In the heart of agriculturally rich Napa Valley is a singular destination, Auberge du Soleil. Long renowned for its distinctive style—one that captures the joie de vivre of the South of France while seamlessly folding in the local carefree California vibe—the resort has recently undergone a notable renovation to its Michelin-star restaurant and its casual companion, The Bar. What makes this full-scale reimagination so successful is the thread that ties together the original designer, the late Michael Taylor (who basically invented the California Look), with another iconic Californiabased designer, Suzanne Tucker. Suzanne worked in Michael’s firm early on, and her warm, polished style echoes his rustic glamour. “Staying true to the original vision of the founder, along with the timeless design Michael instilled from the beginning, was always at the forefront,” she says.
As one of Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurants, Auberge du Soleil quickly became a favorite with locals and topped many “must experience” lists for travelers. Both the restaurant and the resort are industry standard-bearers due to exquisite accommodations, spectacular views of the valley, and passionate, intuitive service.