There’s something about long table dinners in the harvest season that feels instinctively right. When the days are shorter, the flavors are richer, and the company feels warmer. Strangers can become friends somewhere between the bread basket and dessert. These are the long table dinners worth taking a road trip for this fall.
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
In autumn, Napa Valley is all about golden hills, grape harvests, and that soft evening light that makes everything look like a painting. Auberge du Soleil channels a Provencal dream, only with better Cabernet. Chef Robert Curry leads its Michelin starred restaurant turning seasonal local ingredients into edible art. The wine cellar? A casual 15,000 bottles. And yes, there’s a Champagne cart, because why not start the evening with bubbles on wheels?
Auberge du Soleil doesn’t market itself as a ‘long table’ venue but provides flexible event spaces. They range from the panoramic Bellevue rooms to intimate garden salons that can easily be transformed into bespoke communal feasts. You can also tailor the menus and wine pairings to suit your palate. There are dishes like sautéed day boat scallops, filet mignon, and the local lobster, all plated with precision. Beyond the food, the setting is no less of a main character. The olive groves and sunsets turn each course into a postcard moment. It’s autumn’s bounty meets high design, and you might leave convinced Napa’s golden season is unbeatable.
Wildflower Farms, Hudson Valley
Across the country, Hudson Valley wraps itself in amber leaves, cool breezes, and earthy scent of the harvest. Set in the Shawangunk Ridge, Wildflower Farms is a 65-room nature retreat that thrives on its connection to the land. The property’s nine-acre farm drives the kitchen at Clay, where chefs serve rustic American dishes. There’s Catskill duck breast, wood fired heritage chicken, and seasonal cocktails steeped in garden herbs.
Wildflower Farms turns the long table dinner an intentional art form through its “Art of Abundance: Harvest Dinner Series.” You gather under Maple Lane’s leaf canopy for four courses, all family style feasts. Of course, seasonal cocktails set the mood. By dinner, you are ready to share platters of fall’s produce and proteins. The experience is intimate yet expansive, combining the richness of autumn with a sense of true community. If this is something that piques your interest, they have these dinners scheduled on certain days of the year, priced at $225 for one person.
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FAQs
Q. Where is Auberge du Soleil?
A. Auberge du Soleil is situated in Napa Valley, California.
Q. Can I customise the menu at Auberge du Soleil?
A. Yes, you can customise the menu at the restaurant at Auberge du Soleil.
Q. Are there any specific dates for long dinners in Wildflower Farms?
A. Yes, one of their long dinners is scheduled for September 28 in Wildflower Farms.
