Hidden among the rolling hills overlooking the world-famous vineyards of Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil is one of the most luxurious and sustainable resorts in California. As an adult-only getaway, this resort has a relaxed sophistication that pays homage to the style of Provence while reflecting the natural beauty of California.
As an MCE Deep Green Champion since 2014, Auberge du Soleil has been purchasing 100% renewable energy while focusing on environmental health, resource conservation, and community. From the rooms to the restaurant, Auberge du Soleil has a strong commitment to reducing waste and conserving resources. When asked about joining MCE, Renee Risch, Director of Sales & Marketing, said this:
“It’s the right thing to do. It offers us an alternative energy source that is clean, renewable, and sustainable, generated from wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. It’s a great way to invest in local energy programs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels while reducing our carbon footprint at the same time.”
Their award-winning Michelin star restaurant, aptly named “The Restaurant,” sources seasonal and locally grown ingredients from farmer’s markets. Founded in 1981 by a famous French restaurateur, Claude Rouas, this restaurant was one of Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurants. Maintaining its prestige and must-visit status for over 40 years, the restaurant, now helmed by Executive Chef Robert Curry, features some of the region’s best dishes. By supporting regional farmers and purveyors, Chef Curry can procure hyperlocal ingredients to showcase the freshest in-season organic ingredients. Their restaurant and bistro participate in the Upper Valley Recycling Food Composting program, serve California biodynamic and organic wines, and even recycle the corks. Over the last ten years, Auberge du Soleil has recycled an estimated 250,000 corks through a national program called Re-Cork America. Their kitchens and dining rooms also use house-filtered water and Energy Star appliances.
Here are some of their other sustainability measures:
- Use of organic and refillable local bath amenities that reduce plastic waste
- Energy conservation by using natural light through unique design and energy-efficient bulbs
- Water conservation in reimagined gardens, where lawns and grass were replaced with sustainable plants that are drought-resistant and require minimal maintenance
- Use of an integrated water management system throughout the property, including increased use of greywater (water from faucets, showers, bathtubs, or laundry machines) for their drip irrigation system.
- Routine cleaning of dry brush, grass, and debris around the property’s perimeter while working closely with neighbors to ensure that the entire area is collectively participating in fire mitigation efforts
“Through our use of MCE power, along with converting from gas to electric heaters, and gas- to battery-powered tools, we are eliminating roughly 40 metric tons of carbon emissions per month”, said Renee Risch.
Knowing that fostering a community that supports your mission is equally important to your own property goals, Auberge du Soleil has a long-term partnership with Napa Valley Vine Trail to develop 47 miles of scenic walking and biking trails to encompass the length of Napa Valley. Providing a car-free and sustainable alternative for discovering the wine country, from Calistoga all the way to Vallejo, is an ongoing effort. To date, they have donated more than $260,000 to the development of the trail. Once complete, the trail will dramatically help reduce the carbon footprint around Napa Valley and give residents and visitors a way to engage physically, artistically, and culturally with the area while exercising.
Auberge du Soleil has been recognized by Napa County’s Certified Green Business Program for their transparent efforts to be environmentally responsible and their resort-wide conservation messaging. They also recently won their ninth consecutive Five Star Award in the 2022 Forbes Travel Guide and were named in Travel+Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels of 2022 list. We are proud to highlight Auberge du Soleil for their unrivaled commitment to sustainable luxury and water conservation in Napa Valley and Northern California.
Learn more about Auberge du Soleil and their sustainable initiatives at aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/ and follow them on Instagram @AubergeDuSoleil.
