Lewelling Ranch

Chef Elliot Bell is getting back into the field kitchen at a site that means a lot to him. He got married there! Elliot introduced us to the historic Lewelling Ranch, one of the oldest vineyards in Napa. John Lewelling settled this land in 1864, and now the sixth generation of his descendants carry on his legacy. Husband and wife team Erik Dodd and Haley Wight help to manage the ranch and make wine under Haley’s new label, Hayfork, which they can’t wait to share with us. We’ll set the table down a row of grapevines, or maybe in the olive grove nestled inside the vineyards. We’ll wander the fruit orchards scattering the property and gaze at cows grazing on the hillsides. Elliot, a French Laundry alum, is opening his own restaurant in St. Helena this summer, named Charlie’s. He is a staunch supporter of the Napa Valley community, and has spent years building relationships with the local farmers as a volunteer firefighter. We can’t wait for Charlie’s to open its doors, but we may be even more excited for chef Elliot’s event this spring.