Culinary Veteran Michael Laukert Joins Bottega Napa Valley as Chef de Cuisine

(June 15, 2026; YOUNTVILLE, Calif.)—Executive Chef Alex Espinoza of Bottega Napa Valley is thrilled to welcome Michael Laukert to the restaurant's culinary team as Chef de Cuisine. With more than 30 years of hard-earned culinary experience, Michael will work closely with Alex to maintain a high-performing kitchen that’s centered around consistency, communication and creativity.

A Culinary Institute of America alumnus, Michael was drawn West as a young professional by the promise of extraordinary produce and the opportunity to cook alongside Bottega’s founder, Chef Michael Chiarello. In 1990, he joined the team at Tra Vigne, where he developed a deep understanding of restaurant operations, team leadership and the kind of guest-driven dining that leaves a lasting impression. In tandem with his work in the kitchen, Michael was tapped by Chiarello to oversee operations at Napa Valley Kitchens, a specialty food venture focused on crafting flavor-infused oils, vinegars and rubs.

This role then transitioned to managing Napa Style, a lifestyle brand that encompassed a flagship retail emporium in Yountville, a popular cooking show on the Fine Living Network, and a home-goods catalog. Michael also lent his expertise to Chiarello's television show, Easy Entertaining, playing a behind-the-scenes role across more than 125 episodes, and helped develop his final book, Live Fire.

As his career continued to evolve, Michael took on exciting new challenges, most notably as Executive Chef and Estate Manager for Hundred Acre. While there, he worked closely with Jayson Woodbridge to develop several cookbooks for members.

“I’m excited to roll up my sleeves to work with this talented team,” says Laukert. “The positive energy in Alex’s kitchen is infectious and reminds me why I fell in love with this line of work in the first place. I look forward to learning from this team as much as I hope to contribute to it.”

Michael's return to Bottega marks a full-circle moment—a homecoming to the culinary community that first shaped him. Focused on honoring the restaurant's legacy while contributing his own voice, he works alongside Alex Espinoza to refine dishes, mentor the next generation of cooks and ensure every plate reflects only the finest intention and craft.

“Michael’s confidence, discipline and humility are exactly the kind of qualities we’ve been looking for in a Chef de Cuisine,” says Alex. “Having him by my side means we can continue to raise the bar for our team to deliver the best food and guest experiences in the valley.”

About Bottega Napa Valley:

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s famed culinary corridor, Bottega Napa Valley has been a cornerstone of wine country dining since it was founded in 2008 by the late Chef Michael Chiarello. A gathering place for growers, vintners, and travelers alike, the restaurant is beloved for its soulful, boundary-pushing Italian cuisine inspired by California’s seasonal bounty. The restaurant’s design balances timeless elegance with modern comfort, featuring a dramatic open kitchen, soaring ceilings and patios shaded by olive trees. Today, Bottega thrives under the steadfast stewardship of vintner and former Disney executive Rich Frank and hospitality veteran John Hansen, who have stood by Bottega from the start. Together with Executive Chef Alex Espinoza—a Culinary Institute of America alum and Tra Vigne veteran who joined Bottega in 2021—the team honors the restaurant’s legacy while driving it forward with fresh creativity and innovation.

For more information about Bottega Napa Valley and to view the menu, please visit botteganapavalley.com.