WITH THE VALLEY'S MOST comprehensive list featuring more than 1300 selections, the wines at Auberge du Soleil have been carefully assembled by head sommelier Kris Margerum to perfectly complement Auberge's inspired wine country cooking. The list is organized by grape varietals first, and then by region. And while the list encompasses selections from wine growing regions through out the world, the focus is on the Auberge's Napa Valley home. Margerum carefully trains the staff to advise guests on wine selections by conducting regular tastings and advanced level winery tours, and works directly with our culinary team to create perfect pairings for the restaurant's prix fixe menus.

Currently Head Sommelier Kris Margerum recommends these wines:

BERNARD FOUQUET 2003 “Domaine des Aubuisières-Cuvée de Silex” Vouvray-Loire Valley-France ($37). This Chenin Blanc has ripe nectarine, green apple, mineral aromas and flavors with an elegant progression on the palette that leads to a clean finish.

INMAN 2003 Pinot Gris-Russian River Valley ($53). Bright and juicy peach notes balanced with stony mineral flavors and a lush, full mouth-feel. I recommend this as a wine to enjoy with your first course at dinner or to relax with on the Bar Terrace.

WALTER HANSEL 2002 “The North Slope” Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($65). Not a light style Chardonnay but rather a voluptuous and rich wine laced with mineral and lemon zest. Look for the creamy, caramel and hazelnut aromas from this wild yeast-barrel fermented powerhouse. 

TERRACES 2002 Zinfandel-Rutherford-Napa Valley ($58). This Zin comes from a vineyard just a few hundred yards away from Auberge du Soleil. Aged in American oak it is rich and smooth in texture with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and spice.

ELAN 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon-Atlas Peak-Napa Valley ($90) This Bordelaise style Cabernet Sauvignon has complex and multilayered aromas of black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, sage and mint. It has rich and integrated tannins with flavors of cassis, blackberry, sweet earth and cocoa. 

CARVER SUTRO 2002 “Palisades” Petite Sirah-Napa Valley ($95). Wow, a very powerful and textured wine with deep dense colors. The 40 year old vines from the Palisades Vineyard just east of Calistoga create this wine that has aromas and flavors of black plum, blueberry, licorice, leather and spice. This wine is not for the meek.

CHAPPELLET 2001 “Pritchard Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon-Napa Valley ($255). The wine from this hillside vineyard is layered with cassis, blueberry, milk chocolate, rich oak and earth. Also it is very full in the mouth with great structure, balance and polish.