Afternoon Tea

One night only! We are thrilled to announce that Herons will host the next SALTY Magazine dinner with guest chefs, Philip Tessier and Roberto Solis. On Monday, April 29, these dynamic chefs will join our very own Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, and all brought together by Salty Magazine's founder, Geeta Bansal. 

Chef Tessier leads the culinary operations of PRESS Restaurant, a one-MICHELIN Guide star and World's 50 Best Discovery property in St. Helena, CA. He is the first American to reach the podium at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition in Lyon, and his resume includes renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry, Bouchon, Per Se, Le Bernardin, and Le Moulin des Mougins. Chef Solis hails from Mexico, where he created 'New Yucatecan Cuisine' after many years of working at the world's top restaurants including Noma, The Fat Duck and Narisawa. A Food Network Iron Chef, he brings his unique take on the food of his homeland to his many projects, including co-founding the Hokul Vuh culinary festival and the creation of World's 50 Best Restaurants Discovery restaurants Huniik and Nectar. The host of the evening, Chef Greene is a multi-nominated Best Chef of the Southeast by the James Beard Foundation, and under his purview has led Herons to a Forbes Five-Star rating--one of only 64 restaurants in the world to achieve such status.

All three chefs will bring their unique perspectives to the plate, and guests will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. This exceptional collaboration, limited to 50 guests, will showcase a tasting menu at a fixed price of $325 (exclusive of tax and service), with an additional option for a wine pairing at $150. Reservations can be made on Open Table.

Discover Napa Valley

Napa Valley is April's topic for our continuing Uncorked series. Napa needs no introduction; the region has been world-famous for decades! Join our Umstead wine team on April 30th while they guide you through the voluptuous whites and reds from the United States' premier wine region. Reserve this experience by phone or Open Table.

Plein Air Painting Demonstration and Artist Reception

The Umstead Hotel & Spa is excited to welcome contemporary painter Lynn Boggess for his 6^th exhibition in our Art Gallery, running May 1^st through August 30^th.  Best known for his dramatic textured landscapes, Boggess’ paintings have been a beloved part of the hotel’s permanent collection since opening in 2007. Taking inspiration from the property’s verdant surroundings, Boggess will have two plein air demonstrations while his works are in residence, as well as an Artist Reception.

Boggess' works will be celebrated and inspire various culinary offerings at The Umstead's dining venues. Expect specialty cocktails at the Umstead Bar & Lounge, delightful bites during afternoon tea, and dishes woven into the tasting menu at fine dining restaurant Herons. Led by Chef Steven Greene, the Heron’s Art Tour Menu is celebrated for its multi-course experience that seamlessly merges artistry with gastronomy.

Marcelle Kick, Hotel Design Coordinator at The Umstead adds, “Lynn Boggess’ plein air paintings were some of the first works purchased for the property.  After the curatorial staff decided on the design theme of “Art in Nature", Lynn’s style of painting exemplified that direction with his woodland focus and organic imagery and textures. His work invites the outdoors in and is a special part of The Umstead experience.”

The first painting demonstration will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. This will be complimentary for guests to attend, and light beverages will be served down by the lake. The Artist Reception will take place on Thursday afternoon, beginning with another plein air session May 9th at 5:30 pm and mingling from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Attendees can expect to view up to 15 of his works in the gallery along with an opportunity to meet and greet with this celebrated artist. The event costs $35, with light hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine to be served. Reservations are highly encouraged by phone 919.447.4050 or Open Table. 

May 8

• 1:30-3:30 pm, Plein Air Painting Demonstration by the Lake, with light beverages

May 9

• 5:30 pm - 7 pm, Plein Air Painting Demonstration by the Lake, with light beverages
• 7 - 8 pm, Meet the Artist, with light beverages and hors d'oeuvres

Discover Peay Vineyards with National Marketing Director Brooke Sabel while she leads a tasting through seven of Peay's top wines, paired perfectly with a 5-star Herons dinner. Peay has made a name for themselves, and rightfully so, making some of the most beautiful wines out of Sonoma on their stunning 53-acre property in the West Coast. Join us on April 23rd at 5:30pm for this unforgettable food and wine pairing event!

Seats to this exclusive event are now available for $300 plus tax and gratuity, prepayment at the time of booking is required. Tickets are transferrable but non-refundable. Tickets can be purchased online or through our reservations department at 919-447-4050.

Join us this Sunday, May 12 for an elevated Mother’s Day brunch celebration. Make cherished memories with us, dining in our in-house Five Star Restaurant experience. Herons will feature an exquisitely-crafted four course menu with choice of entrée featuring dishes created and prepared by four-time James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, Executive Chef Steven Greene. 

Mother’s Day Brunch will run from 10am to 2pm on Sunday May 12th. Brunch pricing is $150 per adult and $46 per child (ages 2 to 10), inclusive of tax and gratuity. Full payment is due at the time of booking, reservations are non-refundable but are transferrable to another guest.