Rare Access
Explore deeper in one of the world's iconic wine regions with master sommelier and Lawrence Wine Estate CEO, Carlton McCoy
June 22- 26, 2023
4 days, 3 nights of exclusive access in Napa Valley
$20,000
Per person, limited to just 14 guests
Floating gently above the world as the sun rises over Napa Valley, you want to take it all in: the golden jaunts of morning light, the farmers — already up and walking the vineyards — glowing like drops of dew from this graceful perspective. Over the past few days, you’ve met trailblazing winemakers who are dedicating their lives to stewarding the bountiful land unfolding below. Each day you’ve gone deeper, learning more about the history — and the future — of this legendary landscape, meeting the farmers and chefs, the artisans and winemakers, who are proud to call this place home. This is the only way to witness Napa, one of the world’s true bastions of natural beauty and a stunning showcase of human potential.
Our host on this very special journey is Carlton McCoy, master sommelier and the CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates. Carlton is a trailblazer in so many ways: one of the youngest master sommeliers in history at age 28 and only the second African-American to earn the distinction. Thanks to years of collaboration and community-building, Carlton has made profound connections to Napa’s iconic chefs and winemakers working their magic across the valley. With Carlton as our guide, we’ll experience Napa as only insiders can, meeting and learning from innovators at the peak of their craft.
Join us for unparalleled access and behind-the-scenes meetups with the winemakers who have made this small stretch of northern California one of the most exciting destinations in the world.
The Paragon Experience
Join us in celebrating the beauty of human potential
Intimate Access
Paragon provides unparalleled access and intimacy. Go deep within the vineyards, meet Napa's most innovative winemakers and chefs, alongside Carlton McCoy.
Force for Good
Paragon supports causes handpicked by our Luminaries. On this departure a $10,000 donation is going to The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of communities of color in the wine industry.
Pinnacle of Craft
Paragon explores the beating heart of Napa, experiencing it through the lens of chefs and winemakers, farmers and culinary artisans, at the peak of their creativity and craft.
Celebrate People & Place
Carlton McCoy is one of the youngest people ever to earn the title of Master Sommelier. He is Napa Valley's first black CEO. Cofounder of nonprofit The Roots Fund. Host of CNN's Nomad travel program, and CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates and its unparalleled collection of iconic Napa Valley vineyards (Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade, Burgess, Stony Hill). Carlton is a remarkable human and the very definition of what it means to be a Paragon Luminary.
The Giveback
We believe that exploration and discovery are essential elements of the human experience.
Force for Good
It is time to redefine luxury as an experience that serves a higher purpose, one that serves to improve the lives of people and places. It's the reason why we are a Certified B Corp. Because how we travel matters.
Handpicked Causes
Each Paragon experience supports charities handpicked by our Luminaries. On this departure a $10,000 donation is going to The Roots Fund, a nonprofit cofounded by Carlton McCoy and dedicated to supporting communities of color in the wine industry.
People & Planet
Our goal is that the places we visit are protected and flourishing for future generations. It’s why we are a certified Climate Neutral business, and why we support environmental and social-justice nonprofits.
Day by Day
Day 1
Welcome to Napa — the pinnacle of American wine country and California’s original AVA (American Viticultural Area). After checking into Bardessono, our home for the next three nights, we’ll have time for a stroll around downtown Yountville, whose bougainvillea-covered brick buildings and public art sculptures are scattered among some of the world’s finest Michelin-star restaurants.
Then it’s off to meet Carlton for welcome cocktails and dinner in nearby St Helena at PRESS, famed for its Napa Valley-only wine collection; at 10,000 bottles spanning five decades, it’s the largest in the world. Rare pours aren’t the only appeal here: with French Laundry alum Phil Tessier helming the kitchen, the menu is deliciously rooted in style and ingredients to the Napa Valley.
After dinner, Chef Tessier will join us for a private talk about his team’s adventures competing in — and ultimately winning — the Bocuse d’Or cooking competition (the first Americans to do so).
Day 1 Highlights
- Welcome cocktails with Carlton
- Dinner at PRESS
- After-dinner meetup with PRESS Chef Phil Tessier
- Stay at Bardessono in Yountville
Day 2
There’s no better start to a day than with a sunrise yoga session with master yogini Pilar Caso, to awaken us in mind, body and spirit. After yoga and breakfast, we’ll head out for a private tasting with winemaker Jaimee Motley of Stony Hill. A pioneer of California Chardonnay since its first vintage in 1952, Stony Hill was arguably Napa’s first cult wine-producer. Jaimee and Carlton will walk us through their vision for reinventing this historic estate, now part of the Lawrence family.
Our lunch is a private meal with Charter Oak’s three-Michelin star chef, Christopher Kostrow, one of the valley’s true culinary icons. After an incredible meal we’ll pay a visit to Heitz Cellar Estate for barrel tasting — the vineyards at Heitz are planted in six of Napa’s sub-appellations, giving us an unmatched breadth of terroir — with winemaker Brittany Sherwood.
How to end this already unforgettable day? With a private dinner at Ink Grade, a Lawrence estate set among the vines of Howell Mountain. Our dinner companion tonight is winemaker Matt Taylor, who’ll share his winemaking techniques and passion for organic and biodynamic farming.
Day 2 Highlights
- Yoga with Pilar Caso
- Tasting at Stony Hill with Jaimee Motley
- Lunch with Christopher Kostrow
- Tasting at Heitz with Brittany Sherwood
- Dinner at Ink Grade with Matt Taylor
- Stay at Bardessono in Yountville
Day 3
A balloon ride above Napa’s rolling hills and vineyards — if only every morning could start like this! We’ll celebrate our leisurely flight with a Champagne breakfast al fresco, then freshen up at our hotel before heading to Dalla Valle Vineyards, one of Napa’s preeminent family-run wineries. Here we’ll meet founder, farmer and proprietor Naoko Dalla Valle, and sample her exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons.
Lunch is among the heritage vines at Haynes Vineyard, a storied property that is now part of the Lawrence Wine family. Our next stop is a special one: the Inglenook Château for a private tasting of library Rubicon vintages in the historic cellars.
We’ll have the afternoon to wander Yountville on our own before reconvening for dinner with Carlton at legendary, Michelin three-star The French Laundry. Even as our spectacular meal draws to a close, the night is not over! Carlton is hosting a private afterparty at Brendel Wines with the cool young winemakers who are putting their own stamp on the future of Napa.
Day 3 Highlights
- Morning balloon ride
- Tasting with Naoko Dalla Valle
- Al fresco lunch at Haynes Vineyard
- Private tasting at Inglenook Château
- Dinner at The French Laundry
- Stay at Bardessono in Yountville
Day 4
Over breakfast we’ll talk with winemakers Meghan Zobeck and Macy Stubstad about the regenerative and biodynamic farming practices at Clos Abeille Vineyard. It’s named in honor of the bees that inhabit its pollinator gardens; after breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to the estate’s apiary for a hands-on beekeeping class!
Today’s lunch is at bistro Don Giovanni, beloved throughout the valley for its fresh take on traditional Italian. After lunch — one last winery visit to taste and toast at Burgess Cellars, whose original vineyards date back to 1880. Our breakfast companion, Meghan, will talk about her team’s work transforming the property into a haven for ‘promiscuous’ farming, combining regenerative farming with the cultivation of livestock. We can’t think of a finer finish to our Napa adventure than this celebration of timeless wisdom and beauty.
As we lift our glasses, we’ll toast Carlton and each other, but above all, we’ll salute the Napa Valley itself, its past, present, and future.
Day 4 Highlights
- Breakfast with Meghan Zobeck & Macy Stubstad
- Hands-on beekeeping at Clos Abeille
- Lunch at Don Giovanni
- Biodynamic farm tour & tasting at Burgess Cellars
Where We Sleep
A gorgeous and stunning base camp in the heart and soul of Napa
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
YountvilleThis stunning, design-forward property in the heart of Yountville matches environmental care (it's one of only three Platinum LEED-certified hotels in the country) with verdant gardens and playful outdoor art sculptures. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls let in the abundant natural light at every turn. Take in panoramic views of the mountains from the rooftop pool, or simply relax and recharge in the spa.
Essential Info
For questions or to speak with a Paragon travel concierge, please call or text +1 (503) 487-0363 or email paragon@modernadventure.com
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What does the price include?
Three nights at unique, boutique accommodations; exclusive VIP access, culinary experiences, and tastings; private access with local guides and cultural experts; private travel and transportation from beginning to end, including transfers to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as required; all entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners including Michelin-star dining at some of Napa’s most iconic kitchens.
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What does the price not include?
Air travel to/from Napa Valley; travel insurance; activities not included in the itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for our Paragon tour leader.
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Who is going on this trip?
This exclusive Paragon experience is limited to 14 guests, plus Carlton McCoy and our Paragon team. You can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 21 and above.