Wine Country Inn Welcomes Winter Guests
Wine Country Inn Welcomes Winter Guests
At the Wine Country Inn, romance and celebration are often-used descriptive terms spoken by guests. And both are values that original owners Ned and Marge Smith incorporated into their guest philosophy, and that son and current Innkeeper Jim Smith continues to exhibit and build from.
Why else would Jim provide a For Men Only section on the company’s website, which includes a romance test and a “Thoughtful Husband” plan that comes with a “Wife Pampering” option? It makes sense that the romance value passed on from his parents encouraged the owner to pass it on to those of his own gender.
Events for women and men obviously play a major role at the Wine Country Inn, with the “Girl’s Night Out” Special and “Elopement” package where couples say intimate “I Do’s” on a cottage balcony surrounded by rolling hills and views of the famous Napa Valley grape vines. And everyone who visits the Wine Country Inn will love the gourmet breakfasts and the excellent wines and hors d’ouvres served in the evening. But to accentuate their cuisine experience, guests can make reservations at one of the area’s highly acclaimed restaurants.
Restaurants located in St. Helena are just five-minutes south from Wine Country Inn. The town of Calistoga is seven miles north and Yountville is a 15- to 20-minute drive. With staff of the Wine Country Inn as the designated driver, guests can relax with that extra half (O.K., full glass) of great Napa Valley wine during their dinner out.
In 2006, Jim created Wine Inn-cursions where a minimum of three Wine Country Inn couples embark on a memorable day of wine, food and scenery. The Inn-cursion begins midmorning when a customized SUV picks up the couples and tours at least three wineries before stopping for a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the Inn’s staff. After eating and drinking, guests will enjoy a whirlwind ride around the valley, taking in Napa’s most picturesque spots.
Even during the colder months when the Napa Valley streets are less crowded, Jim and his staff have attracted visitors with the Discover Winter package, which includes room rate discounts, free wine tasting passes at 11 different Napa wineries, a gift card from a downtown Napa Studio boutique and restaurant coupons for complimentary appetizers and desserts, among other surprises.
Opened in St. Helens in 1975 as the first bed and breakfast in Napa County, the Wine Country Inn was constructed by the owner’s children, with Jim acting as the stone mason, his brother as the builder and Marge as the interior decorator. Over the years, family members presented the Smiths with handmade quilts and dust ruffles, along with paintings that continue to adorn the walls of the inn, and to gather compliments and strike up conversations.
Guests who arrive at the back-country, New England style inn stay in one of 20 rooms and four suites, or in one of five 800-square-foot cottages located on the Smith property. Each room has a distinct romantic personality, thanks to three generation of the Smith’s decorating hands and propensity for promoting love.
With enough attention to design detail and outstanding hospitality, an overnight stay turns into a romantic getaway at Wine Country Inn. Enjoy sitting areas, fireplaces, covered balconies, stereos, vineyard views and two-person Jacuzzi tubs. Outdoors, get refresh and rejuvenated in the pool or hot tub. And take advantage of the inn’s Signature Spa Treatment packages, ranging from one to two hours and incorporating facials, cleansing baths and massage. ■
For information or to make reservations, visit www.winecountryinn.com, or call 888-465-4608.
