not burn, so in May 2021 Meadowood was able to reopen with 36 accommodations. A casual all-day poolside café debuted, spa services and tennis clinics recommenced, and a new Wine Center opened its doors.