Rutherford · Restaurant · $$
Auberge du Soleil
Worth the trip?
Absolutely.
Absolutely when the setting matters as much as the meal. Auberge is one of the strongest choices for a romantic night, celebration or classic Napa Valley splurge.
Our Take
Few places deliver the Wine Country fantasy as completely as Auberge du Soleil. Perched above Rutherford, the hillside property looks across the vineyards and valley floor, making the view nearly as important to the experience as what's on the table.
The setting is the advantage. Auberge gives you the polished destination-restaurant experience, but The Bar offers a looser way in, with cocktails, wine and seasonal food overlooking the same panoramic Napa Valley views.
The 30-Second Decision
GO
Absolutely when the setting matters as much as the meal. Auberge is one of the strongest choices for a romantic night, celebration or classic Napa Valley splurge.
SKIP
If its particular style does not fit the day you are actually trying to plan.
BOOK
Go before sunset and don't rush it
OUR RANK
#11 in Cocktail Time.
The Move
What we'd actually do.
Go before sunset and don't rush it. Start with a drink outside while there's still daylight over the valley, then move into dinner as the light changes. If you don't want the full formal meal, The Bar is the move for getting much of the Auberge experience with less commitment.
Why We Rank It
This is one of the rare Napa splurges where the setting genuinely changes the experience. Serious wine, polished food and the hillside view combine to make the evening feel like an occasion rather than simply an expensive dinner.
What Makes It Different
Why Auberge du Soleil?
THE HOOK
The reason it stands out
The setting is the advantage. Auberge gives you the polished destination-restaurant experience, but The Bar offers a looser way in, with cocktails, wine and seasonal food overlooking the same panoramic Napa Valley views.
THE EXPERIENCE
Why we'd choose it
This is one of the rare Napa splurges where the setting genuinely changes the experience. Serious wine, polished food and the hillside view combine to make the evening feel like an occasion rather than simply an expensive dinner.
FOR LOCALS
Why it still matters
The Bar makes Auberge useful even when you aren't committing to the full restaurant experience. It's one of the better places to turn a drink, small plates and sunset into the main event.
We'd Send You Here If...
You want something less predictable
You'd rather find a place with a point of view than repeat the standard Wine Country itinerary.
You want a more local angle
The Bar makes Auberge useful even when you aren't committing to the full restaurant experience. It's one of the better places to turn a drink, small plates and sunset into the main event.
Maybe Skip It If...
It doesn't fit the day you're building.
A great Napa recommendation is still the wrong recommendation when its pace, location or experience doesn't match what you actually want.
Know Before You Go
Planning
Easy to work in
Experience
Special occasion
Price
$$
Make Your Next Move
Keep building the day.
Compare another winery, figure out dinner or decide where the night goes next.
KEEP TASTING
More Wineries
Compare this stop with the wineries we think are most worth your time across Napa Valley.
Explore →
EAT NEXT
Plan Your Dinner
Find the restaurants we'd actually choose when it's time to trade the tasting room for dinner.
Explore →
KEEP GOING
Going Out
Head into Cocktail Time for the bars, cocktails and late-night stops worth building the rest of the night around.
Explore →
Where We Rank It
The Basics
The practical stuff.
Area
Rutherford · Wine Country
Type
Restaurant
Price
$$
Planning
Easy to work in