Spotlight: Flexjet
There are some experiences you can envision but never quite allow yourself the full capacity to wish for, like winning the lottery or meeting your favorite celebrity. For me, one of those unattainable dreams was flying on a private jet (although to brag, I have already spent an afternoon with Bad Bunny). In a day that I can only now describe as a fever dream of luxury, I was invited to experience all that Flexjet has to offer along with a few other fortunate food, wine, and travel writers.
Arriving at the Van Nuys Airport and walking into the Flexjet lounge is a respite from the outside world that feels more like a 5-star hotel lobby than an airline terminal. We enjoyed some espresso and Erewhon goodies while we mingled, then went outside to board the absolutely stunning and brand new Gulfstream G500, which Flexjet has just added to their fleet of private jets.
Upon entering the cabin, fresh smoothies, green juices, and light hors d’oeuvres were waiting as we found our seats, all of which have their own personal climate controls via the My Cabin Gulfstream app (the only time I’ve been excited to download an app). Our lovely steward gave us a brief safety rundown, then we were quickly off the ground in a matter of seconds. Compared to a large commercial airplane that needs a long time on the runway to get into the air, the Gulfstream G500 went from runway to airborne in what felt like less than three seconds. Quite the rush! As we sped north over the sprawling California central coast, the flecks of actual gold in the copper paint along the wings sparkled in the sun, seen through Gulfstream’s enormous signature panoramic oval windows, which somehow are even larger than they look from the outside.
In the air, Flexjet’s Red Label service is unrivaled in hospitality, with flight crew members attending a special academy outside London before ever flying with guests. With table settings flawlessly laid out after takeoff, we enjoyed a full breakfast spread that rivaled a luxury hotel’s, complete with edible flowers as garnishes. The door to the cockpit stays open during the flight, and I got to visit with the pilots for a few minutes on the way home, in awe of the technology. They even let me fly the plane! (kidding—can you imagine??)
After the brief hour-long flight and an extremely gentle touchdown in Napa, we were transported in more opulence via a Mercedes sprinter van courtesy of the wine concierge company Porthos and accompanied by its founder Hal, who explained that Porthos provides access, adventures, and advice to the most discerning and exclusive wine collectors all over the globe. We had a lovely lunch at The Charter Oak, with a custom menu centered around the restaurant’s live fire (and I’m still pining for the raw vegetables from their farm paired with fermented soy dip).
After lunch, Hal secured us a visit to Eisele Vineyard, which is not open to the public. Walking into Eisele Vineyard feels like taking a stroll through a gorgeous country estate because that’s precisely what it is, with only about 60 acres of the 200 acre property actually growing grapes. In addition to elegant Cabernet Sauvignons, Eisele also produces beautiful olive oil from the more than 500 olive trees on the property. After the property tour, we settled down in the main private residence for a wonderful tasting, and were then whisked away to our next stop.
Even if you’ve visited a wide array of wineries in California or perhaps Europe, it’s unlikely you’ve seen one quite as moody and tranquil as Dana Estates. The moss-covered stone building that houses the winery was built in 1883, later purchased by a South Korean businessman. The interior of the historic building reflects the new ownership, with dim lighting, warm earthen textures, and high ceilings. Dana’s giant fermentation tanks were striking and different from any industrial stainless tanks I’d seen before, made from concrete and looking better suited for an Architectural Digest spread. During our tour, we were lucky enough to sneak a pour of a rare 2022 Sauvignon Blanc that only produced 4 barrels, followed by a proper tasting in a tranquil indoor/outdoor space overlooking the tree-shaded courtyard.
With lunch and two incredibly special winery tours and tastings under our belts, it was time to head back to the Napa airport and board the Gulfstream G500 back to Los Angeles. Francesco, Flexjet’s gregarious Chief Steward (he graciously entertained my fledgling Italian skills), popped and poured our final bubbles of the day, and he even arranged for that afternoon’s World Cup game to be shown on the G500’s televisions. The hour flew by, with delicious late afternoon snacks and seemingly endless sparkling rosé, until tragically we all had to disembark and return to our normal lives.
While a Flexjet membership is likely out of reach for you and I, dear reader, the fractional jet ownership company is truly a standard-bearer for luxury travel, service, and concierge. With a fleet of Gulfstreams and a dedicated team of professionals offering the highest level of service, those who are financially eligible for ownership wouldn’t need to lift a finger or give another thought to their travel logistics. So, friends, once you win that Mega Millions or strike it big in the corporate world, Flexjet is waiting for you (as long as you promise to take me with you for a trip or two).
Putting this on my life bucketlist!!! You're the coolest
girl u fancy!!