You'll literally want to stay in at Napa's The Setting Inn

You'll literally want to stay in at Napa's The Setting Inn

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But seriously, you won't want to leave.

Previously the Napa Vineyard Inn, this quaint 1901 farmhouse was completely renovated under new ownership and reopened as The Setting Inn Napa Valley in June. The owners are also two of the proprietors of The Setting Wines, which famously sold one of its bottles for a record-breaking (and honestly, unimaginable) $350,000 in a 2017 charity auction. Complimentary tastings of these now-cult bottlings are offered to all guests at The Setting Inn.


(Bob McClenahan)

Located in the serene Oak Knoll district (an unincorporated Napa community), The Setting Inn sits conveniently between downtown Napa and Yountville. It's quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the two towns, but tons of great food, wine, and shopping are a mere five-to-ten minute's drive away—or better yet, a quick ride on the Napa Valley Vine Trail aboard one of the inn's complimentary electric cruisers. If you want to stick close to your room, go wine tasting at the historic Trefethen Vineyards or the mid-century modern-inspired Ashes & Diamonds, and grab lunch or dinner from Napa Valley icon Bistro Don Giovanni.

Each of the oversized and uniquely-furnished rooms is named after a Napa Valley wine growing region and features heated bathroom floors, a soaking tub, fireplace, and either a balcony or porch offering vineyard views. The vibe is contemporary, yet also extremely cozy with a mixture of textures—think, wood, leather, and woven baskets, rugs, and tapestries—and an abundance of greenery, which adds some color to an otherwise neutral palette. A separate two-bedroom, two-bath cottage called the Premier Suite is a great option for families or couples traveling together.


These rooms have luxury written all over them, but The Setting Inn doesn't take themselves too seriously. Playful touches can be found throughout, like a brown paper message board, yoga mat, and Tic Tac Toe. In the morning, a tray of fresh Bouchon Bakery pastries and orange juice is delivered to your door.

(Bob McClenahan)

The Setting encourages guests to be social, however; and a myriad of outdoor nooks scattered across the property's vineyard-bounded acre lure them out from their nesting place. A large deck extends from the back of the house with comfortable lounge areas and tables, setting the scene for an aperitif and a cheese plate before dinner. A grassy lawn lends itself to lawn games, like Connect Four or Ladder Ball, and the fire pit is the go-to spot for sharing a bottle of wine with new friends as the sun sets behind the Mayacamas Mountains.

Yet the centerpiece of this quiet courtyard is the renovated red barn. Beyond the sliding barn door is a masculine living room with plush and leather chairs, a guitar, and a giant, Instagrammable living wall that reads "These are the days"—and one can't help but agree.

// The Setting Inn rates start at $509 per night during high season; 1205 Hillview Ln (Napa), thesettinginn.com.

Bob McClenahan

Take a complimentary electric cruiser down the Napa Valley Vine Trail.


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