Editorial Review

For those whose idea of survivalism is having 40 wines available by-the-glass. What amounts to a wine-country compound -- the buildings, scattered across a mountainside overlooking Napa Valley -- house a resort with all the trimmings, a full-service spa, a three-meal-a-day restaurant and a casual bar and café. Sip through winelist while enjoying the views from the wraparound deck or the warmth of a fireplace on those long, rainy off-season days. The lush grounds are chateau-inspired but distinctly Californian. Opened in 1981 by Provence native and San Francisco restaurateur Claude Rouas, food has always been front and center at Auberge with a full menu in both the restaurant and bar. Seven-course paring menu changes daily. While the dining room decor feels a little dated and the clientele distinctly middle-aged, the food is fresh and the views...well, you get the idea.