There are some trips that instantly feel like home, no matter how far you’ve traveled. For me, that feeling always comes alive in Napa Valley—especially when I’m staying with Auberge Resorts. As a California girl through and through, the golden hills, the rolling vineyards, and the crisp air of wine country will forever hold a special place in my heart. And this fall, I had the joy of calling Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, my home for a little while.
From the moment I arrived, I knew this trip would be one of those soul-refreshing escapes. Napa in autumn has its own kind of magic—the light is softer, the vines glow with hints of amber and gold, and the pace of life seems to slow down just enough to let you savor every moment. It’s the perfect season for cozy sweaters, long walks through the vineyards, and, of course, a glass of velvety red at sunset.
A Villa That Felt Like Home
What I loved most about Stanly Ranch was the way it perfectly balanced elegance with comfort. Our villa was more than just a place to stay—it felt like a home away from home. With its indoor-outdoor design, it welcomed the beauty of Napa right inside. Every evening, as the sun dipped low, golden rays spilled across the deck, painting everything in a warm, honeyed glow.
The space itself was incredible—a full kitchen, multiple airy rooms, and a sprawling outdoor deck overlooking the vineyards. It was the kind of place where you could host a family dinner, curl up with a book in the afternoon, or simply sit outside with a glass of wine and watch the world turn golden. There’s a comfort in being somewhere that feels lived in, yet elevated—a retreat that offers luxury without ever feeling out of reach.
Embracing the Napa Pace
If there’s one thing Napa teaches you, it’s the art of slowing down. Days at Stanly Ranch were unhurried, filled with simple joys: sipping coffee on the deck in my nubby knit sweater, slipping on a straw cowboy hat before heading out for a walk, or sitting with loved ones while the sound of laughter carried through the crisp valley air.
This trip was all about wellness and wine—two things Napa does best. There’s something deeply restorative about a place that invites you to both indulge and restore. A morning spent in stillness, breathing in the vineyard air, followed by an evening celebrating with family over a bottle of wine—it’s balance in its truest form.
The Beauty of Fall in Wine Country
Napa in the fall is unlike anywhere else. The vineyards shift into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, rust, and burgundy, and there’s a quiet romance in the way the valley prepares for winter. Even the air carries a kind of richness—cooler, crisper, yet softened by the warmth of the sun.
Everywhere you look, there’s a reminder of nature’s rhythm. The harvest season is in full swing, and you can feel the energy of the land itself—buzzing with life, yet serene at the same time. It’s a season of abundance and gratitude, the perfect backdrop for making memories with family.
A Retreat to Remember
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the beauty of Napa, or even the elegance of Stanly Ranch. It was the way it all came together—the setting, the slower pace, the laughter of family echoing through the villa. It was a reminder that sometimes the greatest luxury isn’t in doing more, but in doing less, and doing it with intention.
Traveling with Auberge always feels like a dream, but this stay reminded me why I love Napa Valley so much. It’s not just about the wine, or the scenery, or the indulgence—it’s about how the place makes you feel: grounded, connected, and completely alive in the moment.
As I packed my things and slipped my cozy sweater into my bag, I knew this wasn’t just another trip. It was a memory I’ll carry with me, one that embodies the essence of fall, of family, and of the quiet luxury that makes Napa Valley so unforgettable.
Because sometimes the best kind of travel isn’t about escaping your life—it’s about finding pieces of yourself again, in places that feel like home.
