Meadowood Team to Open Casual Restaurant in Former Tra Vigne Space

Major news out of Napa today, as the team behind three Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood has confirmed plans to expand. Meadowood's chef Christopher Kostow and director Nathaniel Dorn have revealed that they will open a second project in the former site of Tra Vigne, which was opened by chef Michael Chiarello 28 years ago. Also of note: Bill Harlan of Harlan Estate both owns The Restaurant at Meadowood and controls the lease of the building that houses Tra Vigne, which leaves little doubt about how this deal came to be.

And while they're not ready to reveal much about the concept, Kostow and Dorn plan to offer a "celebratory and casual dining experience," which promises to be a distinct departure from the exclusive, private club atmosphere of The Restaurant at Meadowood. The new project is located in the heart of tiny St. Helena where Kostow and his family reside, and where Meadowood operates their gardens. "We are looking at this new project first and foremost through the lens of St. Helena and then through that of the Napa Valley as a whole," said Kostow.

The unnamed restaurant is slated to open sometime in 2016 after the team completes some much needed upgrades to the historic space. And though it will be a sad goodbye to a Napa fixture that has been open for almost three decades, the duo says they are "acutely aware" of the long legacy and history of Tra Vigne and hope to create something to make the community proud. In the meantime, fans will have a chance to enjoy a final meal at the wine country classic, which will continue to operate until December 20th.

Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage and details as they become available.