Full Belly Files: SoCal to Napa and Back: My Eight-Hour Jet Junket

Full Belly Files: SoCal to Napa and Back highlights a day trip driven by Flexjet’s newest Gulfstream 500 aircraft, enabling a fast private-jet roundtrip from Hollywood to Napa and back to Santa Barbara by 9 p.m. The trip, described in a personal food-and-travel report, involved roughly six hours in Napa Valley and used Flexjet’s fractional ownership model, where contracted clients can book private flights with minimal advance notice. The author met Flexjet personnel at Van Nuys airport, including pilot Matt and chief steward Francesco Valerio tied to the company’s Red Label Academy near London. Flexjet’s luxury focus is linked to Chairman Kenn Ricci, who helped develop European-standard training and trip customization. The day was arranged via Porthos, a Napa-based concierge opening access to selected wineries in California and Europe.