Client Stories
CLIENT STORIES
What Clients Say
From private celebrations to corporate programs in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Italy, our clients share their Napa Valley Noir experiences with you.
For Companies
Client entertainment, brand activations, retreats, and incentive travel
BRAND ACTIVATION · ITALIAN LUXURY FASHION HOUSE AT A PRIVATE NAPA VALLEY ESTATE
“For us, luxury is not out loud. It's about substance, authenticity, timeless, lifestyle. And this venue couldn’t be better to show the Italian way of living — good food, good wine, good products, nice people that understand this artistry.”
— ROBERTO LORENZINI · Then-CEO Tod’s Group Americas
CLIENT ENTERTAINMENT · FORTUNE 500 COMPANY · Booked 2025, 2026
“Napa Valley is full of wineries, but for something beyond the ordinary, Napa Valley Noir and Kelly Carter are the answer."
“We partnered with Napa Valley Noir to plan a customer wine tasting event, and the experience exceeded every expectation. Kelly Carter was exceptional. Her genuine interest in our event, our customers, and our overall goals set the tone for a truly personalized and unforgettable experience.
“She curated an itinerary that included a private cave tour, a three-course lunch with a private chef, and an off-road excursion to Mt. Veeder for a rare library tasting.
From start to finish, every moment felt intentional, seamless, and elevated.”
— SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT· Fortune 500 Company
For Personal
Couples, families, and solo travelers — plus reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, getaways with friends, and the trips people plan for someone they love.
Kelly E. Carter and Mitch Kupchak, former NBA champion as player and General Manager and 1976 Olympic gold medalist
“Kelly personally scheduled my three days in the Valley to perfection, from wine tastings to dinner reservations and other unique activities that I had no idea were available. Her contacts were impressive.”
— MITCH KUPCHAK
FLORENCE AND THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE · TEN DAYS
“Napa Valley Noir somehow secured us access, and it became the undisputed highlight of our trip.”
“My wife and I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Italy. While we've enjoyed several European vacations in the past, this one was truly exceptional — largely thanks to Napa Valley Noir, a specialty travel concierge that excels at crafting bespoke experiences tailored to your interests and passions.
Our journey began in Florence, where we spent five wonderful days immersed in the city. From exceptional restaurant reservations and museum passes to rooftop bars and hidden gems we would never have discovered on our own, Napa Valley Noir curated a unique and deeply memorable experience in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
From Florence, we embarked on a private chauffeur-driven adventure through Tuscany, visiting some of the region's most prestigious wineries — including one that doesn't open to the public. Napa Valley Noir somehow secured us access, and it became the undisputed highlight of our trip. A huge thank you to Kelly for making that possible.
From the thoughtfully crafted daily experiences to the seamless transportation, airport greeters, and assistance throughout, every detail was handled with impeccable care and professionalism. We couldn't be more pleased or grateful.”
— DAVE & JENNY K., Ladera Ranch, CA
Cardinale Winemaker Chris Carpenter, Kelly E. Carter and Ingrid R. at the 2024 Napa Valley Barrel Auction
“I've been coming to Napa Valley since 1995 but had the most extraordinary week of my life in Napa Valley when Kelly Carter and Napa Valley Noir created my five day trip. From start to finish, the entire trip was a testament to first class service, taste and sophistication.
Her selection of exclusive wineries was nothing short of spectacular, and her insider knowledge and connections provided access to experiences that were truly extraordinary. My transportation was not only luxurious but seamless and stress-free.
The highlight was attending the prestigious and highly exclusive Napa Valley Barrel Auction. Mingling with winery proprietors and winemakers, I was honored to meet the very people who crafted the exceptional wines I tasted directly from the barrel.”
— INGRID R., Diamond Bar, CA
Peter. G., Kelly. E. Carter and David Long, proprietor of David Arthur Vineyards on Pritchard Hill
“Over the years, I have made many visits to Napa where I visited some great wineries and had some memorable experiences. That said, a lot changed with my very first engagement with Kelly Carter and during the several times since.
I have now seen a side of Napa I didn't know existed and is only accessible to people like Kelly as an industry insider. Whether meeting winery owners and winemakers, gaining access to barrel samples and library wines or exploring small, boutique wineries that are tucked away on the Vaca or Mayacamas ranges, the scope of Kelly's reach is almost beyond comprehension. Kelly is the real deal and uniquely suited to curate Napa Valley visits that are in a word beyond.
There are few people I know who are more pleasant, knowledgeable and compelling to be with during a three to five-day Napa visit.”
— PETER G., Weston, CT
Okapi Wines founders Dan and Kim Johnson flank Slater Vance and Samuel Khoh.
“Thank you so much Kelly E. Carter and Napa Valley Noir for taking such good care of our son and his friend on their first tour of Napa Valley. You are a true gift!”
— COURTNEY B. VANCE, Los Angeles, CA
“We were Napa residents for 22 years and know the Valley relatively well. Kelly opened our eyes to many hidden gems that had been right under our noses. Thank you, Kelly, for your personal touch!”
— MICHAEL & ESTELITA F., Walnut Creek, CA
“I had the best weekend in Napa thanks to Kelly and her beautifully curated experiences. She arranged our stay and planned two full days of activities, including visits to four stunning wineries — each unique and equally exceptional — a private dinner, and the best seats in the house at another restaurant.”
— RACHEL M., San Francisco, CA
“I can't recommend Kelly and Napa Valley Noir enough for planning your trip to Napa, whether it's your first time like mine, or you're a regular visitor. I initially planned to organize everything myself but quickly got overwhelmed. After my first conversation with Kelly. I knew I was in good hands. She took the time to understand what I wanted to do and tailored the trip to fit my interests perfectly.
Kelly is warm and incredibly professional, with a deep knowledge of Napa Valley and its surroundings. She made sure everything was organized smoothly and was quick to communicate every step of the way. As a solo traveler, I really appreciated that she checked in with me during the trip to make sure everything was going well. When I'm ready to plan my next visit to Napa, I'll definitely reach out to Kelly again.”
— STEPHANIE S., Raleigh, NC
“Kelly went above and beyond planning my birthday trip to Napa. She did an incredible job blending my must-visit wineries with her thoughtful recommendations, creating the perfect itinerary. Kelly made sure every detail was taken care of before, during, and after the trip. It was such a pleasure to finally meet her in person after weeks of planning over email. She made the entire experience truly special and memorable!”
— AMAIA C.
“I felt we were in great hands from the moment we spoke. You took my vision of this girls' trip and executed it flawlessly.”
— DEBORAH E., Westfield, NJ
“The flow of the weekend was perfect. We didn't have to think, and it all just fell into place. Kelly really listened to what we needed and was so attentive.”
— RESA K., Sterling, VA
“Kelly introduced us to new wineries that we definitely wouldn't have found on our own if we tried to put the trip together. It goes toward the experiences that she provides.”
— SHINDANA & WILLIAM M., Los Angeles, CA
“Our experience was amazing. We would definitely highly recommend your services to anyone that’s looking for a Napa Valley experience with a VIP Concierge.”
— DAN N., Windermere, FL