For those passionate about wine and history, Napa and Carmel have some unique outings to offer. If you’re more interested in good causes, or just good times, opportunities in Sausalito and San Mateo are knocking at your door.
SIP Mark the 44th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris wine competition, in which Napa Valley prevailed over France, at the new Judgment of Napa, postponed until Oct. 28 and 29, by Angela Duerr’s Cultured Vine (culturedvine.com). Some 50 guests paying $15,000 each will deliberate anew over French and American wines with judge Steven Spurrier and journalist George Taber, both present on the historical day. Another 50 guests may watch and sip other wines for $1,500 each.
A Napa Valley vineyard
SHOP Chokers and lariats made the spring/summer 2020 runways, but to make a humanitarian statement, try the Heart of Gold pendant in solid 14K gold ($695) by Sausalito’s Collective Hearts (collectivehearts.co), which benefits the Jacmel Children’s Center for orphans in Haiti.
SEE A game of tenpins goes luxe at San Mateo’s new Pinstripes Bowling (private events for 20 to 1,000 guests range from $5,000 to $300,000, pinstripes.com). Italian-American cuisine (salmon, pizza, filet mignon), wine and spirits, bocce courts and bowling lanes are found amid its 33,000 square feet.
STAY Retreats go retro at The Camp at Carmel Valley (rooms $325, camp buyouts $35,000, campcarmelvalley.com). Former Marriott executive Joy Berry is behind the two-year transformation of the property, founded as a girls’ summer camp in 1926, into an upscale compound with 37 cabins, dining areas, hiking trails, stargazing, equine classes and more, due to open for Memorial Day weekend.
Camp Carmel’s great room
Photography by: From top: Ben Finch for Cultured Vine; Marlena Montaney
