NAPA, Calif. (April 24, 2013) – With more than 50,000 square feet of flexible event space, The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa has just hired an additional Group Sales Manager, Mary Jo “MJ” Baird. Baird will focus on bringing corporate and incentive business to The Meritage Resort from San Jose, San Francisco’s East Bay area, Los Angeles, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

With a family heritage rooted in Spanish winemakers and armed with a certificate from the United States Sommelier Association Baird’s background and knowledge gives her a unique perspective and ability to bring group business to The Meritage Resort and the Napa Valley. Baird is a Los Angeles native and has wealth of experience within the hospitality industry after working in both catering and sales for hotels, resorts and convention centers in Southern California and New Mexico.

“My enjoyment comes from creating extraordinary experiences for my clients,” said Mary Jo “MJ” Baird, group sales manager at The Meritage Resort and Spa. “The Meritage Resort is a beautiful property that has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for groups large and small, ranging from the two largest ballrooms in the Wine Country to covered terraces and the spectacular Estate Cave for up to 200. Memories of these experiences are created because of the exceptional four-diamond service, the beautiful Tuscan-inspired resort, the beautiful surroundings and all of the amenities offered to guests.”

“We are pleased to welcome MJ to our sales team,” said Sheri Thomas, director of sales and marketing for The Meritage Resort and Spa. “Because of her experience and knowledge of wine and wine country MJ will be an asset to her clients as they bring their groups to the ultimate food and wine destination and the best resort for meetings and incentives in wine country.”

About The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Meritage Resort and Spa is an extraordinary Napa Valley luxury resort set among the vineyards. A destination unto itself, it features 322 Tuscan-inspired guestrooms and luxury suites, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine at the Siena Restaurant and wine tasting in the Estate Cave featuring Trinitas Cellars. Regain a healthful balance with curative treatments at Spa Terra—a lavish underground spa with steam grottoes, soaking pools, treatment alcoves and tranquil walls of water. The resort boasts the most comprehensive event and meeting space in the wine country, including the two largest ballrooms in the Napa Valley, the Estate Cave and three covered terraces. Crush Ultra Lounge offers guests a chance to relax with a full bar, sports entertainment and six bowling lanes. Far more than a place for relaxation, our unique property is an Old World escape from the ordinary. The Meritage Resort and Spa experience is the perfect blend of gracious hospitality, unrivaled amenities and peerless personal care. The Meritage Resort and Spa, We are Napa. TheMeritageResort.com.

About Meritage Collection
The Meritage Collection is a new life and style collection from Pacific Hospitality Group, which includes independent hotels, resorts, wineries and golf courses. The Meritage Collection offers exceptional travel and one-of-a-kind experiences in four of California's most spectacular locations—La Jolla, Napa Valley, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. These design-focused properties are stylish yet welcoming, with creative restaurants, relaxed lounges and inviting social spaces.

Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, the Meritage Collection puts a creative spin on traditional spa concepts and offers extensive treatments and health enhancing services. Blending the best in leisure and group travel, the Meritage Collection débuted in 2013 and includes The Meritage Resort and Spa, Bacara Resort & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort, and Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.

Experience hospitality in a whole new light. For more information about the Meritage Collection, please visit MeritageCollection.com.