Skip to main content

Win a Free Trip to Napa Valley’s Pop-Up Nutella Hotel

Sriracha, In & Out Burger, pumpkin beer — all foods with an obsessive cult following. But, few are as universally loved as the perfect chocolatey hazelnut goodness that is Nutella. To publicly profess dislike for the spread is like admitting one is not human. Now, the world’s most obsessed fans can proclaim their love for Nutella and possibly win a free, all-expenses-paid trip to an exclusive Nutella-branded pop-up hotel in the heart of Napa Valley.

hotella nutella
Nutella/Facebook

For just three days in January 2020, the aptly named Hotella Nutella will open its doors to three lucky contestants. Grand prize winners of the Nutella Weekend Breakfast Experience will score roundtrip airfare for themselves and one companion, plus ground transport throughout their stay. Guests will enjoy three days and two nights at the hotel in an unabashedly over-the-top, branded room complete with Nutella pillows, bedding, wallpaper, curtains — you get the gist. The package also includes unique breakfast experiences each morning “with notable tastemakers” like Tanya Holland, owner of San Francisco’s Brown Sugar Kitchen. Chopped judge Geoffrey Zakarian will also make an appearance with a gourmet, Nutella-centric breakfast-for-dinner spread.

Recommended Videos

We’ve all become a bit pop-up obsessed lately with everything from Stranger Things to Rick and Morty to Tim Burton getting their own temporary installations in the last few years. Hotella Nutella isn’t even the first food-flavored (pun intended) pop-up hotel. Earlier this year, Taco Bell announced The Bell: A Taco Bell Hotel and Resort. Sadly, it seems the guest list there consisted almost entirely of social media influencers rather than Average Joes. In contrast, Hotella Nutella appears to be a decidedly more low-key affair, inviting legit fans to partake in the experience.

The Nutella Weekend Breakfast Experience is open to all Nutella-obsessed U.S. residents at least 18 years old. Just head to the Hotella Nutella website to upload a short-form video professing your love of the spread by December 8, 2019. More specifically, the brand wants to know “how Nutella makes your mornings special.” All entries will be judged on their “creativity, passion for Nutella, and connection to breakfast.” We have no idea how to quantify one’s “connection to breakfast,” but we have to imagine Nutella is a requirement. The three grand prize winners will be announced sometime in mid-December.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne
Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot
Renault Winery

I lived in South Jersey for most of my life, yet I was completely unaware that such a popular winery with a rich history was right here in my backyard. The Renault Winery's story dates back nearly 156 years, when Louis Nicholas Renault left his hometown in France to set sail for California and later settled in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times but still retains one unique trait that sets it apart from other wineries.

While most wineries in the U.S. are not allowed to call their sparkling wine champagne, Renault Winery has a notable historical exception. This historical privilege dates back to when Louis Renault requested a special permit from French authorities in the 1870s that allowed his wines to be labeled as champagne. Since the winery is grandfathered in, it can still safely call its blueberry sparkling wine "Blueberry Champagne", unlike other companies in the U.S. that must refer to it as a sparkling wine. Today, visitors can take a walking tour of Renault Winery and experience a wine tasting, diving into the history of this special winery.

Read more
Aquavit: the centuries-old spirit that’s more than just “black death”
What exaclty is aquavit?
Alcohol tasting: Aquavit, Bitter orange snaps, Bask, Arrack punsch

If you’ve ever been to Iceland, there’s a chance a local tour guide has offered you a chance to partake in a less-than-appealing local rite of passage. I’m talking about eating fermented shark followed by a shot of Brennivin. I, like many travelers to Iceland, have taken part in this life-changing experience. I can tell you that the shark is the biggest acquired taste I’ve ever been a part of.

The Brennivin, on the other hand, was actually memorable in a good way. Even though it’s referred to as “black death,” this strong Icelandic spirit is a neutral spirit made from potatoes. It gets its unique flavor from the use of caraway seeds. It’s the country’s main type of Aquavit and it's the national drink. But it’s definitely not the only country that makes this unique spirit. You might be wondering what Aquavit is.

Read more
Oskar Blues dresses up its beer in denim for the summer
A timeless look for some classic ales
Dale's Denim Pale.

Colorado brewery Oskar Blues is bringing back a limited-time favorite with the return of the Denim Dale's line. The release features a couple of flagship beers treated to cans inspired by your favorite pair of jeans. The light summer beers are available now through Labor Day Weekend.

"Last year’s denim beer case was a statement of rebellious independence – and people got it. This year, we wanted to take it even further,” says Aaron Baker, Oskar Blues brand director. “So we wrapped the can itself in denim. It’s a celebration of individuality, utility, and American grit – all things denim and Dale’s share at their core. Whether you’re cracking one open at a dive bar or tossing it in your cooler for a weekend outside, this is a beer that wears its character on its sleeve – or in this case, its can.”

Read more