Kenwood – Blair Spangler

Bike our hills for speed and endurance

2 of our properties are located near on a ridge It is downhill all the way in both directions for the advanced rider. Some areas are rather steep on the 2 lane paved roads. Picturesque and challenging. Stop in town for lunch or a wine tasting. You can ride back up or we can arrange to collect your group and the bikes for the return. Alternatively, bikes can be rented in one of the bucolic local villages for a day on the valley floor among the vines and wineries. Guided tours between wineries can be choreographed.

Board Games

Ouija, Monopoly, Risk, Rummikub, Scrabble, Clue, Twister, Pictionary, Electronic Catch Phrase, and more. Pls inquire for specific games.

Bocce in the backyard

Located near the main house and in view from the kitchen window, this is often the source of hours of friendly competition and conversation over the course of a stay at the St Helena and Kenwood estates.

Boot Camp

The trainer can come to the property & is able to work with a diversified group and varying ranges of skill. Guests are encouraged to work with the t racer prior to arrival to design a progressive set of training sessions to best meet your goals and skill. Any combination of exercise is possible. The trainers can use what is at the property to build something very unique and challenging.

Cheese Making Class

Janet, a famous chef and writer, is an excellent teacher with an unparalleled knowledge of cheese. She has written over 30 books and her writing has appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, Saveur, and Food & Wine. Perhaps her most noteworthy experience was cooking at Chez Panisse with Alice Waters in the “early years”. Teams can work in a competitive fashion if so desired.

Chefs Share Their Knowledge

Our chefs always welcome our guests into the kitchen. If a relatively in-depth explanation or demonstration is desired, please advise the chef in advance so they can plan accordingly to have the time and staff to see to your preferences.

Chefs Tastings

We describe 2 popular tastings; our chefs can curate other delicacies that might be to a groups preference; please inquire.
Caviar is a highly prized delicacy. Teams can work in a competitive fashion if so desired.A caviar tasting is an opportunity to indulge in the luxurious experience of savoring the world’s finest caviar. Sparking wine or champagne pairs exquisitely
A tasting of regional olive oils is a meal and a class. Learn about the oils, flavorings, cooking and of course consuming. Caifornia olive oils range from mild and buttery to robust and peppery largely influenced by the type of olives and the region where they were grown.

Cooking Classes on any topic or style

All our properties have commercial grade kitchens and equipment for our chefs. The St Helena property has 2 kitchens, one being a professional demonstration kitchen with adjoining classroom which is an optimal set up for a cooking class for up to 24. Cooking classes afford a great opportunity for guests to work in competitive teams while learning or perfecting a skill.

Cornhole

A popular outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Easy to learn and does not require any special skills, can be played casually or competitively. A game that can be played with teams or as individuals, and can accommodate any number of players, a great option for socializing.

Dinner theater or Burlesque Performance

Performances that combine magic, sword swallowing, juggling and clowning have a way of drawing the audience into a fantastical world where anything is possible!

Ghost stories around the Fire

A ghost story competition challenges participants to create engaging stories ranging from horror to mystery to fantasy. Typically the winner is chosen either via a designated judge or group vote. The competition is a spine-tingling affair, with entrants conjuring up terrifying tales of haunted houses, vengeful spirits, and cursed objects. This competition is a fabulous showcase to team members creative and imaginative talents.

Have a costume Ball at our Calistoga Property

The tradition of masquerade balls dates back to medieval Europe, where they were often held as part of carnival celebrations.. Attendees are encouraged to build elaborate costumes from the treasures of our very own costume closet. The Calistoga Hideout is the perfect venue venue -historically accurate and thus a truly immersive environment evoking an experience of time travel. Specific historic characters of the Wild West can be embodied for the night. Our in house library is full of books to choose characters from. Add an extra layer of magic with live musicians and dancing. Overall, a thrilling and unforgettable experience, where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, and anything can happen.

Hiking the wonders of Napa and Sonoma

There are 100’s of regional and state parks to choose from with a seemingly infinite variety of terrains and views. From redwood forests to coastal cliffs, from vineyard overlooks to the pacific ocean. We can arrange a knowledgeable local guide. Remember hiking can be combined with wine tasting, bird-watching, nature photography, etc.

Historian, entertainer, Poet

A local historian and entertainer will educate and entertain you group form the point of view of your chosen historical figure. Since 2001 George Webber has regaled thousands with historic re-enactment walking tours of Sonoma and Napa, wine lectures, historic events, cooking shows, and more. Performing as a variety of different characters, George Webber is a living legend in Sonoma.

Magician, Mentalist, Entertainer

World-renowned Jay Alexander’s uniquely combines classic sleight of hand with cutting-edge technology and psychology. Known for his mind-bending mentalism routines, in which he seems to read the thoughts of audience, he is also famous for his use of technology, incorporating iPads, holograms, and other digital tools. Aware that teams are hard-working., he connects with them quickly and can customize a show to include products, brand messages and specific objectives.

Murder Mystery

A murder mystery party affords a study of an historical period with interactive role-playing.. Typically, one person is designated as the “murderer,” and the other participants must solve the crime by interviewing suspects, examining evidence, and piecing together clues. A professional host can take the party to an elevated level of fun and entertainment typically providing a script, character descriptions, and clues for the players to follow. The game can last for an entire evening and even include live musical accompaniment. Our costume closet, filled with period cowboy and victorian costuming and accessories in many sizes, guarantees a remarkable experience.

Name that tune around the fire

We have several options of extremely talented musicians capable of virtuoso cover stylings to challenge and delight your group around one of our fire pits – a favorite pastime for many of our visitors

Our Chefs Share Their Knowledge

Our chefs always welcome our guests into the kitchen. If a relatively in-depth explanation or demonstration is desired, pls advise the chef in advance so she/he can plan accordingly to have the time and staff to see to your preferences

Outdoor Movies

We can project from any digital file. Set up locations are varied including viewing from our swimming pools.

Painting “en plein air”

Connect with nature while developing new skills. By painting outdoors, artists become more aware of the natural world and the way that it changes throughout the day and seasons. Plein air painters must work quickly and spontaneously, often completing a painting in a single sitting. Plein air painting can be a form of meditation or mindfulness practice, helping artists to be present in the moment. Class can be out of doors or even in one of the estate living rooms with a still life arrangement

Perfume Making

over 400 ingredients can be explored, a 10oz eau de toilette or a single note perfume can be created. Makes a wonderful souvenir from the trip available in travel sizes.
Include a Tarot reading to augment the range of the experience.

Star Gazing around the Fire

Our remote properties provide excellent dark skies for Star Gazing. We can arrange for an astronomy expert to lead you through the heavenly wonders above. Star Guides will give your group a tour of the constellations, point out particular stars, planets, and other objects in the sky, educate guests about various astronomy topics, and overall give your group a stellar experience! Star Guides will point out items in the night sky using a high-powered laser pointer, binoculars, and/or telescope.

Swimming pool games & competition

Water exercise class is fun as is floating and dreaming for hours. Each pool is different. The St Helena pool is the largest: 60 ft long vanishing edge pool is chlorine free. Because this pool is solar heated, it only is swimmable seasonally, normally too cold Nov through April. The other pools can be mechanically heated for a fee Andy time of the year.

Yoga or Pilates Mat Class on our sun deck

The instructor comes to the property, is able to work with a diversified group and varying ranges of skill. You are welcome to confer with her prior to design a class to your specifications. We provide mats at all houses.