PINOT BLANC

Named one of the "Best in 1996" by Robert M. Parker, Jr's Wine Advocate and cited for having one of the best dishes of 1996 by Gourmet magazine Editor Gail Zweigenthal, Pinot Blanc is the realization of a longtime dream of the Splichals to open a restaurant in the Napa Valley. More recently, Gourmet magazine tagged Pinot Blanc "The pick of the harvest of newcomers," and Travel & Leisure considers it one of "The Best of California Wine Country." Joachim and Christine are frequent visitors to the area, and have established strong ties with the local wineries through their acclaimed Patina Restaurant in Los Angeles, which features not only Napa Valley wines in its award-winning cellar, but other locally produced items such as olive oil.

Joachim notes that "Christine and I have a special fondness for both the landscape and the way of life in Napa Valley. It reminds us of certain areas of the wine country in France and Italy. We were thrilled to find this location in St. Helena, and immediately envisioned creating a country bistro that makes use of the fantastic array of locally produced wines and other ingredients. It's a very inspiring opportunity."

Pinot Blanc takes advantage of a large patio and spacious grounds to create a lunch Mediterranean-style oasis with the pastoral feeling of a country inn. The exterior grounds, luxuriant with olive trees and a flower garden, provides alfresco seating warmed by an outdoor fireplace at night.

Hunter green, burgundy and deep gold tones bring warmth to the interior of the restaurant. Windows along the front of the restaurant bring in natural light and overlook Highway 29 and the vineyards beyond it. A unique feature of Pinot Blanc is three private wine tasting rooms, where patrons can sample wines with a tasting menu of their, or the restaurant's, devising. This service continues a tradition of commitment to the understanding of wine pairing begun at Patina.

Executive Chef Sean A. Knight brings his passion for seasonal cooking and fresh produce to Pinot Blanc. Prior to pursuing a career as a chef, Knight worked as a runway model for such fashion houses as Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani. Knight began cooking at the Buckhead Diner in Atlanta and later joined Jean Banchet and Thomas Coohill at Ciboulette in Atlanta as Executive Chef. His passion for cooking brought him to Los Angeles in 1994, , where he did a stage at Patina Restaurant before joining Pinot Bistro. As Sous Chef, Knight worked with Chef/Owner Joachim Splichal and Executive Chef Octavio Becerra, who taught him how to lighten food while still keeping the flavor and flare.

Guy Rebentisch, formerly with Cafe Pinot in Downtown Los Angeles, serves as General Manager.

Pinot Blanc
641 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-6191
707-963-6192 FAX
Reservations: 707-963-6191
Open 7 days a week 11:30am to 10:00pm
For Private parties, contact Guy Rebentisch at 707-963-6191