My Stay at North Block Hotel

Escaping to wine country will never get old for me. It’s a chance to escape from Karl the Fog (yup, San Francisco’s fog has a name!), sip on some wine, and soak up the sun. It also feels like home. Napa Valley is next door to my hometown, Sonoma.

When I think of Napa Valley, towns like St. Helena and Calistoga quickly come to mind. What many do not know is that there is a small pocket town that sits between Napa and St. Helena called Yountville. I call it a “small pocket town” because it’s a town that has a main street that stretches a mere four blocks and sits in a pocket of the valley. Although small, this town is home to the biggest names in the restaurant and wine industry. It is home to French Laundry, a three star Michelin restaurant, and several award winning wine rooms. Yountville has definitely became the place for individuals who are looking for a quiet and intimate vacation, without compromising the luxuries that wine country has to offer.

The vino enthusiast in me wanted to runaway to Napa Valley for a day, so my blogger BFF, Kara (Whimsy Soul), and I took advantage of our weekday off and drove to Yountville for a one night stay at the North Block Hotel. North Block Hotel is a 20 room boutique hotel that is perfectly situated on Washington Street, the main strip in Yountville. Upon arriving, I noticed that the hotel’s architecture featured adobe styled villas with touches of European accents. Every room, including the lobby, is detailed with modern flare. You can’t help but to wish and pray that you’ll own a house that has the same interior decor as North Block Hotel.

During the evening, we grabbed dinner on their on-site restaurant, Redd Wood. Redd Wood is led by renowned chef Richard Reddington. The restaurant offers Italian-inspired fare that includes pizza and pasta, with a blend of various big and small plates. When we arrived, our host offered us a glass of champagne while we waited for our table. When were seated at our table, Kara and I started our evening the best way we knew how…WITH COCKTAILS. Kara ordered the Garden Party and I ordered the Peach Pit. While Kara said her cocktail tasted like a salad, I really enjoyed mine. I have a weakness for bourbon based cocktails and the Peach Pit resembles an Old Fashion. It was so good that I ordered it twice!

We started our meal with the fritto misto and burrata as appetizers, and finished with the half chicken and akaushi ribye as entrees. All the dishes were amazing. However, the dish that popped out to me was the fritto misto. It consisted a mixture of battered and fried calamari, shrimp, and fennel, with a side of dipping aioli sauce.

After dinner we headed back to the our room, lit up the fireplace, jumped in our robes, and sat on our balcony to look at the stars. With the clouds always rolling over the Richmond district, it’s hard to catch the stars from my apartment. Watching the stars in the middle of wine country, where little light pollutes the sky, was the perfect way to end the night. The stars never shined so bright.

The following morning, we woke early (with the help of espresso shots) and snagged some pool time before heading out for wine tasting. The pool side cabanas were so cute. Moroccan chandeliers hung from the canopies and the pool was perfectly heated. After some swimming we had built up an appetite. So we headed over to Redd Wood where they serve complimentary breakfast. They had an assortment of pastries, yogurt, fruit, granola, juice, and coffee. We enjoyed our breakfast in the courtyard where there was a beautiful fountain and plush lounges.

As we were packing, Kara and I found it difficult to leave. We wanted to stay much longer than a one night stay. I had fell in love with the dreamy property. If I had stayed there longer I would’ve taken advantage of their on-site spa, dined at Redd Wood once more, and enjoyed more pool time. Although there is lots to love about North Block Hotel, I won’t forget waking up and walking out onto the balcony to take in the amazing views of the rollings hills. Breathtaking.

AT A GLANCE:

– Price: $$$

– Ambiance: Luxurious, rustic, modern

– Amenities: Free Wifi, heated pool, in-room jacuzzi tub, fireplace, in-room espresso machine, heated bathroom floors

– Services: on-site spa and restaurant, complimentary breakfast

– Location: Washington St. and Madison St., a short walk to many wine rooms and restaurants, but away from heavy foot traffic