Rosé All May in the Napa Valley

Overlooking the picturesque city of St. Helena, taking your seat on the terrace of the restaurant at the Southern French inspired Auberge du Soleil, allows you to take in one of the most breathtaking views in all of the Napa Valley. With an amphitheater that is pine-tree lined on both sides, the hills and terrain feel much like the Côtes de Luberon that acts as the gateway to Provence from the Southern Rhône Valley. Blink your eyes and you could be in Bandol, Loumarin, or Aix-en-Provence. And the rosé wines will transport you further and further into the French sensibility with each sip.

Auberge du Soleil has been running its 5th annual Rosé All May programming throughout the property, extending through May 31st. Options include a three course lunch and Rosé pairing, oysters & rosé pairing in the bar, and Vin Versus—a daily Rosé competition pitting California versus France in the Bar for a side-by-side taste comparison, Rosé cocktails at The Bar, complimentary daily afternoon Rosé tastings in the Courtyard, Rosé-themed treatments at The Spa, and signature Frosé at La Plage, the property’s St Tropez-inspired adult pool. New this year, special Rosé offerings at the spa, bar and pool will continue all summer long through August 31st.

When done right, rosé has a crisp and fresh acidity that leaves your palate wanting another sip—you'll hear all the cool kids call this 'crunchy'. The first course of the Rosé All May lunch is a roasted beet salad with both red and golden beets, crispy romaine lettuce, asparagus tips, and crunchy candied walnuts with a fresh and balanced citrus vinaigrette. The crunch of the salad paired perfectly with the Lieu-Dit Rosé of Cabernet Franc, which has a crunchy acidity to it and delicate fruit.

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The hospitality here is unparalleled. I overheard a table next to me recount to their server how it had been 11 years since their last visit, and upon perusing the menu she noticed a menu item missing from her memory 11 years ago...when asked what dish, she told the server about a bone marrow dish that she fondly thought of from the last visit, and after disappearing into the kitchen for a few minutes, the server proudly delivered good news that the chef would be happy to prepare bone marrow for the guests. The happiness I heard exude from her when the dish hit the table filled my heart and reminded me why dining out at special locations such as this Relais & Châteaux property is so coveted by many.

In addition to the event programming, the restaurant's wine list also offers 8 rosés by the glass: For California offerings: from their private label grown in Santa Barbara to St. Helena for Gallica rosé of Petite Sirah. For France: From Domaine Vacheron in Sancerre to Domaine de Fontsainte from Corbières to both Château de Pibarnon & Domaine Tempier in Bandol. Prices run from $15-$33 per glass and they offer half glass pours as well. Additionally they offer many Sparkling Rosé options from California including their private label, Domaine Carneros, and Roederer Estate from Anderson Valley.

Daily rosé tasting is available daily in May from 4pm-5:30pm in the courtyard of the Main House (Check-In area)

Auberge du Soleil also debuted their new private dining room at the revitalized Restaurant, Le Salon. Within Le Salon, guests can dine surrounded by a glass-enclosed wine cellar showcasing champagnes and choice wines. Le Salon is an elegant and intimate space to indulge in the cellar’s collection of 15,000 global wines and world-class dining from Executive Chef Curry, designed for oenophiles, epicures and connoisseurs—all lovers of the good life.