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Westlake Village Inn Unveils Premiere New Med Spa Facility

September 21, 2020 - admin3

Beauty and relaxation are the main focus at Starr MedSpa. Set inside the opulent new Spa Relais, it sits as the crown jewel of the luxury compound known as the Westlake Village Inn properties. The newest addition to the property was finished earlier this year and boasts unique amenities such as an authentic Himalayan salt sauna, dry sauna and – exclusively to Spa Relais – a snow shower imported from Italy. Every Starr MedSpa appointment gets to enjoy the luxury amenities for the entire day.

Relaxation begins when you are greeted at the door with a beverage of your choice from one of our highly trained professionals. Donning personal robes and slippers affords you access to the beautiful Murano Lounge until our next staff member ushers you to an afternoon of bliss. After your service at the Med Spa, indulge yourself in relaxing poolside, and enjoying the hand crafted menu and drinks. The pool is surrounded by a training facility that overlooks a Japanese koi pond and 14 custom traditional mediterranean-style rooms.

Starr MedSpa provides all the top procedures by Nurse Tenley, who also serves as the chief Nurse Injector. Services include all injectables, such as Botox, Dysport and Fillers. Anti-aging treatments such as microneedling, PRP, IV hydration and hair restoration are but a few of the rejuvenative arrows in their impressive quiver. State of the art Lumenis Laser machines ensure that all laser hair removal, IPL and acne treatments deliver the finest results for our clientele. Those wanting to turn back mother nature’s clock will find our highly sought after selection of ‘Life Hacks’, such as B12 shots, Lipo-plex, and booster packages for energy and weight loss. Getting ready for your Big Day? Our Custom Bridal Packages will be the talk of the town! Tenley Starr Fabian, owner and proprietor, has hand-picked her experienced team to provide ‘second to none’ level aesthetic procedures and services to people enjoying their stay on the Westlake Village Inn grounds. She is accompanied by her medical director, world renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Sykes. Tedious attention to detail, paired with a bespoke and white-glove experience makes her partnership with Spa Relais at Westlake Village Inn a match made in heaven.

”Our expert team at Starr MedSpa is excited to provide the finest and most natural treatments to our patients”, said Tenley. “Discerning queens and kings looking for a relaxing day along with a premiere cosmetic treatment can pre-book appointments by calling us at (805) 244-6909 or by emailing contact@starrmedspa.com. For a full list of services and more information about the Med Spa, visit us online at starrmedspa.com”. Services commence July 1 2020!

Spa Relais Opening July 1st

July 2, 2020 - admin3

RELAX | RESTORE | REVIVE

Spa Relais, the Westlake Village Inn’s world-class retreat is scheduled to open on July 1st to the delight of local residents and eager health-and-wellness enthusiasts from far and wide.

Inspired by the great spas of Europe, the property includes a 25,000-square-foot luxury spa, a fully equipped gym, a magnificent pool, and two lounge areas, a health-conscious café, and a 14-suite boutique hotel.

Spa Relais has also partnered with Starr MedSpa to provide all the top procedures. Services will include all injectables, such as Botox, Dysport, and Fillers. Anti-aging treatments such as micro-needling, PRP, IV hydration, and hair restoration to name a few.

Spa Relais an exceptional destination for those who crave high-end spa treatments in a luxe environment.

The architectural concept embraces a European village–style ambience based on Tuscan and Italian hillside architectural precedents. Imposing stone buildings, arched brick doorways, gurgling fountains, statuary, flower-filled courtyards, reclaimed bricks and barn wood, and a magnificent bell tower all work in perfect harmony to transport guests to a serene Mediterranean paradise that combines Old World atmosphere with modern, state-of-the art facilities.

Spa therapies are founded upon healing properties from the earth, sea, air, and vine. We offer treatments for the entire body, inside and out. Our signature skin and body products are derived from grapevines and utilize every part of the grape to nourish the skin. Spa services are enjoyed in any of 13 custom treatment rooms, all with private patios and outdoor showers; corner rooms have copper soaking tubs, and couples’ suites have fireplaces and soaking tubs.

Whether for a brief escape, an entire day of pampering, or a long weekend retreat, Spa Relais provides a blissful one-of-kind experience to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN!

Call (818) 889-0230 for more information or to book a service.

Stop and Smell the Rosé

May 6, 2019 - admin3

Summer is coming and we are celebrating by enjoying Rosé All Day! Come sip with us on May 19^th at The Stonehaus and taste some of most delicious Rosé from around the globe, including our very own 2018 vintage. We are pretty certain that we have handcrafted the most perfect Sunday: pink drinks, delicious bites and live music. If that’s not enough, you will be able to shop some of your favorite brands, like Raen sunglasses, L*Space swim, 9 seed and so many more! Grab your best friends and experience the ultimate Sunday Funday… and don’t forget to dress in your best pink attire! Buy tickets here: https://the-stonehaus.com/

When: May 19^th from 2-6PM

Where: The Stonehaus

How much: $60 + tax (includes 6 Rosé tastings, hor d’oeuvres & a commemorative glass)

Purchase Tickets: https://ticketbud.com/events/1d241792-3b0d-11e9-a86a-42010a717005 https://ticketbud.com/events/1d241792-3b0d-11e9-a86a-42010a717005

Bud Break at the Westlake Village Inn

March 9, 2018 - admin3

Spring is almost here and our buds are starting to break on our vines, hence the term “bud break.” Bud Break is the “green point” in a vine’s growth. As the ground warms up, hormones activate in the roots, sending a message to the vine to grow. Moisture then climbs up the plant causing sap to flow, which in return causes a “bud break.” This milestone is the beginning of the wine-growing season, when the grape vines have come out of their winter slumber. The “break” refers to the buds breaking out of their enclosure that has protected them through their winter dormancy. With spring’s arrival, the temperature increases and the roots are stimulated, causing the vines to grow into grape vines.

In celebration of the arrival of Spring and the breaking of the buds on our vines, we’re holding our second annual Bud Break Celebration Dinner in our exclusive Wine Cave on March 15th at 6:30pm.The event will highlight a tasting menu with 5 epicurean courses paired with 5 distinct wines created by our Executive Chef Lisa Biondi. This year we will be featuring five award winning wines from Silver Oak and Twomey.

Silver Oak began over a handshake between two friends with a bold vision: focus on one varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak and worthy of cellaring for decades to come. Today, Silver Oak farms more than 400 acres of vines in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley with a leading-edge approach toward precision viticulture, allowing them to give thier vines exactly what they need, when they need it. All of their estate vineyards are certified under California’s Sustainable Winegrowing program.

Continuous improvement – or the notion that their best wines are still ahead of them – has been the driving force at Silver Oak for more than 45 years. At Twomey, they combine this philosophy, experience, and a sense of curiosity with the exploration of outstanding vineyards and growing regions from California to Oregon.

Join us on March 15th for a beautiful menu tasting featuring five exceptional wines paired with a delectable five-course menu.

World-class musicians light up the night at Bogies

November 27, 2017 - admin3

Unwind from the daily routine. Have a cocktail.

Sit back and listen. Bogies at the Westlake Village Inn delivers live music of exceptional quality right in the 805. Bogies is a very special venue dedicated to showcasing world-class acts in a cozy, clubby environment. Superior production standards and impeccable acoustics make this a place where discriminating musicians want to perform and music lovers want to listen. A state-of-the-art sound system captures every note, and an intimate stage showcases a Live Music Series, spotlighting the likes of Colbie Caillat, Shane Alexander, Tower of Power, Dave Marotta, and Strawberry Alarm Clock, as well as top session musicians and touring performers whose names you may not know but whose music you have surely heard.

Jazz, blues, country, pop, or folk acts take center stage while you relax at your own private table. The subdued lighting and upscale interior exude an atmosphere of casual sophistication, making it the perfect place to enjoy a creative array of small plates or entrées derived from a multicultural mix of California cuisine.

Bogies delivers a top-notch experience on every front, and that includes a commitment to the community. With its high-impact outreach program called Big Band Night at Bogies, student jazz musicians from Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura, and Calabasas high schools as well as Lindero Canyon and Los Cerritos middle schools get the opportunity to perform onstage. Big Band Night typically takes place on the last Tuesday of each month, followed by the Boyd Cannon Big Band, made up of professional players from the 805 and the greater Los Angeles area.

“We are trying to foster the art of music to young aspiring artists who we invite to perform as our opening acts to share the stage with our world-class performers,” says Westlake Village Inn COO/CFO, Chris Cuilty. “Nothing is more exciting than seeing young aspiring musicians being able to say they shared the stage with a famous artist.”

Program musical coordinator and professional jazz trombonist Ira Nepus agrees: “This is more like the real world. The kids get to go into a real nightclub. They get the excitement, the energy, the intimacy, the applause, that dream come true of playing in a real venue that’s not a school venue.”

So swing by Bogies to listen to some great live music. It can make a difference.

Beaujolais Nouveau

November 13, 2017 - admin3

Join us on Thursday, November 16th for our annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration. The Beaujolais Nouveau release is observed all around the world and is one of the most exciting events in the wine industry. We’re eager to begin our weekend-long celebration with you as we toast to the 2018 release!

Beaujolais Nouveau falls on the third Thursday of November each year. Beginning on Thursday, November 16^th, the new Beaujolais will arrive at the Westlake Village Inn, where we’ll celebrate by featuring a delicious French menu to complement your glass of Beaujolais Nouveau. Enjoy a delicious crepe, French wine flights and a mesmerizing backdrop of live French jazz. The celebration will begin Thursday, November 16^th and will run through Sunday, November 19^th.

This tasty wine has a unique maturation process: It’s made from Gamay grapes, which are only produced in the Beaujolais region of France. The grapes are fermented for a few weeks before being released for sale. This quick fermentation process enhances the youthful taste of the wine. Unlike other wines, Beaujolais Nouveau’s taste doesn’t improve with age, so it’s produced for immediate consumption.

On Sunday, November 20^th we’ll conclude the celebration with a mouth-watering crepe brunch. The menu will feature a variety of crepes as well as other traditional French favorites. We hope you’ll come out and experience this wonderful celebration with us!

5th Annual Oktoberfest Festival

October 26, 2017 - admin3

Now that October has rolled around, The Westlake Village Inn has initiated several changes around the property—from warm and inviting fall decorations to delicious seasonal specials at our food and beverage outlets. Colorful arrangements of pumpkins, gourds and hay bales are located throughout the grounds, giving our guests a taste of what fall is all about. Take a seat by the outdoor fireplace and sip on a pumpkin spice latte paired with one of our freshly baked pumpkin scones or muffins and enjoy the cool breeze as it drifts across the lake.

On Friday, October 20th, the festivities of Oktoberfest will begin. You won’t need a passport to enjoy the Oktoberfest tradition that started in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese.

Our 5th annual Oktoberfest festival will transport your senses into the heart of Bavaria, and our founder, John Notter, holds his German roots near and dear to his heart. Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian tradition and he wants this celebration to bring the authenticity, excitement and experiences of the German culture to The Westlake Village Inn. We’ll be featuring live Umpa bands and slow-roasting Hendl (whole chickens grilled on a spit) in addition to Bavarian Weißwürste (steamed white veal sausages served with sweet mustard), sauerkraut, apple strudel and soft pretzels flown in from Germany . The steins will be flowing with German beer such as Hofbrau, Weizstefaner and Idelweiss, just to name a few.

Don your lederhosen and bring the whole family to a weekend full of German food and entertainment while The Westlake Village Inn delivers the spirit of Munich directly to you! Festivites begin at 4pm on Friday, October 20th and run through Sunday, October 22nd.

Fall at the Westlake Village Inn

October 15, 2017 - admin3

Fall has officially begun and we couldn’t be more excited. The air feels a bit cooler, the colors in the vineyard are beginning to change, as does the selection of items on our menus and the events on the property.

Here at the Westlake Village Inn, we’re very passionate about wine. One of our favorite things about fall is the harvest season for our wine grapes, which brought forth two of our favorite events on the property: the Harvest Dinner on September 21st and the Harvest Crush on September 24th.

This year, our Harvest Dinner featured Joseph Phelps, a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The dinner was prepared by our Executive Chef Pedro Alvarez and featured 5 courses paired with 5 Joseph Phelps wine varietals. Our exclusive Wine Cave provided a dramatic backdrop to this charmed event.

The Harvest Crush was a day-long celebration featuring grape stomping, wine tasting, live music and food. This was the perfect event to go to with family and friends: there’s no better way to say hello to fall than with a nice glass of red wine and our autumn-inspired menu items. During our annual Harvest Crush, we offer the opportunity to experience a unique, behind-the-scenes look at every aspect of the harvest: picking grapes, a crush with live music and a grape stomp.

The Stonehaus is the perfect place to come celebrate the changes of fall. Not only is fall harvest season for grapes, but it’s also a natural setting for pumpkins too. What tastes more delicious than a variety of pumpkin-flavored treats? Come join us and sit by the fire, feel the crisp fall breeze under a warm blanket and watch the leaves change color before your eyes. Complete your visit with a warm pumpkin spiced latte, a special addition to the menu during the fall season. The Stonehaus also features other fall specials such as pumpkin muffins and a variety of seasonal favorites you won’t want to miss. After your latte, don’t forget to walk over to Mediterrano and enjoy a nice dinner featuring additional fall-inspired specials.

We hope you’re as excited for fall as we are—we can’t wait to welcome the new season with you all.

Celebrate the last days of Summer at the Westlake Village Inn

September 21, 2017 - admin3

It might be hard to believe, but we are down to the last few weeks of summer. Where did the time go?!

This means it’s time to take advantage of the California Sun and all the fun summer activities the Westlake Village Inn has to offer. Whether you spent your summer working, traveling, or just laying low, there is no doubt we could all use one last little getaway to the quiet haven of Westlake Village.

There is no better way to enjoy the cool summer breeze than riding around on bikes and feeling the salty coastal breeze head to toe. One of my favorite things to do at the Westlake Village Inn is take out the complimentary bikes. Yes, you heard correctly. Complimentary use with your stay!

Whether you want to further explore the property, the surrounding town, or just get outside for some fresh air, renting bikes is a great way to do just that. If you’re looking to be adventurous, I highly recommending checking out the bike trails available at the front desk. Order a picnic basket from the Stonehaus and enjoy lunch at the lake or one of our beautiful local parks.

Not to mention, the farmers market is a quick bike/walk away! Take a look around, support local vendors and stock up on some fresh produce. And don’t forget to try the strawberries which are grown in our own backyard in the fields of Oxnard! The farmers market is located just down the street at 2797 Agoura Road in Westlake Village, California.This is a year-round open air market operated by California Certified Farmers Markets. It is open every Sunday from 9am – 2pm.

Restore your inner chakra under the oak trees with our unique yoga experience. Practicing yoga is a great way to get your mind back on track for fall. Our instructors lead the class in meditation and encourage the students to unify themselves with the invigorating atmosphere. Each class cost only $15.00, but the experience is priceless. To RSVP for a space in one of our yoga classes please call (818) 889-0230. There is limited space available so be sure to secure a spot!

Finish off the relaxing weekend with a well deserved trip to the spa. Enjoy a spa treatment in one of our treatment rooms, couples cabanas or even in the comfort of your own suite. We offer a variety of massages and facials tailored to suit your needs. Our estheticians and therapists are known for their custom solutions for the overworked traveler, someone here for a special occasion, or one simply in need of rejuvenation. Lunch poolside is the perfect way to recap your spa service.

We have limited time left to enjoy the last fleeting moments of summer vacation. Enjoy them the right way here with us at the Westlake Village Inn.

Getaway to Westlake Village Inn

September 6, 2017 - admin3

The best kind of vacations are the ones that you never want to leave. That was definitely the case with my recent stay at the Westlake Village Inn. A little gem of a place in Westlake Village with a Tuscany feel surrounded by lush gardens and serenity that will make you forget you’re even in southern California.

Tuesday Tastings at the Stonehaus

March 16, 2017 - admin3

As we welcome Spring, we’re ready to greet the new season celebrating fine wines and their makers. One of our many passions at the Westlake Village inn is wine. Not only do we love to drink wine, but we want get down to the “roots” and explore the entire process; from the soil, to vine, to grape and beyond. That’s why we thought it would be fitting to host Tuesday Tastings at The Stonehaus on the first Tuesday of every month. Here we will be featuring a new vineyard, we will be learning about the winemaker and their process, experience, and what makes their product unique and deliciously drinkable.

We can’t wait to share with you our list of fine wines and the genius’ behind the bottle. Take a peek at our last Tuesday Tasting with Brett Raven of Frost Watch Vineyard from the Bennett Valley. Frost Watch is a family owned and run winery that makes only 1500 cases of exclusive wines per year. They’ve been creating beautifully complex wines since 1997 and use grapes that are indigenous to the region which create a unique and bold flavor.

Save the date for our next Tuesday Tasting on Tuesday, April 4th with Tolosa Vineyard & Winery from Edna Valley. We can’t wait to share a glass with you. Cheers!”

Serenity is coming…

November 7, 2016 - admin3

As many in the neighborhood have heard the exciting news through the Westlake Village Inn grapevine, we have been in the process of developing plans for a tranquil spa, yoga, and salon experience. The idea is to enhance the overall experience at the Westlake Village Inn and create a unique, serene and restful stay filled with ETuscan inspiration and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The new spa will be located on the footprint that previously housed the tennis courts. It will include a yoga studio with a reflecting pond leading out to the lake, as well as 8 treatment rooms, a salon, 16 guest rooms and an adults-only lap pool. The spa will be open to the local community as well as guests of the Westlake Village Inn.

The Westlake Village City Council will consider our request at a public hearing (date TBD). “The Spa will be a beautiful, boutique-style facility and will provide a unique spa experience”, says Chris Cuilty, our Chief Operating & Financial Officer. “We’re excited about presenting this to the city. The addition will compliment what we’ve done on this property by upgrading the feel of the hotel and experience to the community. Our spa will be a place where you can rejuvenate your soul and escape from the world”

Our vision is to create a peaceful Tuscan-infused setting to compliment the offerings of the Westlake Village Inn, Stonehaus and Mediterraneo. The serene nature of the new spa, yoga studio, and salon will be a peaceful adult-friendly sanctuary for the entire community to enjoy.

Autumn Favorites

October 12, 2016 - admin3

Fall is officially here at the Westlake Village Inn. The crisp morning air give us hope that our California Summer is coming to end and the season has officially changed. This month we celebrate with our annual Oktoberfest festivities at The Stonehaus. Experience a traditional German celebration October 14th – October 16th at The Stonehaus. Enjoy steins of authentic craft beer in our Beer Graden, fine German fare, live music and more as we ring in Fall.

You’ll also notice Autumn favorites returning to the Stonehaus bakery including housemade pumpkin muffins and spiced pumpkin cookies. We also welcome back our traditional pumpkin spice latté that pairs perfectly with one of the cozy outdoor fireplaces and your morning breakfast.

Experience seasonal specials at Mediterraneo like Butternut Squash ravioli and Fall-inspired desserts from Chef Lisa Biondi and the other talented chefs in the kitchen.

There is nothing more special than a Fall staycation at the Inn where you can truly take in the splendor of the season. Explore our Fall Spa Specials or unwind with a relaxing yoga class in our Yoga Shala.

Stay tuned for more information on our annual Thanksgiving Feast and holiday celebrations at the property this November. Until then, Happy October.

Fall at the Inn: Harvest, Food & Wine

September 1, 2016 - admin3

Fall is a turning point at The Westlake Village Inn. Although in California we often experience an Indian Summer where the heat doesn’t dissipate until Halloween comes near, even the leaves have fallen but the warm air lingers, we still anticipate the seasons changing.

We celebrate Fall with crisp, leafy garland, earthy-colored foliage, and pumpkins decorating the property. The Stonehaus vineyard leaves begin to change color and morph into a golden shade of brown and the grapes are succulent and ready to be picked. You’ll see the menu evolving at Mediterraneo with new seasonal specials as Chef experiments with root vegetables, pumpkins, squash, and warmer flavors. The Stonehaus will bring back Pumpkin Spiced Lattés and seasonal favorites that you can sip and enjoy in front of the cozy fireplaces.

Fall is a lovely time at The Westlake Village Inn Property. We’ll welcome the new season at the Stonehaus with the 2nd Annual Harvest Wine Dinner in the Vineyard on Saturday, September 24th to celebrate the culmination of the growing season. Enjoy a wine and hor d’oeuvre reception followed by four family-style courses of Fall inspired fare paired to the wines of Trefethen Family Vineyards of Napa Valley.
Learn more here: https://ticketbud.com/events/39aa4566-6401-11e6-893f-a3d0fa1362b9

There’s nothing more lovely than a Fall Staycation at the Westlake Village Inn. The kids are back in school and there is a calm lull before the holidays. Experience Fall spa specials at the The Spa and take in all the beauty the property has to offer.

The Blind Tasting

February 3, 2016 - admin3

Each afternoon, as I sit with an array of bottles in from of me, tasting some of the best wines from around the world, people stare and often proceed to tell me that I must have the best job in the world. While that’s quite true, it is still just that, a job. Tasting wine, at least in a professional setting, can be hard work. And while we each have our own unique sensitivities and tolerances that can lend towards more natural abilities to taste certain characteristics of wine, for the most part, tasting wine is a learned skill that takes practice and requires much focus. I remember walking into class at 8am on my first day of studying wine professionally and seeing 12 glasses of 1oz wine pours on the desks and thinking both, “isn’t it a bit early?” and “this is going to be great!”. By lunch I had a bit of a headache and could have used a nap. Not because I’d been drinking all morning, every sip was swiftly spit out (at first by threat of expulsion, and then by sheer necessity), but because as I quickly learned, tasting wine is actually hard work. I was exhausted. For as much as I’d gone wine tasting and self studied over the near decade prior, I realized that I had very little idea as to how to really taste wine, and all that I was tasting when I did. Over the weeks that followed, each morning started out the same, arrive at 8am, taste 12 or so wines until noon, break for lunch, taste another 12 or so until 5pm, go home, study, repeat. Each day, for 8 hours a day, we studied wine and how to taste it. And as it turns out, there is much more to it than just swirl, sniff, sip & (sometimes) spit. There is in entire protocol, and if followed and practiced, it can reveal all of the wines subtle nuances and tell you its life story.

Being in California I assume everyone’s done their fare share of wine tasting. You’ve swirled and sniffed, and possibly even spit, but for many, you were just going through the motions, nodding and smiling as someone “more knowledgeable” than you goes on about notes of cigar box and bacon fat, while you think to yourself, “all I’m getting is red”. Or perhaps the power of suggestion is strong on you, all you need is for someone to mention peaches and honeysuckle and you’ll smell it too, but prior to the mention, all you smelled was white. Or maybe you actually know a lot about wine, possibly even more than you thought. Maybe years of trips to wine country and dinner parties have made you a bit of an expert. You know the very real struggle of finding a good Pinot Noir under $20 and have long since transitioned from Pinot Grigio to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and are now onto French Rosé in the summer. But if you joined the masses and have steered clear of Merlot for the past 10 years, you could be surprised at the challenge you might face while trying to decipher between it and a Chardonnay if you couldn’t actually see it’s color. A sensory analysis of wine breaks it down using sight, smell and taste, and can reveal everything about a wine from it’s grape varietal, to the region it’s from, to how old it is. But much of what we come to know about a wine during a tasting can be determined from its appearance alone. Beyond noting the obvious difference between red and white, you can narrow down varietals by intensity of color, climate by viscosity, and age by the rim. For example, just by looking, you’d likely be able to tell a Sauvignon Blanc from a Chardonnay, as you know the first to be a pale straw color and the latter to be more of a yellow/gold. Or take the reds, both Pinot Noir and Syrah can have prominent earth notes on both the nose and palate, but one glance noting their difference in color intensity could quickly guide us to the right conclusion. So what if we didn’t have the guidance of sight to rely on? We’d be left with just our nose and palate, and unless you’ve been practicing for 8 hours a day, this might be trickier that you’d think.

Join us in The Wine Cellar on February 13th as we take the blind tasting to the next level and challenge your wine tasting skills with a sensory analysis of five premium single varietal California wines served in black glasses, eliminating the guidance of sight. Each tasting pour will be paired with a small bite to enhance your tasting experience, and additional wine and food will be served when the tasting commences. Whether you’ve been married for 20 years, are planning a first date or are looking for a fun night out with friends, this fun twist on a the classic blind tasting will be a fabulous way to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend.

A Warm Winter’s Eve

December 29, 2015 - admin3

As lovely as the holidays are, getting through the holiday season is a lot of work, usually leaving us feeling depleted, and come mid-January, with a little case of the post-holiday blues. The twinkle lights are down and the streets are dark, the smell of fresh pine and apple pie has vanished, there are no more trips or visitors, no more parties, and no real reason to get dressed up and go out. And while there might be a small sense relief, it always feels to me like there is far too much winter ahead with too little excitement to look forward to. So on this 1^st week of winter, even amongst the last minute holiday to-do list, I feel the need to plan little something to look forward to, to bring us all a little mid-winter comfort & cheer.

The Swiss figured out long ago that a simple yet decadent, leisurely meal based around cheese and wine with friends is the quickest way to warm the spirits. Raclette, from the French word Racler meaning “to scrape”, is both the name of the creamy Swiss cheese made from the milk of cows that graze upon Alpine pastures, and the name of the dish. Traditionally, a nourishing vegetarian meal believed to be created by Swiss shepherds nearly 700 years ago when they’d set up camp during their journey up the Alps and slowly melt the cheese over an open fire and scrape it onto boiled potatoes, pickles and bread.

Today Raclette is not just a standard meal in Swiss & French ski lodges, it is enjoyed all over the world and includes meats and a variety of other vegetables, yet always maintains its tradition of being a casual, communal meal enjoyed slowly over hours, and of course, staying true to Swiss tradition, is never served with water, only hot tea, beer and wine. Nothing sounds more relaxing and enjoyable to me right now than sipping wine by the fire over a Raclette feast, especially one that I don’t have to cook and clean up after.

So in the spirit of relaxation and comfort, we invite you to cozy up by the fire and indulge in an Alpine-style cheese and wine dinner with us in The Vintage Room at Mediterraneo on Saturday, January 23, 2016. While we’re all resolving to do and be so much in the coming New Year, taking a moment for ourselves to truly relax and unwind after the craziness of the season ought to be on the top of our resolutions list.

The New Beaujolais Has Arrived!

November 17, 2015 - admin3

Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé!

The New Beaujolais Has Arrived!

Created by local winemakers roughly a century ago, they wanted a wine that they could drink immediately in celebration of the end of harvest, while the rest of the better Beaujolais was aging, and so Beaujolais Nouveau was born. Beaujolais Nouveau, meaning “New Beaujolais”, is the first wine released of the new vintage. Just 6-8 weeks after the grapes were hanging on the vines, pitchers of the fresh from barrel wine were shared all over the region, eventually making their way to Paris and beyond. Over the years, laws were put into place, release dates were changed and Beaujolais Nouveau Day was created. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released at 12:01am, on the 3^rd Thursday in November, regardless of the date of harvest, and the race to distribute the first wine of the season begins. What began in the southernmost part of Burgundy, in the Beaujolais region of France, Beaujolais Nouveau Day is now celebrated across all of France and around the world with festivals, parades, fireworks, live music, dancing and food. Roughly 1 million cases and 70 million bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau are consumed around the world at the same time every year.

Beaujolais Nouveau is made exclusively of the Gamay grape from France’s Beaujolais region, and like Champagne, must be hand harvested. Unlike more traditional fermentation methods, Beaujolais Nouveau goes through carbonic maceration, a quick method of fermentation where the berries are left whole for the juice inside each grape to ferment without contact with skins or stems, which enhances the grapes inherent fruit characteristics while eliminating tannins, resulting in a light, vibrant, fresh and fruity red wine that it is meant to drink immediately (by the following spring) and is best served chilled.

We at The Stonehaus will be celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau Day and the much anticipated arrival our Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, November 19^th through Saturday, November 21^st with live music, French fare, and of course, a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau!

Harvest Celebration Dinner

September 9, 2015 - admin3

In celebration of the culmination of the wine growing season and the harvest of a new vintage of wine, we are hosting our first annual Harvest Celebration Dinner in The Stonehaus Vineyard at 6pm on Saturday, September 19^thfeaturing the wines of Zaca Mesa Winery.

Zaca Mesa is a local (Santa Barbara County), family owned winery that has been making hand crafted, estate grown and bottled wines, using traditional methods and sustainable practices since 1973. Located in the northern Santa Ynez Valley, just 25 miles inland of the Pacific Ocean, their vineyards enjoy morning fog and afternoon breezes ensuring the slow, consistent ripening of their grapes resulting in lush, high scoring wines. They specialize in Viognoir, Syrah and Rhone Blends, and just received 90 point scores on a number of the wines we’ll be enjoying!

Our Chef Joe Serna has created a fall inspired menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients carefully selected to pair with each wine. The evening will begin with a wine & hors d’oeuvre reception followed by a 4-course plated dinner under the stars, accompanied by live music and a Zaca Mesa Winery specialist, providing an ideal setting to savor the last of our warm summer nights.

Tickets for this event can be purchased here: https://sint-32204.ticketbud.com/harvest-dinner-in-the-vineyard-with-zaca-mesa-wines

Tray Passed

Teff Pillow Crackers with sheep’s milk cheese and fresh herbs

Prosciutto and Citrus fried Olives

Zaca Mesa Viognier 2013

1^st Course

Carrot, Beet and Persimmon Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Zaca Mesa Z Blanc 2012

2^nd Course

Cassarecci Pasta with Quail Ragu and Parsley Bread Crumbs

Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 2012

3^rd Course

New York Steak Diane, Charred onion, Potato Fondant, Peppercorn, Bone Marrow Croquette

Zaca Mesa Reserve Syrah 2011

Dessert

Warm Gingerbread with mascarpone ice cream and pear butterscotch sauce

Zaca Mesa Z Three 2011

Conscious Coffee

August 17, 2015 - admin3

Stonehaus Serves Fresh Espresso

We do what we can. We volunteer, we donate our time and money, we recycle, we conserve water, we adopt animals, we shop local, we buy organic produce and certified humane meat and dairy, and then we drag our exhausted, saintly selves into the coffee shop with our reusable mug, and we order conventional coffee. I get it. We’re tired, we’re running late, we need to get on with our day and it doesn’t occur to us to consider where our coffee actually comes from. But when you think about it, we do put a lot of other consideration into our coffee choices. We tend to take our coffee pretty seriously. We have spent our adult lives cultivating our perfect cup, and to some, how we take our coffee can be as much an extension of our personality as our wardrobe. And knowing how another takes their coffee, well that means you truly know somebody. So with all of the other good that we try to do, and all of the thought that we put into our coffee, why do we stop short and order conventional without considering what we’re supporting with our dollars when we do? Probably because we can’t do it all.

With coffee being the 2^nd most traded commodity behind oil, the demand to keep up with production takes a major toll on the environment. Coffee naturally prefers shade and flourishes in dense forests, but due to demand, hybrids have been developed to survive in full sun, and over the last 25 years rainforests have been cleared to maximize growth space and ease of harvest, hurting ecosystems and destroying habitats and their inhabitants. For coffee to grow under such unnatural conditions, it requires the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making conventional coffee beans some of the most heavily chemically treated foods in the world, exposing farmers to harmful chemicals and polluting the air and water supply of the surrounding communities.

Luckily there is an alternative choice, organic coffee. With organic coffee, growing and handling standards and sustainable practices such as the use of renewable resources and the conservation of water and soil are ensured from the farm level all the way to the roaster. Organic coffee shrubs are shade grown under high-canopy trees in their natural habitat, housing a small ecosystem of birds and animals that create natural mulch as fertilizer and therefor are free of synthetic chemicals, ensuring the health of the soil and the water. Shade grown coffee also yields fewer berries, resulting in a higher concentration of flavor, are richer in antioxidants and are less bitter.

As wonderful as all of that is, there is still more to consider. We should choose not just organic coffee, but coffee that is fairly traded as well. The first time I ever thought about the concept of Fair Trade was sometime just over a decade ago when Chris Martin wrote the words “Fair Trade” on his forearm during a Coldplay concert. Embarrassingly, prior to that it had literally never occurred to me. With all of the benefits of organic, Fair Trade Certified products take things a step further to benefit communities in developing countries as well as the environment by ensuring that farming families receive fair prices for their harvests, allowing them to manage their own businesses and compete in the global marketplace, and in turn, invest in their communities, healthcare and education. Fair Trade Certified also ensures safe working conditions, prohibits forced child labor and protects ecosystems by prohibiting planting in protected areas and are always free of agrochemicals and GMO’s.

Luckily, we are beginning to put a more thought into the importance of what we support by how we spend our money, and demand for the organic/fair trade coffee market is growing! The Stonehaus has always directly supported the organic and fair trade coffee industry by sourcing our coffee beans from a family owned, certified organic coffee roaster who uses only Specialty Grade, USDA Certified Organic/Certified Fair Trade beans. Specialty Grade is the top grade that there is for coffee and consists of only 10% of the worlds production. Our coffee at The Stonehaus is from the top 3% of the top 10% Specialty Grade coffee in the world. So when you get your coffee at The Stonehaus, you are not only getting a superior cup of coffee in both quality and flavor, but you are directly supporting a coffee industry who’s practices will improve the environment and the lives of farming families for generations to come, whether you meant to or not 😉

Morgan Caillat

Bud Break Spring Celebration at Stonehaus in Westlake Village

March 9, 2015 - admin3

The annual growth cycle of a grapevine begins with bud break in the spring and culminates with harvest and leaf fall in the autumn. In celebration of the end of a dormant winter, the beginning of spring, and the breaking of the buds on our vines, we are holding our first annual Bud Break Celebration Dinner in The Stonehaus Vineyard at 6pm on Saturday March 21^st.

As our estate-grown wines are still spending time in barrel, we’ll be featuring five wines from The Tablas Creek Winery. Known for being leaders in the Rhone Varietals, Tablas Creek makes highly rated, award winning wines from a winery that was just voted one of the top 10 to visit in California. The Tablas Creek Winery is located in the hilly Los Tablas district of West Paso Robles, an area known for its similarities to Chateauneuf du Pape, making for perfect growing conditions for their imported vines planted on a limestone rich, 120 acre organic estate vineyard where they use dry farming & biodynamic techniques.

Drawing his inspiration from the season, Executive Chef John Parker has created a perfectly paired spring fare menu, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. The evening will begin with a sunset Róse Reception followed by an alfresco, four course, family-style vineyard dinner. Complete with Tablas Creek wine specialists and live music, this dinner will be the perfect way to kick off the new season!

Bud Break Menu:

Róse Reception – Tray passed appetizers

Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Róse, Paso Robles, 2014

1^st Course: Appetizer: Spring Pea Arancini with arugula pesto

Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, 2013

2^nd Course – Salad: Roasted Beets with burrata crème and kale chips

Tablas Creek Mourvedre, Paso Robles, 2012

3^rd Course – Entrée: Wood Grilled leg of lamb served with roasted new potatoes and grilled heirloom carrots, marinated with roasted garlic, rosemary and pistachio dust

Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge, Paso Robles, 2012

4^th Course – Dessert: Cheese Board with pave d affinois and saint agur blue, dried fruit, honey comb and grilled bread

Tablas Creek Vine de Paille Roussanne, Paso Robles, 2012

$95 All-inclusive

Breaking Your Fast

February 18, 2015 - admin3

Just six weeks into the New Year, many of us may find ourselves right on track with our 2015 goals, but many of us may find that we’ve already fallen behind. Much like the New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start so is each new morning. With each morning comes a new chance to make healthy choices for our bodies and start the day off right by eating a nutritious breakfast that will set the tone and inspire good choices for the rest of the day. Breakfast literally means to break your fast, and how we choose to do so can have a huge impact on our health. We’ve always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for most of us with busy mornings, long commutes or just small morning appetite’s, making healthy breakfast choices a habit can be a challenge. All too often we end up trading nutrients for convenience, or not eating breakfast at all.

Inspired by the idea of fresh starts, The Stonehaus launched a new Healthy Breakfast menu as well as a Superfood Smoothie menu to provide you with a variety of breakfast options that are not only gourmet & delicious, but nutritious, balanced, and filling, and the perfect way to healthfully break your fast! Our nutrient rich smoothies sneak in a large number of beneficial “superfoods” providing you with many of the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, proteins and omegas needed, while covering a wide variety of flavor profiles and appealing to even the pickiest of palates. All of our smoothies can be enjoyed in addition to our new healthy breakfast items, or can include added boosts making them a complete and balanced meal on their own, helping you start your day off right whether enjoyed leisurely amongst the vines, or taken on the go.

So as we inch closer to spring, and our resolutions start to fade with the winter, we need to strive to make healthy eating an enjoyable part of our everyday lives, not just something to suffer through a few times a year. By starting off each morning making healthy choices, these healthy choices will eventually begin to seep into your afternoons and trickle into your evenings, making not just for healthy days, but healthy weeks, months and years, until soon healthy eating is not just a resolution, but a way of life.

by: Morgan Caillat

2012 Vintage Stonehaus Wine Barrel Tasting

January 16, 2015 - Maria Solorzano

The Stonehaus released our very first harvest from 2012 at an exclusive barrel tasting event!

The Stonehaus, located at the Westlake Village Inn, hosted an exclusive barrel tasting and blending party on Thursday, January 15^th, 2015. We showcased our Estate Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah wine, before sending them out to be bottled so they can complete their aging process.

After an ideal growing season, we harvested the 1st Vintage of our estate grown, Malibu Coast AVA, grapes in late September 2012 at 24 & 1/2 brix, yielding 2 barrels of each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and 1 barrel of Syrah. After spending over 2 years in 50% new French Oak, these wines have matured resulting in ripe fruit, oak spices and soft tannins on the palate.

The event was hosted in the Tasting Room and was a great place to enjoy great wine and make new friends. Guests were able to mingle with the winemakers while nibbling on Executive Chef John Parker’s personal selection of cheeses, charcuterie, marinated olives and accoutrement from the West Coast region.

The whimsical décor featured unique touches, such as wine bottles used as vases to hold wildflowers, roses and mint garnish.

As anticipated, the event sold out to a very special group of guests and we’re looking forward to hosting the next one!

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Westlake Village Inn Unveils Premiere New Med Spa Facility

Spa Relais Opening July 1st

We are excited to announce

SPA RELAIS OPENING JULY 1ST

Spa Relais an exceptional destination for those who crave high-end spa treatments in a luxe environment.

Stop and Smell the Rosé

Bud Break at the Westlake Village Inn

World-class musicians light up the night at Bogies

Beaujolais Nouveau

5th Annual Oktoberfest Festival

Fall at the Westlake Village Inn

Celebrate the last days of Summer at the Westlake Village Inn

Getaway to Westlake Village Inn

Tuesday Tastings at the Stonehaus

Serenity is coming…

Autumn Favorites

Fall at the Inn: Harvest, Food & Wine

The Blind Tasting

A Warm Winter’s Eve

The New Beaujolais Has Arrived!

Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé!

The New Beaujolais Has Arrived!

Harvest Celebration Dinner

Conscious Coffee

Bud Break Spring Celebration at Stonehaus in Westlake Village

Breaking Your Fast

2012 Vintage Stonehaus Wine Barrel Tasting

The Stonehaus released our very first harvest from 2012 at an exclusive barrel tasting event!