Savor the Taste of Napa
After losing their grounds in the 2017 Atlas Fire, the folks at Roy Estate have rebuilt and reopened, and they’re welcoming wine lovers looking to gather somewhere special. Indulge in a Roy Estate Exclusive Access Experience (for groups of six to 16), which includes use of private guest spaces, a canapé reception and a meal prepared by estate chef Tom Stafford with paired grands crus wines (availability may be limited). The three-hour experience also includes a guided vineyard walk and a chance to taste unreleased barrel samples. Plan ahead — inquiries should be made at least 60 days in advance. For a more intimate experience, an Estate Tasting exploring Roy Estate’s portfolio can be booked for as few as two or as many as 14. Exclusive experience starts at $2,700, tasting experience, $175 per person. 1220 Soda Canyon Road, Napa
Grab the Best Seat in the House
Tired of getting shushed in the movie theater for having a little too much fun with your moviegoing friends? Well, at Tiburon’s brand new state-of-the-art Cinelounge®, you and up to 60 friends can make all the noise you want as you enjoy new movies, old movies, TV or sports games or get into the action and play Playstation, karaoke — you can even host a silent disco party. And don’t worry, you will be well taken care of as you lounge in the Lagoon Room’s Jonathan Adler–designed swivel chairs, beanbags and custom designer sofas as dedicated staff run the movie and bring you the company’s own organic and biodynamic wines, delicious bites and some of the best gourmet popcorn you may have ever had. Open for all ages and it is recommended to book early; visit the website for booking information. Hourly rate is $450. Cinelounge Tiburon, 40 Main Street, Tiburon
Take to the Skies
A flight with Scanlon Aviation will interest sightseers and potential pilots alike. As a flight school, Scanlon teaches the ins and outs of flying, but anyone looking for unparalleled views is welcome, too. A flying lesson with a Certified Flight Instructor here includes preflight discussions on the process and methods involved in piloting an aircraft, and once you’re airborne, you’ll get a hands-on lesson in aerodynamics, maneuvers, how planes fly and how to fly them — and yes, that means you take the controls, no experience required. Flights, whether it’s a lesson or a sightseeing excursion (which is still educational but won’t require flying the plane yourself), take about an hour to 90 minutes in a comfortable Cirrus SR20 G6. Hourly rate for lessons or sightseeing flights starts at $500. 451 Airport Road, Novato
Spa All Year Round
If there is a wellness lover on your gift list this year, we have found the ultimate indulgence. Stanly Ranch’s recently opened (and highly touted) Halehouse is offering a monthly membership and it is a dream come true for spa and fitness fans. The monthly package includes unlimited access to Spring House (salt therapy, wet and dry sauna, cold plunge bath and hyperbaric oxygen chamber), Fieldhouse movement studio, the luxe pool at Halehouse and all movement classes as well as one 60-minute treatment and two guest passes per month. Who says you can’t buy happiness? 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa price available upon request
At-Home Cooking for Gourmands
Why not give the foodies on your list something special this year? Christina Cavallaro and Sandra Enterline are cooks and hosts with an infectious knack for cultivating joyful experiences, and they offer in-home cooking lessons for up to 10 people. The epicurean affair will begin with a seasonal cocktail to get the party started, followed by a one-hour cooking lesson that includes one dish on the menu. The rest of the meal will come pre-prepared, ready to reheat and serve at your convenience (take-home recipes for the dishes will be provided for all the guests). When booking the experience, recipients will work with Cavallaro and Enterline to create a seasonal menu that is completely customizable. Dinner and a party, anyone? Price varies based on menu and number of guests and is available upon request.
