Auberge du Soleil 180 Rutherford Hill Road Rutherford, CA 94573 707-963-1211
aubergedusoleil.com
adding depth without overpowering the dish’s more delicate elements. For the main course, the Japanese Wagyu A5 was a standout — rich, deeply marbled and expertly prepared. Accompanied by forbidden rice, miso-glazed carrots, shiitake mushrooms and a smoked shoyu ponzu, the dish leaned into umami without becoming overwhelming. A 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon from Ad Vivum’s Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville anchored the course, its structure and depth standing up to the Wagyu while enhancing its savory complexity. Dessert brought a playful finish with a Thai-inspired tres leches cake, featuring Manila mango, vanilla chantilly and boba pearls. Light yet indulgent, it offered a tropical brightness that rounded out the meal without feeling heavy. Paired with a 2021 Vidal Icewine from Inniskillin in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, the wine echoed the dessert’s sweetness while adding a lush, honeyed finish. While Auberge du Soleil is undeniably a destination restaurant, it never feels inaccessible. Instead, it offers a dining experience that is as much about place as it is about plate — where thoughtful cuisine, attentive service and one of the best views in Napa Valley come together seamlessly. t
Did You Know? Auberge du Soleil was Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant and has held a Michelin star for more than a decade, helping define the region’s reputation as a global culinary destination.
Rosie Padilla is the managing editor of NorthBay biz , where she leads editorial strategy across print and digital. A Sonoma State University graduate, she’s passionate about storytelling and community-focused journalism. Outside of work, she enjoys binging true crime, bowling and getting lost in a good horror novel.
March | April 2026
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