Private dining with your own crew of friends, family, or colleagues? Think outside the box and contact the venue’s in-house event planner in advance to make arrangements at one of these special North Bay and Wine Country spots that ooze with atmosphere.
Featured Photo: The Brix
Napa
The handsomest house in town is a gracious Queen Anne 1891 mansion meticulously restored as a nine-room luxury B&B on a quiet residential street just 10 minutes’ walk from Downtown Napa. There’s a gorgeous kitchen off the lobby with fireplace and flexible spaces indoors and outdoors are catered for small parties. Have cocktails in the garden, open the sash windows in the breakfast room, gather around the reception room, plan ahead for a takeover of the entire house and spend the night at The George.
Yountville
Popular for farm-to-table experiences since 1996, three private dining rooms have stunning views of the Kelleher Family Vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range. There’s a long wooden table for 12 in The Reserve Wine Cellar off the main dining room. The Oakville Room seats 60. Outside the restaurant, a separate space houses The Cottage to accommodate 24 guests where double French doors lead to a private patio and garden area for cocktails. And for larger events, the Brix Vineyard Dining Space is fully outdoors with room for 250 seated.
Napa
As Napa’s largest resort, The Meritage has several indoor and outdoor spaces for private dining and events of all sizes, including vineyard weddings by the hilltop gazebo. Ballrooms, courtyard fireplaces and fountains, plus a rooftop terrace and lounge with vineyard views round out the options. At the heart of the resort, the Estate Cave is a beautiful customizable venue built into the hillside under a dramatic barrel ceiling with evocative chandelier lighting. At the adjacent Vista Collina property, The Vintner’s Room is an intimate space for up to 120 guests featuring warm wood, exposed brick, iron and candle accents.
Napa
Recognized as one of the best hotel restaurants in America, FARM at Carneros exploits the bounty of Napa and surrounding farmers and ranches with their frequently changing menus. Inspired by their own organic garden, home to 50 varieties of herbs and vegetables, fine dining emphasizes freshness. A private dining room seats up to 12, an attractive space with plenty of natural light, an amber-lit wine wall, and handsome leather chairs. For larger groups, Carneros Resort and Spa has additional private dining venues.
Sausalito
In a historic park setting at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the John Muir Room is dedicated to private dining off the acclaimed Murray Circle Restaurant. The culinary emphasis is all about seasonal, organic, and sustainable ingredients from local purveyors. Two adjoining venues can accommodate 28, or up to 14 each for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A fireplace adds to the ambiance and bridge views are remarkable.
Tiburon
Perched smack on Tiburon’s waterfront on San Francisco Bay, The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina is a new clubhouse-type social dining experience. There’s elevated California cuisine, an innovative cocktail program, and an extensive, curated wine list. For private dining, head upstairs where first floor and second floor spaces can accommodate from 12 (The Listening Room) to 62 (Sun Room or Dining Room) seated guests. Full buyouts for up to 200 guests are also available on request.
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