Raise a glass in the skies: private jet wine-tasting in Napa Valley
Let’s go back 137 years and imagine we’re meeting Felix Mattei. Why? Here’s how the story begins: in 1886, Swiss American immigrant Felix Mattei saw the potential of a new frontier when he established Mattei's Central Hotel in Los Olivos, California. This place was once a stagecoach stop for travelers en route to the coast, placed in an old dusty town, ready to be transformed and monetized. Because here, the luxury destination emerged as the go-to stop for those travelers and tourists who are indulging in hearty food and drinks, living life to the fullest. Today, Mattei's Tavern remains a Santa Ynez Valley institution, having undergone many changes in ownership and appearance over its century-old history. And this year, the latest iteration of the property was unveiled as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and renamed the Inn at Mattei's Tavern.
Despite the end of stagecoach travel, this pastoral oasis in the heart of Los Olivos is reinventing the way people experience exceptional food and drink. Ready to learn more? Read on!
A new collaboration has been launched by Mattei's Tavern and its affiliated property, Stanly Ranch in Napa, with a private jet company to provide guests with luxurious transportation to and from vineyards. The exclusive Surf Air x The Inn at Mattei's Tavern package, which includes private wine tastings and exclusive access to esteemed wineries and estates in California, was revealed to Robb Report first. According to Dave Elcon, the general manager of the inn, the partnership was established to connect two of Auberge's most esteemed properties in California's wine country, blending the emerging Central Coast region with the renowned Napa Valley.
Stanly Ranch's general manager, Ed Gannon, believes that the most appealing aspect of its offering is its flexibility. What’s more, there is no need to be a wine expert and lover to start uncovering the marvels and magic of what Napa has to offer, in terms of gastronomy and luxurious experiences.
Meanwhile, further down the coast in Oceanside, California, the Mission Pacific Hotel has unveiled the Ultimate Valle Experience. You should know that the trip includes private jet transportation between your stay and Valle de Guadalupe - where you will find some of the most exciting hotels, restaurants, and wineries in the country. Chef Roberto Alcocer expressed his desire to bring a piece of Valle de Guadalupe to Oceanside. With the Ultimate Valle Experience, guests can now embark on an authentic trip, tour, and tasting in their homeland of Baja. The two-night experience includes roundtrip airfare to and from Mexico, accommodations in Mission Pacific's two-bedroom Ethereal Suite, daily breakfast, spa treatments at Sunny's Spa, and a Michelin-rated dinner at Alcocer's restaurant, Valle. You can still indulge in exquisite wines even if you're not on a wine tour. VistaJet's Wine in the Sky offers a specialized wine concierge who can design personalized vineyard tours in California and beyond, as well as coordinate in-flight wine tastings. And According to Diego Sabino, VistaJet's vice president of private dining, the tasting experience is influenced by the pressurized cabin's atmosphere. As a result, taste and smell might be affected differently in the sky compared to on the ground. While fruit flavors may be slightly diminished, bitterness and spiciness should be mostly unaffected, Sabino notes.
Finally, according to Charlie Parker, the general manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the hotel has a reputation for delivering tailor-made programs that cherish the local culture and give you a unique taste of the most innovative collaborations. But be prepared, as this luxurious stay can be booked for around $150,000, featuring a range of oceanfront wine-tasting classes, dinners, guided and tailor-made experiences, and the lushest caviar brunches. All we can say is that the era of private jet wine tours has arrived, so say goodbye to country road trips in search of the perfect beverage!
