After the rush of harvest, when the last bins are tucked away and the vineyard finally exhales, our family decided it was time for a little rest of our own. We booked a stay-cation just down the road at a hidden gem in Napa Valley — The Cottages of Napa Valley.
The Cottages are run by Mike, a local and one of those rare people who embodies the spirit of small-town Napa: generous, hands-on, and endlessly supportive of small businesses. You’ll often find him working the front desk himself, greeting guests with a genuine smile.
I actually met Mike about a year ago through another local who said, “You’ve got to meet this guy — he loves supporting the small guys.” And I’m so glad I did. When I stopped by the property and poured him a taste of our Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir, he didn’t hesitate, he immediately offered to carry it in the inn’s lobby. Today, The Cottages is the only place in Napa Valley where you can purchase Elkhorn Peak wines outside of ordering directly from us.
But Mike didn’t stop there. He wanted to do something special for our community, so he extended an offer for Elkhorn Peak Wine Club members to receive 15% off accommodations (Sunday–Thursday stays). (Wine Club members, reach out to us directly for the code!) That’s just the kind of guy Mike is.
A few months later, I poured at an event at The Cottages and entered a raffle for a complimentary night’s stay, and wouldn’t you know, I won! So, last week, after a long and busy harvest season, we packed up our little family and headed over for a night away.
From the moment we arrived, it felt like we’d stepped into another world. The property is peaceful and beautifully landscaped; clusters of cozy cottages encircle a wide, grassy courtyard shaded by mature oak trees, with Adirondack chairs scattered about inviting you to slow down. Our little guy, Jett, had a blast running across the lawn, collecting fall leaves.
In the center of the grounds is the Game House, a shared space filled with classic board games, a fridge stocked with drinks, and plenty of comfy spots to relax — all complimentary for guests. The space is decorated with Mike’s own paintings and handmade furniture, which gives it an incredibly personal touch. It’s the kind of authentic charm you just won’t find at the big corporate hotels downtown.
Each cottage has its own private outdoor fireplace, and to make things even better, they provide a s’mores kit to enjoy under the stars. Inside, the space is warm and inviting — rustic luxury done right. We stayed in Cottage #2, which featured a large soaking tub with jacuzzi jets, heated floors, a king bed, and a small but fully stocked kitchen. Jett loved the pull-out couch, which became his own little adventure zone for the night.
And the kitchen, what a thoughtful surprise. It came stocked with fresh eggs, orange juice, coffee, creamer, sodas, snacks, and bottled water, all complimentary. We hadn’t planned on getting into the snack, but Jett had other ideas (thanks, Mike!). It’s incredible how quickly (and quietly) a toddler can get into snacks.
The location couldn’t be better. The Cottages are located 1012 Darms Lane, Napa CA 94558. Darms Lane sits right between downtown Napa and Yountville, so you’re an easy drive from great restaurants, tasting rooms, and markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, yet the property itself feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by vineyards and mature trees on all sides.
And just when we thought our stay couldn’t get any better, we woke up to find a basket of fresh muffins and croissants from Bouchon Bakery waiting at our doorstep before 8 a.m. — a complimentary treat delivered to every guest. It was the perfect way to start a Napa Valley morning.
We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and reminded that some of Napa’s best experiences aren’t the big, flashy ones, they’re the small, heartfelt ones, created by people like Mike who pour their soul into what they do.
Thank you, Mike, for building such a special space and for your unwavering support of Elkhorn Peak and other small businesses in Napa Valley.
And to our Wine Club members — next time you’re planning a getaway in Napa, we can’t recommend The Cottages enough. Be sure to reach out to us for your 15% discount code before you book!
The Cottages of Napa Valley, 1012 Darms Lane, Napa CA 94558.
Phone: +1 707-252-7810
