Behind every good man is an exceptional woman who makes his life happen with elegance. Laura Cunningham is that woman to Thomas Keller – and together they have reinvented the fine dining landscape of America. Like a modern-day Emily Post Laura has set the standards + protocols for all exquisite culinary experiences had at any of Thomas Keller’s establishments– French Laundry, Per Se, Ad Hoc, and Bouchon… Everywhere you look, her good taste + fingerprints are on everything.
The Auberge du Soleil, nestled in the terraced hills of Rutherford, is a major splurge and super treat; with the most intoxicating and heavenly views, bedrooms, fireplaces, pool, spa, wine list, service, room service and dining patio. This hotel is the #1 game in town and nothing compares in the winter or summer.
Auberge du Soleil 180 Rutherford Hill Road Rutherford, CA 94573 707.963.1211
Neiman’s Motorcycle Rental 1132 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574 707.963.4618
Dean + Deluca 607 Saint Helena Highway St. Helena, CA 94574 707.967.9980
Swanson Vineyards 1271 Manley Lane Rutherford, CA 94573 707.754.4018
If you are looking to discover the next cult classic, like Scarecrow or Hourglass, then… R-U-N, don’t walk, to ACME Fine Wines. ACME is a local treasure where boutique and virtual wineries sell their teeny production wines and offer the most incredible selection of impeccably edited wines for their wine clubs. This is not to be missed.
Acme Fine Wines 1080 Fulton Lane St. Helena, CA 94574 888.963.0440
Harlan Winery proprietor Bill Harlan, opened the Napa Valley Reserve– a member’s only club at the base of Meadowood Resort– for oenophiles + wine enthusiasts. The Club caters to locals + out-of-towner who want all the perks of being a part of the valley’s winemaking community + winemaking experience— without the headaches + potential financial ruin of owning top-flight vineyards + production facility + super-talented winemaking team. Joining The Reserve is like being given the key to unlock every door within Napa Valley; as well as a built-in mega-concierge service at your finger tips.
Napa Valley Reserve 1000 Silverado Trail North St. Helena, CA 94574 707.968.3190
“Ohhhh, what the hell… I’m wearin’ my fat pants tonight,” I once heard a lady next to me, with a deep southern drawl announce to her waiter and table as she struggled to choose from the breadbasket… There were at least half a dozen options, and within seconds of spying the bounty— she just CAVED and surrendered to a smattering of them all. Who doesn’t cave and walk out with mild gout/ severe carb-face after hours of endless gastronomic temptation + debauchery?!
The devil is always delightfully lurking in the details at the The French Laundry. After years of being haunted, dazzled and smitten by the sheer talent and exceptionalness of every dinner had— I must confess that it is the little things that leave charmed + inspired… I can’t go frequently because it usually takes me a full year to digest the 14 courses of excruciating perfection– that renders me fearful, that I too, could end up like Mama Cass in the night!
The French Laundry 6640 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94599 707.944.2380
XO Transportation 415.306.3191
