Last week I had one of the most special experiences of my life. I was invited to attend the Signature Kitchen Suite, True to Food Tour, in Napa, CA. Oh…My Goodness….what a week! Food, wine, chocolate tasting, art lessons, vineyard tours and hands on cooking with the Signature Kitchen Suite appliances.
The name Signature Kitchen Suites might be new to you as it was to me. I only recently discovered them while at the kitchen and bath show in 2021. Signature Kitchen Suites (SKS for short) is the new, luxury division of LG. I’m sure most of you have heard of LG.
The resort
SKS accomodated the thirty plus designers at the Vista Collina. It is a beautiful resort in the heart of Napa, surrounded by vineyards. I took advantage of a couple sunny mornings and headed out to photograph at sunrise. There is also a wine cave on site where we had our first Designhounds gathering the evening before the program started.
A day on the Wine Train
I arrived a couple days early and along with two friends, spent Mother’s Day on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. I highly recommend it if you ever get out to Napa. Gourmet food, beautiful scenery and tastings at two different wineries.
Signature Kitchen Suites Experience and Design Center
Our first official day was held at the SKS Design Center.
Located in the heart of culinary-centric Napa Valley, Calif., the multi-million-dollar “Experience & Design Center” features nearly 200 LG home appliances and serves as a brand epicenter exploring the intersection between technology and culinary innovation.”
We had a full day of learning about the appliances, cooking on the different ranges and cooktops, and lot’s of food and wine. Using the recipes of The SKS chef, chef Nick, the designers created the most amazing meal. Let me just say that the Croissant bread pudding was the best dessert I have eaten in my life! I posted the recipe below.
It’s nearly impossible to cover all the highlights in a single blog post but check out this short reel on IG to get a sense of the SKS full day immersive experience.
My Top three appliance picks
1.Signature Kitchen Suite undercounter refrigerator drawers
After downsizing a few years ago, any appliance that saves space grabs my attention. These undercounter refrigerator drawers do just that.
For a single person or for those living in a small condo (hello), these drawers might be all that’s needed. The best part? Each drawer can be programed separately to be either refrigeration or freezer.
In homes where limited square footage is not an issue, these are great for extra food storage in the kitchen or pantry. Being under counter height, the drawers are easy access for kids or the handicapped.
Check out this short video of me opening the drawers and see the surprise at the top of one of the drawers.
2. LG all in one washer/dryer
Another space saving appliance that I LOVE is this all in one washer/dryer. For small homes or single people, this single unit may be sufficient. The separate compartment shown on the bottom is for those things you would like to wash separately such as a dirty dog blanket, delicates, or greasy dish towels.
Another feature to note…ventless drying! For interior condos and apartments without access to external venting, this is such a great option.
I wish I had known about this all in one washer/dryer three years ago. Since it’s only my husband and myself now, our large sized washer and dryer is definitely over kill. Ironically, it is a LG set (which I love) and I saw my exact washer and dryer displayed on the floor.
One cool feature about my dryer is that the door opens two ways, from the side or from the top. I usually load it by opening the door from the side but empty it by opening the door from the top.
3. The LG Styler
The LG Styler freshens cloths in minutes with a smart wi-fi enabled steam system. I don’t know about you, but most of the time, my clothes don’t need a full washing or dry cleaning but could use a little freshening up.This is what the LG Styler does. Using the power of steam, the Styler deodorizes and sanitizes.
The Styler comes in two sizes and does not need to be plumbed. The steam is generated by filling a container with water located at the bottom of the unit. Since plumbing is not required, the Styler can be placed in a master closet, in a hallway or even in the basement.
A slight tap on the glass door exposes multiple setting options to custom clean your items. The styler also works great to sanitize hard to clean items such as stinky football or hockey pads, bedding, pillows and stuffed animals.
After our immersion day at the Signature Kitchen Suite Education and Design Center, we returned the next morning for some more learning and two design presentations. Jane Dagmi presented “Showing Your Story” and I presented “Capture the moment using your smartphone”.
Designhounds take on Napa and Sonoma
After our time ended at the SKS Design Center, we enjoyed the best that Napa and Sonoma has to offer. At the Hope and Grace Winery we were taught how to blend different wines to create a custom wine that matched our unique taste preferences.
There was chocolate and wine tasting at Kollar Chocolates, a sketching class at Sonoma Country Antiques, and a visit to Studio Roeper. Florian Roeper, the artist, creates the most beautiful tables and works of art with wood.
Besides all the amazing experiences we enjoyed, one of the best parts of a tour like this are the human connections. Old friendships are renewed and new friendships are made.
The Signature Kitchen Suite True to Food Tour also included gourmet dinners at a couple of Napa’s finest restaurants, wine tasting at several other vineyards and karaoke bus rides. This opportunity was a trip of a lifetime for all of us.
A HUGE thank you to Modenus who invited me to go on the Signature Kitchen Suite True To Food Tour and to everyone at SKS who made the week so memorable.
If you have any questions about the products I highlighted, or any of Signature Kitchen Suite or LG products please don’t hesitate to reach out. I specialize in design consultations so I can advise and help you select the best appliances for your kitchen needs.
Signature Kitchen Suite, Chef Nick’s, Croissant Bread Pudding
Thank you for sharing! I marvel at the ingenious minds that continue to invent these products! I would have loved to have seen your photography presentation, too. I’m still rewatching your cellphone photography class, learning more and more with practice. ❤️
Linda what a perfect wrap to our SKS experiences. I loved every moment especially your photography presentation. I definitely look at things differently through the lens now.
Thank you so much Sharon. It was such a fabulous opportunity and I really enjoyed getting to know you!
Fabulous recap, Linda! A wine train??? AND croissant bread pudding??? On the same trip? HEAVEN! It all sounds sand looks SO wonderful – thanks for sharing! Still hoping to get there someday!
What a great write up Linda. I loved seeing the videos in your post too, I am so glad you shared it all. it sounds like a terrific (and totally inspiring) experience! Thanks for sharing.
That LG Styler sounds so useful! Especially since it can be placed just about anywhere. I’m overdue for a return visit to Napa….thanks for sharing such lovely highlights, Linda! More, please!
That looks like a heavenly trip!! And no wonder that dessert was so delicious–can’t go wrong with those ingredients!
Oh my gosh, Linda this looks like a heaven experience-thank you for sharing!
I have learned so much form this post. I hope to see you again soon…
Hugs,
Maria
You managed to capture all the fun, learning and inspiration of this incredible trip! I really loved your talk on capturing magic moments!