This is the Best Hotel in Napa Valley: Our Auberge du Soleil 2026 Review
- EH
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley offers a luxury retreat known for its stunning views, high-end amenities, and Michelin-starred dining.
Nestled in Rutherford, this resort combines elegant accommodations with access to Napa's famous wineries.
Here's what to expect:
Rooms: 50 options, from 520 to 1,800 sq. ft., starting at $1,210 per night. Features include private terraces, fireplaces, and soaking tubs.
Dining: A Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Robert Curry, serving seasonal Californian cuisine with French techniques.
Wine: A curated wine cellar of 15,000 bottles, with sommelier-led tastings and vineyard tours.
Location: Central to Napa Valley, 65 miles from San Francisco, with easy access to Rutherford's renowned Cabernet Sauvignon wineries.
Amenities: Spa treatments, heated limestone floors, and concierge services for tailored experiences.
For a memorable stay, book early, especially during harvest season (Sept–Nov), and request terrace seating for sunset dining.
Auberge du Soleil 2026 Review: Rooms and Hotel Amenities
Room Options and Pricing
Auberge du Soleil features 50 stylish guestrooms and suites, ranging in size from 520 to 1,800 square feet. Each room offers a choice of garden, hillside, or valley views, catering to different preferences. The Classic Rooms are a perfect introduction to luxury, featuring a California king bed, a private outdoor terrace, and a cozy fireplace. Guests will also find thoughtful touches like a complimentary minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, a 55-inch HDTV with a DVD player, and a Bose Bluetooth audio system. Bathrooms include separate showers, double vanities, and oversized soaking tubs. Some rooms even feature a 22-inch plasma TV positioned above the freestanding bathtub for added indulgence.
For those needing more space, the suites include separate living and dining areas, each with its own fireplace. The Private Garden Suites take it a step further with secluded outdoor spaces, complete with a soaking tub and rain shower. For the ultimate in privacy and luxury, the Private Maisons - available with one or two bedrooms - offer breathtaking panoramic views of Napa Valley.
Nightly rates start at $1,210 and include breakfast. Rates may vary depending on the season, with the harvest months (September–November) typically being the most expensive. These accommodations, paired with the hotel's thoughtful amenities, create a truly elevated experience for every guest.
Hotel Facilities
The property goes beyond its luxurious rooms, offering an array of upscale amenities. Each room is outfitted with Italian linens, plasma TVs, and wet bars stocked with beverages (suites even feature full-sized refrigerators). Guests are greeted with daily fresh fruit, a personal welcome note, and heated limestone floors in deluxe accommodations.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring connectivity at all times. A recent renovation by Suzanne Tucker has introduced custom furnishings, blending modern elegance with comfort. Thanks to the terraced hillside location, every room benefits from outdoor spaces, whether it's a private terrace or a secluded garden area.
Booking Advice
With such premium offerings, planning ahead is essential. Advance reservations are especially important during the busy harvest season, as rooms fill up quickly. When booking, be sure to specify your preferred view: valley view rooms offer stunning vistas but come at a higher price, while hillside and garden views strike a balance between scenery and cost. For those seeking better rates, consider weekday stays during the winter months (December through February), when prices are often more competitive but all amenities remain available.
For reservations, contact the hotel directly at +1 707-963-1211. This allows you to discuss special packages or confirm specific room features to ensure your stay meets expectations.
Dining at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil
Menu and Cuisine Style
At The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Executive Chef Robert Curry brings a touch of elegance to seasonal Californian cuisine by blending it with refined French techniques. The dishes are crafted using premium local ingredients sourced from Napa Valley and the Pacific Rim, with a focus on the region's vibrant seasonal harvests and organic family farms. Chef Curry’s menus are a celebration of California’s bounty, showcasing the best flavors the area has to offer.
The menu evolves with the seasons, but a few standout dishes consistently highlight the restaurant's dedication to top-tier ingredients. For instance, Nantucket Bay scallops in green garlic sauce emphasize fresh and seasonal seafood, while squid ink linguine featuring Mendocino uni and lobster claw meat reflects a sophisticated Pacific Rim influence.
Winter diners might savor a sunchoke soup poured tableside, enhanced with almonds, curry oil, crispy oyster, trumpet mushrooms, brioche croutons, and sherry crème fraîche. February 2025 will feature dishes like chilled Maine lobster paired with blood orange, hibiscus, endive, and yuzu kosho, complemented by Cara Cara and Satsuma mandarin segments.
One dish that has delighted guests for over two decades is the gnocchi with wild mushrooms - chanterelles, maitakes, and black trumpets - served with pea shoots and a Parmesan nage.
As Chef Curry explains:
"Many of our guests comment that it's like being in Provence without the need for a passport."
Desserts are equally thoughtful, with creations such as orange zest and honey sponge cake served alongside fromage blanc, cardamom cream, and rhubarb sorbet, all highlighting seasonal fruits and sophisticated flavors. The dining experience is further elevated by a carefully curated wine program designed to complement each course.
Wine Selection
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil boasts a wine program that’s among the finest in Napa Valley, featuring a cellar of over 15,000 bottles - a collection that has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.
The sommelier team offers custom wine pairings tailored to each dish, drawing from a mix of local Napa Valley wines and international selections. Overnight guests can also enjoy a "Custom-Tailored Wine Tasting" experience, a 90-minute session designed to introduce wine basics and help guests discover their personal tastes.
Special sommelier-led experiences include themes like "The Varietals of Napa Valley", which explores wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon; "The Terroirs of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon", focusing on the unique sub-regions of Napa; and "Napa Icons", a deep dive into legendary producers and exceptional vintages. These sessions offer a window into Napa Valley’s wine culture and expert tasting techniques. For those looking to explore further, the team can create custom vineyard itineraries, providing exclusive access to local winemakers.
Making Reservations
To enjoy this exceptional dining experience, it’s best to book your table well in advance, as seating is limited and demand is high. Reservations can be made by calling 707-967-3111 or through Tock.
For an unforgettable evening, request terrace seating during sunset. The breathtaking views of the vineyards and Mayacamas mountains are particularly stunning during golden hour. Terrace tables are highly coveted, especially in peak season (September through November), so be sure to mention this preference when booking.
Wine tastings are available exclusively to overnight guests and must be reserved ahead of time. If the restaurant is fully booked during dinner hours, consider visiting for lunch or brunch to enjoy the same exceptional cuisine and service with greater availability.
What to Expect During Your Stay
Service Style
Auberge du Soleil offers a level of personalized service that goes beyond what you'd typically expect from a luxury resort. The concierge team is dedicated to creating unique experiences for guests, like arranging private winery tours, exclusive tastings, or even a chef-prepared sunrise picnic on the resort's sculpture garden terrace overlooking the vineyards.
The spa services are equally tailored, offering indulgences such as the outdoor "bain du soleil" soaking experience or the wine-inspired Grand Cru Couple's retreat. Every aspect of their service reflects a commitment to detail, ensuring your stay feels both special and seamless.
Hotel Design and Atmosphere
The resort masterfully blends elegance with a welcoming warmth. Recent updates have introduced timeless materials and refined touches, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and inviting. The design takes full advantage of the natural surroundings, with interiors that harmonize beautifully with views of the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains.
The terrace areas are a standout feature, offering some of the most stunning vistas in Napa Valley. As the sun sets, the golden light over the rolling vineyards and mountains creates an atmosphere that guests often describe as magical. Every element of the property reflects its wine country setting while maintaining a polished, upscale aesthetic. Dressing appropriately for the setting only enhances the overall experience.
Dress Code and Etiquette
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, known for its Michelin-starred dining, follows a "Business Casual" dress code. For women, this might mean a stylish summer dress, a chic jumpsuit, or dressy separates. Men might opt for khakis paired with a blazer, button-down, or collared shirt.
Outside the restaurant, the resort embraces a "wine country casual" style that combines comfort with understated sophistication. Jeans are perfectly fine for daytime activities like wine tasting or exploring the grounds, but a more polished outfit is recommended for dinner or special occasions.
Napa's weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Mornings may start cool and foggy, afternoons warm up under the sun, and evenings often bring a crisp chill - especially in the fall and winter. Pack versatile layers like a cardigan, light jacket, or blazer to stay comfortable throughout the day.
For daytime outings, choose stylish yet comfortable footwear suitable for walking. Practical accessories like a sunhat and sunscreen are also a good idea to shield yourself from Napa's strong sun.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your time at Auberge du Soleil, a little planning goes a long way.
Getting the Best Experience
For an unforgettable evening, reserve a spot on the terrace during sunset. The terrace provides breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, making it the ideal setting for a memorable dining experience. To secure your reservation, call 707-967-3111 or book through Tock, and be sure to request sunset terrace seating.
Need help coordinating the perfect timing? The hotel's concierge team is ready to assist. You can reach them at 800-348-5406 or 707-963-1211. They'll help you align your reservation with the sunset schedule, which varies throughout the year. While you're planning, consider collaborating with the sommelier to create custom wine pairings. With a 15,000-bottle wine cellar and a wine program that has earned 18 consecutive Michelin Star awards, you're in excellent hands. The sommelier can craft pairings that enhance both your meal and the stunning surroundings.
Once you've mapped out your dining plans, it's time to think about how to explore Napa Valley.
Getting There and Around
Auberge du Soleil is located at 180 Rutherford Hill Road in Rutherford, right in the heart of Napa Valley. If you're driving, valet parking is available. For those flying in, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about a 90-minute drive, while Sacramento International Airport is approximately 75 minutes away.
The resort's central location makes it easy to visit some of Napa Valley's most celebrated wineries. Estates like Inglenook, Beaulieu Vineyard, and Mumm Napa are just minutes away. The concierge can arrange transportation to these wineries, a particularly handy service given Napa's strict DUI laws. If you’re interested in exploring further, the charming towns of St. Helena and Yountville are about 15 minutes away by car, while Calistoga, known for its hot springs and spas, is roughly 20 minutes to the north.
Combining with Wine Tours
To elevate your experience, pair your dining plans with exclusive wine tours. The concierge can organize private tours that align with your dining schedule, offering a seamless way to enjoy both the culinary and viticultural highlights of the region.
Morning wine tastings are a great way to start your day, leaving the afternoon free for relaxation at the resort’s pool or spa. Positioned in the Rutherford AVA, the hotel is surrounded by some of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, making it an excellent base for wine enthusiasts.
For something extra special, consider a private tasting on the sculpture garden terrace. The concierge can arrange exclusive experiences featuring wines from boutique producers, allowing you to enjoy rare bottles alongside stunning views. If you’re visiting between August and October, you’ll catch harvest season, a magical time to witness the winemaking process. The vibrant colors of the vineyards during this period only add to the charm of your Napa Valley adventure.
Final Thoughts of our Auberge du Soleil 2026 Review
After visiting for our Auberge du Soleil 2026 Review, we discovered that it remains standout gem in Napa Valley. The hotel seamlessly blending luxurious hospitality with breathtaking natural scenery and a dining experience that's hard to rival. With Executive Chef Robert Curry crafting seasonal Californian dishes and a wine cellar boasting 15,000 bottles, the resort delivers a true taste of Napa Valley's culinary heritage. Pair that with the stunning views, and you have the perfect setting for unforgettable moments.
But this resort is more than just a destination - it's a gateway to everything Napa has to offer. From elegantly designed rooms to personalized wine tours, every detail is designed to enhance your stay. The terrace, with its sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains, is the ideal spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying a meal that feels as special as the scenery.
The interiors strike a perfect balance between timeless charm and modern touches, creating a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated. Whether you're indulging in a signature dish on the terrace or simply soaking in the serene ambiance, every detail seems thoughtfully considered to elevate your experience.
For those who love wine, luxury, and the essence of Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil offers an experience worth every penny. While the nightly rates may reach into the mid-to-four-figure range, the memories created here are priceless, making it an ideal choice for celebrating milestones or simply savoring the finer things in life.
FAQs
What makes dining at Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil a standout experience?
Dining at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil offers an experience unlike any other, blending exceptional service with a setting that feels straight out of a dream. Guests have the freedom to customize their tasting menu, making each meal perfectly aligned with their personal tastes.
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil's terrace provides breathtaking views of Napa Valley’s vineyards and the Mayacamas mountains, creating the perfect ambiance - especially during sunset. Add to that the seasonal Californian cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Robert Curry and a wine program boasting a 15,000-bottle cellar, and it’s clear that every element is thoughtfully curated to make your visit extraordinary.
When is the best time to visit Napa Valley for the harvest season, and what unique experiences can guests enjoy during this period?
The prime time to visit Napa Valley during harvest season is from August to October. This is when the vineyards buzz with activity, and the region comes alive with special events. Since this is a popular time of year, it’s a good idea to plan ahead - book your wine tastings, dining reservations, and sought-after experiences early to avoid missing out.
Harvest season offers a range of one-of-a-kind experiences. Many wineries host grape stomping events, festive harvest parties featuring gourmet food and live music, and exclusive wine tastings. Some even offer behind-the-scenes tours, giving visitors a chance to see the winemaking process up close. For something extra special, ask about sunset tastings or terrace seating - perfect for soaking in the breathtaking vineyard views during this lively season.
How can I make the most of my first visit to Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley?
To get the most out of your first visit, think about reserving a terrace table at sunset. The views of the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains during that time are absolutely stunning. While you're there, make it a point to chat with the sommelier - they can recommend wine pairings that perfectly complement the seasonal menu.
Since terrace seating is incredibly popular, it’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time. Dress in smart-casual or resort-elegant attire to match the sophisticated atmosphere. And if you’re looking for ways to elevate your experience, the concierge is always there to provide tailored suggestions.