A Toast to Something New: The Charles Napa Valley Opens Its Doors in Style
Guests enjoy the festivities at the Grand Opening Celebration of The Charles Napa Valley | Manny Espinosa Photography
Downtown Napa welcomed its newest landmark on Saturday, February 21st — and the celebration was as sophisticated & spirited as the brand behind it.
After nearly a week of rain and cool temperatures, the skies finally parted, and sunlight shone down on the patio and courtyard of The Charles Napa Valley, just in time to welcome guests to the grand opening celebration. There was nothing but warmth throughout the event — champagne flutes catching the light, laughter filling the air, and a palpable sense that something genuinely special was unfolding in the heart of wine country.
A Grand Opening Celebration Worth Remembering
Hotel partners Charles Gruwell, Don Desai, Jay Desai, and Ryan MacCarrigan officially opened the doors to their second property, marking the next chapter of a hospitality brand built on a deceptively simple idea: that luxury and belonging are not mutually exclusive.
The grand opening unfolded in two acts. The daytime festivities took place at the hotel itself — ribbon cutting ceremony, live performances by Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, music by Melodic NV, an incredible selection of wines by Boisset Collection (Raymond Vineyards and JCB), a bespoke brandy and citrus punch sponsored by Napa Valley Brandy Co., and a string of heartfelt speeches by local elected officials and business owners. Their words echoed through the courtyard and updated rooms adorned with antiques, curated artwork, and the kind of layered design that rewards a second look. As the afternoon gave way to evening, the celebration moved downtown to The Q Restaurant and Bar, featuring DJ Rotten Robbie, where the after-party carried the energy of a community that had found its place.
A public toast brought the crowd together, followed by remarks from Gruwell and MacCarrigan — words that were equal parts gratitude and intention. They spoke about what it means to build LGBTQ-friendly spaces in today's political climate, and why The Charles brand exists not just as a business, but as a statement.
“Our main goal is to bring style and a safe, inclusive hospitality experience to the global traveler,” Charles Gruwell said. “We want it to become a movement in the hospitality industry — inspiring others to create artfully designed hotels that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Local Community Leaders Show Support
The guest list reflected the depth of community investment behind this opening. Among those who took the stage:
Jeri Hansen, President & CEO of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, who praised the energy and vision of the event, and led a beautiful toast
Mayor Scott Sedgley of Napa, who passionately spoke about the property's rich historic character and his lifelong connection to the city
District Representative Elizabeth Russell, presenting a Certificate of Honor on behalf of State Senator Christopher Cabaldon
Joelle Gallagher, Napa County District 1 Supervisor
Linsey Gallagher, President & CEO of Visit Napa Valley
Paul Thorp, Organizer of Napa Pride
Brittni McCorkle of the Napa Valley Wine Train
Local business owners Kelly Sherman (The Q Restaurant & Bar) and Mark Casey (Deuce's Market and The Dutch Door)
It was the kind of roster that signals not just goodwill, but genuine civic investment in the arrival of The Charles — a community choosing to show up.
Giving Back from Day One
True to its values, The Charles Napa Valley turned its grand opening into an opportunity to give. The event doubled as a fundraiser for LGBTQ Connection, a program of On the Move Bay Area, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing critical services to marginalized communities across Napa and Sonoma Counties.
A silent auction featured premium hospitality experiences donated by Raymond Vineyards, Napa Valley Wine Train, Gentleman Farmer, and Gay Wine Weekend by Out in the Vineyard — raising $2,000 for the organization. For Gruwell and MacCarrigan, it was a natural extension of the brand's DNA. Supporting local nonprofits that service marginalized communities isn't an afterthought at The Charles; it's baked into the blueprint.
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Where History Meets Design
The property itself is a character in the story. Originally built in 1906 by renowned Napa craftsman E.W. Doughty, the Victorian mansion — formerly known as Cabernet House — is one of downtown Napa's earliest inns, dating back to the 1970s. Its bones speak to a long tradition of welcoming travelers, and The Charles has honored that legacy while making it unmistakably its own.
Gruwell's design approach is both sustainable and deeply personal. The same signature fabrics, wallpapers, and carpeting that define the Pacific Grove sister property reappear here, creating a sense of brand coherence without sacrificing local identity. Layered throughout are antiques, artwork, and accessories sourced from consignment shops, estate sales, and antique stores — each piece chosen to evoke what Gruwell describes as "the timeless elegance of a bygone era."
The result is an interior that feels simultaneously curated and lived-in; a place that whispers old-world glamour while making every kind of traveler feel at home.
The Philosophy Behind the Brand
For MacCarrigan — an entrepreneur, UC Berkeley instructor, and 15-year veteran working in product innovation and service design — inclusive hospitality isn't a marketing position. It's an operational commitment.
"From the beginning, we made a deliberate investment in inclusive hospitality training and scalable, replicable hotel operations," he said at the opening. The Charles' proprietary C.H.A.R.L.E.S. method serves as the framework for that commitment, a disciplined blueprint designed to ensure that as the brand grows, the quality of welcome never diminishes.
"Our focus remains on thoughtful expansion that preserves the character, care, and sense of belonging that define The Charles," MacCarrigan added.
What Comes Next
The Charles Napa Valley joins its celebrated sibling, The Charles Pacific Grove, which has earned rave reviews since opening and will receive the Hospitality Excellence of the Year Award from the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce on March 13th, 2026. Together, the two properties form the foundation of an expanding vision.
Future locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles are already in the brand's sights, with longer-term aspirations reaching toward New York City, Palm Springs, Provincetown, London, and Berlin.
"Our main goal is to bring style and a safe, inclusive hospitality experience to the global traveler," Gruwell said. "We want it to become a movement in the hospitality industry — inspiring others to create artfully designed hotels that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion."
A heartfelt thank you to Innkeepers Dolly King and Runie Tan for their unwavering commitment, focus, and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts. Their dedication made this grand opening possible, and The Charles Napa Valley stands stronger every day because of their work. We are so grateful!
Plan Your Visit
The Charles Napa Valley is located at 1301 Jefferson Street in downtown Napa, steps from the region's finest dining, wine tasting, and cultural offerings. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend escape, a solo retreat, a group booking, or simply looking for a home base that reflects your values as much as your taste, the welcome mat is out.
Reservations, rates, and detailed room descriptions at www.thecharlesnapavalley.com.
For booking inquiries, email info@thecharlesnapavalley.com.
The Charles Hotels is committed to supporting nonprofits that serve marginalized communities. To learn more about LGBTQ Connection and On the Move Bay Area, or to make a donation, please visit their websites.
