Silverado Resort: The Gold Standard In Napa, CA

Forbes

8 hours ago

Maintaining its classical beauty, upgraded to modern hospitality standards, Silverado is more appealing than ever.
NAPA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Danny Willett of England plays a shot on the sixth hole during the ... More third round of the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa North course on September 17, 2022 in Napa, California. (Photo by)
Over the past few decades, I've had glorious occasion to stay and play--golf, of course--at Silverado Resort in Napa, California, located in the heart of wine country for the last fifty years and still going strong. PGA golf great--and former resort co-owner-- Johnny Miller grew up in a house by the eleventh hole and helped update the golf courses from the original Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designs. Peregrine Hospitality acquired Silverado in 2022 from KSL and is in the midst of a $14 million restoration of the venerable property, intent on 'strengthening its legacy and expanding its appeal to new and present generations of guests.'
Not that it needed major surgery, mind you! Much of the charm of Silverado Resort has always depended on its unvarnished rustic setting amid the 1200 acres of rolling hills and towering oaks that give the golf courses their traditional parkland character. The accommodations could have formerly been described as shabby chic or Spartan, but Peregrine is intent on changing that impression--upgrading the aesthetic appeal and functionality of its 345 guest rooms. Co-owners of the spacious full-service condos--kitchens and living area included--have collaborated with the new owners to donate the old accoutrements to Habitat for Humanity to make way for the new look. Good karma that…
Newly upgraded guest room
The elegant old bones of the property are due to the efforts of one John Franklin Miller--no relation to the golfer--a lawyer and former general in the Union Army who bought the all-wilderness acreage back in 1869. The Mansion that serves as centerpiece of the resort was Miller's stately home until his death in 1886, and the indoor/outdoor "Mansion Terrace" looks onto the 18th hole of the South Course, serving drinks and comestibles to guests whose timely arrival at sunset is wholly strategic. The shadowy views of 300 species of trees tinted with an orange-red sky is worth the price of admission alone.
Commemorative plaque at Silverado Golf Course.
The above-pictured plaque memorializes some of the many golf greats who have competed at Silverado over the years. Currently, the resort hosts the annual Procore Championship, the first tournament of the FedExCup Fall season, which has been held here since 2014. Compliments are to be given to the management gurus at Troon Golf for their superb maintenance of the golf operations at Silverado--its lush rye-bluegrass blend makes for cushiony fairway shots and the bentgrass/Poana greens are always true-rolling and consistent. The North Course plays longer at 7,166 yards and is guarded by strategically placed water features and copious bunkers, while the shorter South layout has narrower fairways and demands a well-fitting thinking cap.
Kicking it old-school at the Silverado Spa.
The already resplendent spa has also gotten a facelift--its 16,000-square-foot premises are across Atlas Peak Road and feature an expanded fitness center replete with the latest gleaming gadgetry as well as spacious studios for group classes. New flooring and furniture give the place a bright and cheery atmosphere and the updated Boost Cafe joins the resort's other excellent food and beverage offerings. Also recipient of a luxury upgrade is The Grove, which when soon completed will offer an elegant, ind0or-outdoor event space that can host up to 1000 guests. Let the wedding bells ring!
Truth be told, the former f&b offerings at Silverado were in sore need of a makeover and executive chef Patrick Prager is to be commended for his farm-to-table ethos and imaginative offerings at The Grill, the resort's headquarters for three daily meals. The fried chicken sando with fresno chilies and apple slaw is a stone cold winner, hands down. And the wine list is Napa Valley-serious, with vintners like Duckhorn and Alpha Omega gracing a long list of distinguished varietals. P.S., don't forget to visit Forno Pizza at The Market, which makes a great Neapolitan, thin-crust pie and is not to be missed.
Exec chef Patrick Prager, inked-up and ruling his garden roost at Silverado Resort.
Of course, no respectable account of Silverado's palate-pleasing edibles would be complete without props given to the legendary Burgerdog, available on the South Course at the 10th hole or the 6th hole of the North. Custom-grilled per order, the sandwich is essentially a horizontal hamburger, served on a hot dog-shaped bun replete with onions, dill pickles and sweet relish, a divine concoction which originated at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Johnny Miller was a huge fan and made sure that 'Burger Bill' Parrish's original recipe became a staple of on-course offerings at Silverado. Whether hungry or not, golfers are obliged to try one on for size and will never regret the choice. Now play away!
The one and only BurgerDog, the pride of Silverado.