When you think of Napa Valley, what comes to mind? Images of picturesque rolling hills with miles of vineyards, world class restaurants with food and wine to die for, pampering at exquisite spas, luxurious resorts and quaint bed and breakfasts, right? Well, I bet your first thought isn’t that you would find eco-friendly lodging there, or if you did that you would actually want to stay there with all of the tempting alternatives. Think again…
In May of 2007 Jim Gunther and Jamie Cherry of San Francisco, CA, took the reins as the new innkeepers of The Inn on First, a contemporary bed and breakfast located in the heart of Napa. Jim and Jamie brought a fresh look and a fervor to excel in service to their guests. What distinguishes their deluxe bed and breakfast from any other in Napa Valley is not only the touch of San Francisco style they have added to the decor, and their focus on hospitality as a personalized gift to their guests, but their commitment to contribute to an improved way of living and environmental consciousness. The Inn on First is certified by the California green lodging association, and has won awards for service to the community for their outstanding recycling efforts.
From the moment you step through the doors of The Inn on First, you are greeted with a feeling of coming home. Jim and Jamie help orchestrate your memorable stay in the wine country, and it’s their combined talents that shape your experience. Situated on a quiet street in downtown Napa, this American craftsman style B&B offers luxury, pampering, and peaceful surroundings, plus you can feel good that you’re staying at a property that is environmentally conscious.
The Inn on First consists of 5 Mansion Rooms located in the original estate and 5 Garden Suites built in 2003. As we entered our Garden suite entitled “Vintage Reserve,” the relevance of the name was immediately apparent. Rich, cherry wood and burgundy-colored furnishings contrasted with the Jacuzzi tub, porcelain sinks and huge walk-in shower. The room was breathtaking, yet maintained a cozy, intimate feel to it. Stepping out onto the balcony nestled under a 150-year-old oak tree; you overlook the beautiful lush garden where rosemary grows like a weed. The king-size bed was incredibly luxurious and comfortable; I think I slept better in it than my own. And if you think it was hard to get out of the bed, you’ll have a harder time getting out of the shower…I almost couldn’t believe they used low-flow fixtures.
If the suite and its amenities weren’t enough, wait until you hear about the breakfast. As a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Chef Jim prepares mouth-watering, gastronomic adventures for his guests each day. This is just one part of what makes The Inn on First experience so unique. Almost everything is homemade with fresh, in-season, locally grown ingredients and most recipes can be made gluten-free as well. One day it could be the chocolate pasta with tofu-walnut sauce and a poached egg, the next…sushi omelets filled with salted zucchini and green onion served with hot mustard and wasabi cream. The chocolate pasta, made with cocoa powder and not sweet chocolate, presents just a hint of cocoa in the back of your throat and pairs nicely with the walnuts. The tofu is a low-fat version of ricotta cheese and allows dairy-free guests to enjoy the meal. The sushi omelets are great for gluten-free and/or dairy-free guests. The dish looks cold when it arrives, but as you take a bite you realize that it is hot, with a crusty, crunchy exterior and a soft and sticky interior. Definitely to die for!
So, with all this luxury, you’re thinking…is this really an eco-friendly property? It absolutely is and the innkeepers provide guests with the following in-room green solutions to maintain their commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle.
- Low-flow water sources and tank-less water heaters.
- Kitchen composting.
- Re-usable glassware instead of paper or plastic, as well as stainless-steel water bottles replacing plastic water bottles.
- In-room recycle bins.
- Energy-saving light bulbs.
- In-room climate control. Each room has a personal air-conditioning/cooling unit, heat source and ceiling fan.
- Luxury toiletries from Gilchrist & Soames. The BeeKind® Collection features formulations which contain no parabens, phthalates, petrol-derived ingredients, mineral oil, urea, DEA, TEA or propylene glycol, use recyclable packaging and are free of any artificial colors or dyes. A portion of the proceeds (paid by the Innkeepers) are donated to support honey bee and sustainable pollination research.
- Household natural cleaning products that protect both the environment and the housekeepers who use them.
- Sheet and towel replacement by request only, saving both energy and water.
- House-made snacks. This reduces unnecessary packaging/shipping, which reduces pollution that is derived from automobile based distribution & paper waste.
- Food storage bags that are composed of clear 100% Home-Compostable cellulose product made from wood fiber that causes nearly zero environmental impact.
- Pens that are made from recycled wood, tires and plastic.
- Natural gardening products are used to keep the grounds in pristine condition.
- High-quality 100% recycled tissue.
- Organic and shade-grown coffee options in each room.
- Ceramic cups instead of Styrofoam.
- Loose-leaf teas in the dining room, which means no tea bags to dispose of.
If all this isn’t enough, Jim and Jamie also coordinate excursions including private wine tours and hot air ballooning and make recommendations for dining at local, organic restaurants. One of their suggestions for us was Ubuntu, a unique restaurant that offers diners a bounty of local, biodynamically gardened produce, handled with care and skill by talented artisans and chefs providing an unparallel experience connecting diners to the bounty of the earth. Some of the menu items include: beets, roasted potatoes, borscht sauce, and greens; the Snake Salad with beautiful micro-greens and a light dusting of “dirt” (dehydrated mushrooms and walnuts); potato and mushroom “pillows” in a lovely mushroom reduction sauce; and warm focaccia with truffled pecorino from Florence and apricot/almond agrodolce. This was definitely a unique and memorable dining experience!
So, when you’re booking your next trip to wine country, don’t miss including The Inn on First as part of your stay. Jim and Jamie will take excellent care of you and you can do your part in supporting a truly eco-friendly bed and breakfast resort.