Calwineries

The Ritz in Napa

Anyone who has lived in or frequented the Napa Valley over the past couple of decades knows how much the region has changed. There was a time in the not so distant past when the valley was known for its prune orchards and state hospital rather than fine wine and restaurants.

Even as the towns of St Helena and Yountville became world-class destinations, much of the city of Napa remained relatively unchanged until a few years ago. The construction of Copia as well as the flood control project, with its new bridges and infrastructure improvements, has made downtown Napa a much more inviting place.

And now the rumors have been confirmed that the Ritz Carlton is coming to the city. The 351 room hotel will be located right across the Napa River from Copia, and will include a number of luxury condominiums.

Local reaction to the announcement has been mixed, but it appears that the project has been given the go ahead. A now defunct project called the Napa Resort and Spa was originally going to be built on the land. The same number of rooms was approved, and all that is left to do is get a few design changes through the city. So it sounds like there will indeed be a Ritz Carlton in Napa; something few would have predicted a decade ago.