Auberge du Soleil Debuts Extensive Redesign Of Its Michelin Star Restaurant

Remodel Includes Sweeping Enhancements to The Bar, a Favorite Among Locals and Napa Valley Visitors

 

RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (July 19, 2023) – Renowned for a distinctive style that effortlessly combines the relaxed sophistication of the South of France with a carefree California soul, Auberge du Soleil today unveiled a comprehensive interior renovation of the hotel’s fine dining Michelin Star Restaurant, and its casual companion outlet, The Bar. 

The sweeping redesign of the “Main House” – which includes both The Restaurant and The Bar – accentuates the picturesque beauty of the property’s enchanting hillside setting with custom-designed floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows and French doors throughout that flood the interiors with soft natural light and frame the expansive awe-inspiring views, now immediately visible upon entering the newly remodeled foyer. The contemporary design was conceptualized by Suzanne Tucker, long-standing Auberge du Soleil resident designer, and co-founder and principal at San Francisco-based Tucker & Marks. 

“The redesign of The Restaurant and The Bar is a project that has been in the works for a number of years, involving countless hours of heartfelt care and attention to detail to preserve the welcoming essence of the space while making the stylish enhancements it so richly deserves,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “After a months-long closure, we are thrilled to reopen both dining outlets to provide a feast for the eyes, as well as the palates, of our hotel guests, dining patrons, locals and visitors of the Napa Valley.” 

The Restaurant and The Bar remodel represents the latest in a series of significant enhancements the property is undertaking as part of its ongoing reinvestment to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This project follows the completion of a years-long renovation of all 50 guest rooms and suites; sustainable landscape improvements throughout the 33-acre site involving a renewed focus on native drought-tolerant plants; the development of a nearly one-mile nature path, picnic groves and lavender terraces within Parc du Soleil; and the installation of “L’Esprit du Soleil” (The Spirit of the Sun), a multi-panel entry art-wall created by renown local artist, Gordon Huether.

To mark the reopening celebration, Auberge du Soleil is extending a special offer available for hotel stays now through December 31, 2023, that includes a two-nights stay, $250 dining credit, two glasses of Petit et Bajan “Ambroise” Grand Cru Champagne, a welcome bottle of Auberge du Soleil sparkling (specially made by Champagne Pommery) and complimentary breakfast served daily in The Restaurant. More details are available HERE or by contacting Auberge du Soleil directly at 800.348.5406 or ads.reservations@aubergeresorts.com. Restrictions apply. 

One of the most stunning features of the renovation involves the relocation of the bar to the opposite side of the interior, now facing outward toward the view of the valley. An intricate re-engineering of the 20-foot high conical roof was required to remove a center, floor-to-ceiling cedar tree trunk, to open the interior space and make room for a custom, nine-foot hand-forged iron spiral “corkscrew” chandelier. The artfully suspended lighting fixture serves as a visual centerpiece, further enhanced by the reflective soft gold-pewter hue of the walls, and French white oak flooring set in a radiating sunburst pattern. 

Additional design elements include a Cielo quartzite bar top with blue-green and caramel veining, which underscores the natural color palette of the landscape, complemented by antique bronze metal on the bar facade and recessed lighting panels. Cerused oak frames the casual theme, while floating, uplit glass bar shelves, backed by wall-lined pewter tea paper, reflect the elegance of sparkling glassware and bottles. Two large built-in banquettes upholstered in a faux bois woven and vegan croc “leather” along the window wall, anchor the interior and offer the perfect perch for enjoying the majestic views. Dining tables feature glazed ivory lava stone tops with modern Saarinen-style bases, paired with custom-designed klismos-inspired lounge and bar stools upholstered in olive green vegan leather. 

Wide plank, French white oak flooring in the foyer and The Restaurant create a warm, comforting atmosphere, while Cerused oak dining chairs and custom-designed faux bois table linens reflect the organic color palette of the surroundings. 

“Our goal with Auberge du Soleil is always to keep the design au courant while maintaining its evocative mood of the South of France – chic, stylish and sophisticated with a fresh, modern touch,” said Tucker. “Staying true to the original vision of the founder, along with the timeless design Michael Taylor instilled from the beginning, is always at the forefront. This redesign was all about bringing the interiors forward to a more contemporary, fresh, lighter look without losing sight of the place and location.” 

Originally designed by Michael Taylor – one of Architectural Digest’s “20 Greatest Designers of All Time” and lauded as the creator of the “California Look” – The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil was established in 1981, as one of Napa Valley’s first fine dining restaurants, and quickly became, and continues to be, a “must experience” culinary destination in California wine country.

Recently earning its 16th consecutive Michelin Star award and renowned for its commitment to sourcing ingredients locally from neighboring farms and purveyors, The Restaurant features French-inspired cuisine with a California flair, an extensive 15,000-bottle award-winning international wine cellar, and spectacular vista views. 

For more information please visit www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow on Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil and Facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil.Napa/ 

About Auberge du Soleil 

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France, and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil provides the quintessential Napa Valley adult getaway. The hotel features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, and passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious wine country hospitality. For hotel availability and reservations contact the property directly at 800.348.5406 or email 

ads.reservations@aubergeresorts.com. For Restaurant and Bar reservations contact our host team directly at 707.967.3111 or email ads.restaurant@aubergeresorts.com. 

About Suzanne Tucker 

Suzanne Tucker is recognized as one of the country’s leading interior designers, known for her personal and enduring style, her great attention to detail, and passion for architecture and decorative arts. Architectural Digest has honored her repeatedly on the AD100 list of top designers, and she is included in the Elle Decor A-list and the Luxe Gold List. Tucker and her husband/partner Timothy F. Marks, founded Tucker & Marks in 1986, building it into the distinguished firm it is today. Suzanne Tucker Home was launched in 2010 with her textile, tabletop, and home furnishings line. She has written multiple publications, including her latest book Extraordinary Interiors (The Monacelli Press, 2022), and has received numerous accolades, such as the New York School of Interior Design’s Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award. For more information, visit tuckerandmarks.com. 

About Relais & Châteaux 

Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit www.relaischateaux.com. 

About Auberge Resorts Collection 

Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 26 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to

create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge. 

About The Friedkin Group 

The Friedkin Group is a privately held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, GSM, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit www.friedkin.com. 

# # # 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Greer Brody 

Murphy O’Brien 

310-453-2539 

gbrody@murphyobrien.com