The Charles Napa Valley: A new, LGBTQ-friendly hotel in California’s wine region

There’s a new, LGBTQ-friendly place to stay in Napa Valley, courtesy of designer Charles Gruwell.

Last August, we highlighted The Charles Pacific Grove, a new, boutique inn on the southern edge of Monterey Bay. Designed and co-owned by Gruwell, we said at the time that he had already purchased a second property in Napa Valley.

After months of refurbishment, Gruwell’s second venture, The Charles Napa Valley, officially launched at the end of February.

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To mark the occasion, the hotel hosted an official launch party on February 21. Guests checked out the new hotel and mingled in its courtyard. Besides a ribbon-cutting, Gruwell was among those to speak. He explained the importance of inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly spaces in today’s political climate.

Also in attendance were fellow local business owners, tourism representatives, and lawmakers. This included Napa Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jeri Hansen and Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley.

The hotel, at 1301 Jefferson Street, was formerly called Cabernet House. The mansion dates back to 1906. It’s one of downtown Napa’s earliest inn properties.

Like sister site in Pacific Grove, designer Gruwell again harks back to Victorian-era London for much of his inspiration. He’s incorporated the same fabrics, wallpaper, and carpeting as foundational design elements, while layering in repurposed antiques, artwork, and accessories sourced from consignment shops, antique stores, and estate sales.

“Our stylish, inclusive, boutique hotel is a seven-minute walk to historic downtown Napa, where you can visit galleries, shops, antique stores, tasting rooms, and restaurants,” Gruwell said in a statement to GayCities.

“We provide our guests with an artfully designed hospitality experience which includes artistically designed spaces, timeless antiques, beautiful fabrics, a homestyle hot breakfast service daily, and afternoon wine and cheese in our lovely garden setting courtyard with fountains, seating and fire pits… Your stay will be a truly memorable one.”

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Business partner Ryan MacCarrigan is an entrepreneur and UC Berkeley instructor. He has 15 years of experience in product innovation and service design.

“From the beginning, we made a deliberate investment in inclusive hospitality training and scalable, replicable hotel operations,” said MacCarrigan. “As we look ahead to future properties, our focus remains on thoughtful expansion that preserves the character, care, and sense of belonging that define The Charles.”

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of California’s most seductive destinations — a sun-drenched stretch of rolling vineyards and world-class restaurants that rewards those who like their travel slow and indulgent.

For LGBTQ visitors, it offers a warmly welcoming atmosphere year-round. However, the highlight of the queer calendar is the legendary Gay Wine Weekend, held each June. Hosted across numerous Napa and Sonoma wineries, it’s one of America’s most beloved LGBTQ travel events — part wine education, part celebration, entirely fabulous. Whether you’re a serious wine-lover or simply love beautiful scenery with a glass in hand, Napa Valley delivers.

The Charles Hotels aims to add future properties in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Beyond that, the team are considering potential future expansion to New York City, Palm Springs, Provincetown, London, and Berlin.

Related

Boutique, LGBTQ+ inn The Charles opens in Pacific Grove, California
The Pacific Grove hotel already has a sister venue in Napa Valley.

[PHOTOS] Greek gods, grapes, and good times at Gay Wine Weekend 2025
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