Napa Valley boasts any number of luxury hotels poised to take advantage of vineyard views, but few are nestled so closely amongst the vines as Alila Napa Valley. The resort is adjacent to historic Beringer Vineyards, and many of its sumptuous guest rooms are within arm’s length of the winery’s grapes, making it a particularly picturesque site for weddings.
The three-acre property is steps from St. Helena’s quaint downtown district, yet its vineyard location, with views of the Mayacamas mountains, feels like a world away. For those desiring wine country nuptials, Alila Napa Valley is ideal, providing a wide variety of ceremony and reception venues that take full advantage of its stellar setting. And with an intimate 64 rooms, the resort is a perfect choice for wedding buyouts.
Alila offers what is perhaps one of the most unique ceremony settings in all of Napa—a theatre-like option that allows for three-tier seating. Utilizing the wrap-around, second- and third-level balconies of four corner king rooms, guests are offered a birds-eye view of the “I dos,” which take place poolside below. If elevation is not a priority, other site options include the expansive Acacia Lawn or the Acacia Barn with its dramatic, vaulted ceilings. A neutral color palate of gray and beige provides an ideal backdrop for preferred florals and linens. Many wedding parties opt to utilize all of the spaces: ceremony by the pool with vineyard backdrop, followed by cocktails on the lawn, and within a new adjacent outdoor lounge, followed by dinner in the barn. “The flow is exceptional,” said Mary Carley, Alila Napa Valley’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Events.
Additional options are afforded by Alila’s close partnership with neighboring Beringer. Many guests choose to hold a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, or reception at one locale, followed or preceded by the other. A walking bridge that connects the two properties makes for easy transitions. Whatever the order, food and beverage at either promises to be stellar. At Alila Napa Valley, Culinary Director Thomas Lents oversees events with the same attention to detail he provides the resort’s lauded Acacia House restaurant. A former chef de cuisine of Joel Robuchon’s namesake restaurant, Lents was the first American hired by Robuchon as a chef. His cuisine is local, seasonal, and artisanal, and the presentation by his culinary team replicates that of a fine dining restaurant. As expected within wine country, the vinous options are plentiful, as are the crafted cocktail choices, many of which utilize herbs and botanicals found on the property. “The cuisine, beverages, place settings (we use Heath Ceramics), and décor experienced at one of our events are exactly what you would experience within our restaurant,” said Carley. “The presentation and the food are second to none.”
While Alila Napa Valley is an adults-only property (18 and above), young guests are more than welcome at special events.
