By Lisa Leigh
Encompassing over 1,200 acres of land in the heart of the Napa Valley, Silverado Resort and Spa is a landmark destination located amid the natural beauty of one of the world’s premier wine regions. Located just fifty miles northeast of San Francisco and sixty miles southwest of Sacramento, Silverado Resort and Spa includes 435 guest rooms that surround two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses, which are overseen by World Golf Hall of Fame member, lead golf analyst for NBC Sports, and resort co-owner Johnny Miller.
Our magnificent room which featured a front porch and back patio, wood burning fireplace, two large screen LCD TV was a world of comfort. Overlooking the scenic views of the golf course made the stay even more romantic. The morning began with a great in room breakfast followed by a visit to the spa. A 16,000-square-foot facility; 25,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and conference space; and recreational activity areas for all, including thirteen tennis courts, ten outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center that offers a variety of classes.
After a day of visiting some of the over three hundred vineyards and sampling some amazing wines and viewing some spectacular vistas we returned back to our suite for dinner at the Royal Oak.
The ambiance was warm and inviting. The food superb. For a special dining experience, guests can choose from a variety of steaks and sustainably-caught seafood at the Royal Oak. Samuel, who has worked for twenty-five years at Royal Oak was soft spoken, informative and very steady in his recommendations.
A historical treasure, Royal Oak treats diners to acclaimed cuisine, as well as sophisticated décor and beautiful views of the surrounding golf courses. We dined at a leisurely pace, the wine selections complemented Chef Jeffrey Jake’s specialties. Seasonally changing menu options include Foie Gras Torchon served with Rhubarb Marmalade and Pickled Pearl Onions; Beets & Burrata Cheese watercress salad with 50yr aged balsamic; Roast Fulton Valley Chicken with Peruvian marinade, zucchini salad and herb fingerling potatoes; and a selection of delicious steaks and seafood from the Montague Charbroiler like the 20oz Dry Aged Bone-in Strip Steak and the 8 oz. Loch Duart Salmon. Executive Chef Jeffrey Jake, a Napa native, oversees Silverado Resort and Spa’s array of dining offerings. His menus are created primarily from the region’s bountiful array of top-quality produce, cattle ranches, and award-winning cheese producers.
The centerpiece of the property is its eye-catching, plantation-style mansion, built in the 1870’s by Civil War General John Franklin Miller, who lived in the Valley in the 1850’s and served as treasurer of Napa County before joining the war. Upon his return to the area, Miller purchased the land in parcels and then named it La Vergne after a battle he fought during the war. Miller’s daughter inherited the property and hosted many illustrious guests through the early part of the 20th century, including President Theodore Roosevelt and General John J. Pershing. After passing through other owners’ hands, the land was sold to the Silverado Land Company in the early 1950’s and the mansion was converted into a clubhouse and operated as a semi-private golf course until it was again sold and developed to include guest accommodations in the 1960’s.
Today, the mansion houses the registration area, as well as the Royal Oak restaurant, in addition to a lounge and multiple meeting spaces. Through the years, the property has grown in notoriety and prestige by being featured on the television series “Falcon Crest” and by hosting the Senior PGA tour, as well as numerous professional and celebrity tennis tournaments. Most recently, Johnny Miller has returned to head the ownership team of Silverado Resort.
This is truly a resort that has something for everyone. The staff was amazing and the experience was spectacular. We look forward to our return there next summer.
