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:

SKIPSTONE 2007 "Makena’s Vineyard" Viognier-Alexander Valley ($77) Enjoy it while it lasts because they only made a hundred cases of this un-oaked Viognier. From an organic certified vineyard in Alexander Valley this wine hits all the right notes with delicate floral aromas of jasmine and citrus blossoms along with peach, apricot, and mandarin orange. On the mouth peach and tangerine flavors give way to honey and wet stones. The sur lee aging gives this wine a rich and textured mouth feel that makes it a wonderful "ABC" wine (Anything But Chardonnay).

ZILLIKEN 1992 "Saarburger Rausch" Riesling-Spätlese Saar-Germany ($82) If you have not yet experienced an aged German Riesling, here is a great one to try. Off dry German white wines can have great aging potential due the preserving qualities of both acid and sugar. This wine shows less sweet than a younger spätlese and has powerful and integrated aromas and flavors. The nose offers strong petrol note as well as tangy lime peel and mango chutney. The mouth is rich, layered and long with notes hot apple sauce, lemon curd, peach and mineral.

ROBERT CRAIG 2006 Zinfandel-Howell Mountain-Napa Valley ($106) A triumph of mountain grown Zinfandel, this wine is powerful and structured, yet lush and approachable. Classic flavors of black peppercorn, blackberry and plum show a perfect balance of fruit, tannin, oak and spice with a full and very long lasting finish.

SAVAGE 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($80) A small production wine from a great vineyard site at the extreme north end of Napa Valley. The150 cases of wine were produced from a single vineyard nestled against the foothills of Mount Saint Helena in Calistoga. It has the balance and restraint to make it a very versatile food wine. I enjoy the aromas and flavors of black cherry, red and black currents dark chocolate and cassis.