 Twenty years ago this spring, Auberge du Soleil, one of Northern California's most revered dining establishments, opened the doors of its inn, a handful of maisons scattered across a 33-acre hillside olive grove in Napa Valley. This month, the acclaimed "Inn of the Sun" begins a new chapter in its history, as it unveils a sophisticated renovation, welcomes a new chef and offers new amenities created to elevate the art of relaxation for which the Auberge has become renowned.
"Auberge du Soleil brought a new style of informal elegance, luxury and service to the world of hospitality 20 years ago," said George Goeggel, Managing Partner. "For many, it embodies the perfect retreat, and we've been pleased to see how many guests have returned again and again throughout the years. Few hotels age gracefully. At 20, the Auberge is better than ever."
The inn completed the dream of noted San Francisco restaurateur Claude Rouas, who envisioned a tribute to his beloved Provence in the California wine country. Rouas is attributed with bringing a renaissance to Napa Valley when he opened the Auberge du Soleil Restaurant in 1981. It was an instant sensation, attracting discerning diners from Northern California and beyond with its airy, elegant Mediterranean style and French-influenced, locally sourced cuisine.
 In 1985, Rouas and business partner Robert Harmon opened the inn. As with the restaurant, the maisons - or cottages - were the work of influential designer Michael Taylor, who infused his "California Style" of overscaled furniture, dramatic fabrics and sculptural accessories with the essence of Provence. The suites enchanted guests with their elegantly rustic furnishings, handmade tile floors, abstract paintings, beds dressed in bright fuchsia and gold and French doors leading to private terraces and sweeping views of the valley below.
The inn opened to immediate acclaim. Critics called it "Casa Vogue;" "the kind of hotel so often found in Europe - secluded, discreet and elegant - and with wonderful food;" and "a masterpiece of design." Since then, Auberge du Soleil has repeatedly received some of the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discriminating guests and the media. In 1988, the inn joined Relais & Chteaux, the most prestigious collection of small luxury hotels and restaurants in the world.
Today, 20 years later, the Auberge dazzles again with a fresh, updated look that pays tribute to Michael Taylor's original vision. It is the work of San Francisco designer Suzanne Tucker, of renowned interior design firm Tucker & Marks, who was Taylor's assistant on the original Auberge. In her renovation, she was loyal to her mentor, going straight for the bold and designing luxuriously overscale furniture, richly covered bedcovers and heavy limestone countertops.
Tucker designed custom furniture with a historic basis for the rooms. Oversized braided rope lounges and ottomans were inspired by 1940s pieces at a hotel in Juan les Pins. Cream matelasse bedcovers are accented with stunning persimmon coverlets and bolsters. Made in France, the fabric is a copy of a vintage Pierre Frey design that Taylor liked. Tucker had stashed a few yards years before and recently commissioned Frey's Paris subsidiary Margueroy to custom-dye and weave the fabric exclusively for the Auberge. Cerused hand-stained oak and wheat-colored limestone replaces the tile-covered countertops for a rich finish. The result is a bright, warm look that's updated, yet bold in Taylor's fashion and reminiscent of a secluded Côte d'Azur retreat.
No 21st Century renovation would be complete without a few high-tech touches. All suites at the Auberge now feature plasma televisions in both sitting areas and bedrooms. Bathrooms in all rooms and suites feature 15-inch flat screen televisions for viewing from the extra-large soaking tubs. DVD players and wireless Internet access are also standard in all guestrooms.
Accommodations
MAIN HOUSE ROOMS - 420 Square Feet Indoor-Outdoor
Main Building
Above Restaurant
Shower
COTTAGE ROOMS - 530 Plus Square Feet Indoor-Outdoor
Fireplace
Shower
Soaking Tub
TV/Bath
COTTAGE SUITES - 1,250 Square Feet Indoor-Outdoor
Living Room
Fireplace
Plasma Televisions
Dual Phone Lines
Full-Size Refrigerator
Butler's Pantry
Shower
Soaking Tub
TV/Bath
Desk
PRIVATE COTTAGES - 1,800 Square Feet Indoor-Outdoor
Living Room
2 Fireplaces
Dining Alcove
Den
2 Full Baths
Steam Shower
Soaking Tub
TV/Bath
Plasma Televisions
Terrace Hot Tub
Desk
Built-In Bar
ALL GUEST ROOMS INCLUDE
Air Conditioning
Ceiling Fans
Cal King Beds
Italian Linens
Down Bedding
Duvets
Custom Bath Amenities
Robes/Slippers Private Outdoor Terrace
Flat-Screen Television
DVD
CD Stereo
Mini-Bar - Snacks/Beverages
Coffee Maker
Toaster
Safe
Voicemail Data Ports
Wireless High-Speed Internet
Welcome Amenity
Fresh Fruit Daily
DINING
Restaurant/Terrace - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bar/Terrace - All Day Menu
Pool Side
Picnic Baskets
Private Dining Rooms
24 Hour In-room Dining
ON THE GROUNDS
Spa Du Soleil • Boutique • Art Gallery • Tennis • Picnic Areas
Outdoor Sculpture Gallery • Swimming Pool • Sun Deck • Whirlpool
Gym • Steam Rooms
NEARBY
Wineries • Shopping • Art Galleries • Hot-Air Ballooning • Bicycling
Jogging • Golf • Hiking • Picnic Grounds • Opera House
Copia Center for Food & Wine • Lincoln Symphony Hall
Napa Valley Museum • Di Rosa Preserve
Dining
FOR MANY, the name Auberge du Soleil connotes cuisine first, with the inn of the same name a delightful afterthought. Indeed, Auberge du Soleil began as a restaurant created by visionary restaurateur Claude Rouas more than 20 years ago. Since then, the Auberge has maintained its legacy as a culinary destination, where innovative menus inspired by the bounty of Napa Valley are paired with wine in ways that delight and inspire longtime devotees.
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