Celebrating the Life of
Michael Chiarello
Award-winning Chef, Vintner, and TV Personality Who United Southern Italian Roots with the Spirit of Napa Valley
Honoring Michael’s Legacy of 40 years
Michael Chiarello was more than an award-winning chef and vintner; he was a culinary artist who wove his Southern Italian roots with the natural elegance of Napa Valley. As an Emmy-winning TV host, the visionary behind Bottega Napa Valley and Coqueta San Francisco, and a quick-witted storyteller, Michael captivated hearts and taste buds alike. His vibrant spirit, creative genius, and deep love for bringing people together made every meal an experience, every gathering a celebration, and every interaction a lasting memory.
Join us in honoring the legacy of a remarkable chef, a devoted loving father, and a cherished friend.
Award-Winning Chef
Crafting Memories Through Food
Eileen Gordon
Trustee
Carrying Michael’s Legacy Into the Future
As Michael’s wife & partner for two decades, I witnessed Michael’s greatest joy in bringing people together through food, making people feel loved with every dish, every story, and every moment he spent at the table. Now, as the Trustee of our family trust, I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of Michael’s life and work.
Today, Michael's passion lives on in every dish, recipe, restaurant, and gathering. His love for fine food and wine, and his devotion to creating unforgettable experiences with loved ones, continue to be celebrated and shared.
We invite you to join us at the restaurants, attend our special events, and stay connected with us through The Omnivore, our online community. Here, you can explore Michael’s journey, discover fresh inspiration, explore old and new recipes, and enjoy curated food and products that embody his vision and warmth.
More than a chef, Michael was a devoted, loving father and a cherished friend.
We invite you to experience Michael’s cuisine.
Today, Coqueta San Francisco, and Ottimo continue as expressions of Michael’s culinary spirit and devotion to authentic, heartfelt dining experiences.
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Bottega Napa Valley
Chef Michael Chiarello created the iconic Bottega Napa Valley in 2008, bringing together the best of Italy and Napa Valley through traditional family recipes that reflected his talents and heart-centered hospitality.
READ THE NEWS ABOUT BOTTEGA
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Coqueta San Francisco
Located on San Francisco’s bustling Embarcadero, Coqueta is Michael Chiarello’s interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.
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Ottimo Yountville
In Italian, Ottimo means optimal, first rate, excellent. Michael Chiarello shares a lifetime of learning in the kitchen, with Neopolitan pizzas, fresh mozzarella, coffee, wine, beer, and handcrafted products.
The only place where Michael’s passion and vision lives on through our chefs, somms and “regulars” who riff on new creations and epic pairings and make our latest obsessions available to our favorite foodies.
GET INVITATIONS TO INTIMATE EVENTS
First dibs on intimate events and celebrations with winemakers, farmers, artisans, and us here in Napa Valley.
ACCESS OUR WINE CELLAR
Join our wine club and experience exceptional wines from the top regions and cult producers on our wine list and handpicked by our acclaimed Sommelier team.
SHOP OUR PANTRY
Take home must-haves from our pantry and from our community of farmers, suppliers and friends.
The Man Behind the Table
Chiarello’s life was a blend of artistry, passion, and deep-rooted tradition. In his kitchens and around his tables, Michael crafted not only exceptional dishes but also unforgettable experiences. With boundless creativity, quick wit, and a passion for bringing people together, Michael Chiarello made every meal a story, every table a gathering place, and every moment memorable.
An Emmy-Award Winning TV Host, Author and Vintner, Michael’s vision leaves behind a legacy of culinary genius.
Michael was a national television host of his own shows for over a decade on PBS, Food Network and Cooking Channel, and has appeared on Top Chef, Top Chef Masters (BRAVO), Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, and more. His Emmy Award®-winning show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, began on Food Network in 2003 and won a total of three Emmy Awards.
In Spring 2013, Chiarello released his eighth book, the LiveFire Cookbook (Chronicle Books). His other books include Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking, Napa Stories and Flavored Vinegars and Flavored Oils. He was an IACP Award winner in 2002 for Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking and a James Beard Award Finalist for Michael Chiarello’s Bottega in 2010.
Michael built a small family winery, Chiarello Family Vineyards, making limited production estate wines from the 100-year old vineyards surrounding his St. Helena, California home. Michael’s passion for sustainable living was reflected in his eco-friendly vineyard farming practices. Chiarello Family Vineyards are highly rated wines made by Thomas Rivers Brown. Chiarello’s final wine, the MDC Cabernet Sauvignon, is available in limited release.