Original post: There’s no official word yet from Calistoga Ranch or Meadowood as to the full scope of devastation wrought by the Glass Fire that rampaged through Calistoga and St. Helena in September and October. Parts of the area are still smoldering and are thus still under evacuation orders. All we really know at this point is that both resorts suffered severe damage, with Calistoga Ranch most likely sustaining the greatest loss.
Seven miles apart along Napa’s Silverado Trail, both resorts are known for their ultra-luxurious accommodations tucked amongst lushly forested hillsides. Calistoga Ranch meanders across 157 acres while Meadowood (golf course included) covers 250 acres.
It’s clear from photos published by local news outlets and from Twitter reports that Calistoga Ranch’s incredible spa burned to the ground, as did many (maybe even most?) of the residential-like accommodations.
Meadowood might have been luckier. While the resort’s freestanding 3-star Michelin restaurant was completely destroyed, it sounds like the main estate and most of the lodges might have been saved, though to what extent is still unclear.
Both resorts have established crowd-sourced funds to assist displaced and out-of-work employees. You can find Calistoga’s employee assistance fund here. And Meadowood’s here.
I’ve got a custom-blended jeroboam of Calistoga Ranch meritage in my cellar that I’ve had since 2012 when I attended a special blending event at the resort. Maybe this is the year to open it? Or maybe I wait until the ranch is rebuilt. It would be nice to uncork it onsite.
Update — I just received an email from Meadowood, which reads in part: “As we assess the scope of the damage at Meadowood, we have been uplifted by the significant portion of the estate that the firefighters were able to save. In the burned areas, too, we see a glimmer of light in the prospect of rebuilding these structures to serve even better the needs of guests and members. We will update you on our progress toward reopening.”
Meanwhile, from Twitter:
Vicki Gonzalez on Twitter: “What’s left of 5-star resort Calistoga Ranch @kcranews #GlassFire pic.twitter.com/16zP1QodtO / Twitter”
What’s left of 5-star resort Calistoga Ranch @kcranews #GlassFire pic.twitter.com/16zP1QodtO
The Connoisseur on Twitter: “ConnaSir is despondent that favorite Napa weekend haunts #CalistogaRanch and #Meadowood were severely damaged by the #GlassFire pic.twitter.com/7kcPDG2Wo3 / Twitter”
ConnaSir is despondent that favorite Napa weekend haunts #CalistogaRanch and #Meadowood were severely damaged by the #GlassFire pic.twitter.com/7kcPDG2Wo3
TerryMcSweeney on Twitter: “Heartbreaking loss for the Napa Valley. The Restaurant and Grill at Meadowood have burned to the ground. Other buildings still standing. @nbcbayarea at 8 & 11. pic.twitter.com/5rYNWryE8A / Twitter”
Heartbreaking loss for the Napa Valley. The Restaurant and Grill at Meadowood have burned to the ground. Other buildings still standing. @nbcbayarea at 8 & 11. pic.twitter.com/5rYNWryE8A
