Upvalley restaurants

close, one slated for

extensive remodel

A pair of Napa Valley restaurants -- a relative newcomer in Yountville and a fixture of the St. Helena dining scene -- closed their doors this past weekend.

The closure of Yountville's Wine Garden -- the Nord family's 18-month experiment with small plates of food and wine pairing -- and St. Helena's Pinot Blanc -- celebrity chef Joachim Splichal's first and only foray into wine country -- add up to three wine country eateries shut down the first month of this year.

Upscale Budo, located on Soscol Avenue not far from downtown, shut down with the arrival of the New Year. One of the partners in that operation indicated the site would reopen later this year with an all-American menu.

"It has been an exciting 18 months -- sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating, but always challenging," Wine Garden managing partner Julie Nord said over the weekend. Speaking for the Nord family, she said the Nords "decided that it is time to move on to new adventures.

"Our great staff -- kitchen and front of the house -- made the decision to close the hardest. Many of our people have been here since we opened, a kind of loyalty not usually seen in the restaurant business."

Thanking friends and customers, Nord said the family intends to keep all informed "of where chef Francisco Ramos ends up so you may continue to enjoy his great food."

As for the Nord family, members indicated they'll continue to "focus on growing the best winegrapes possible for ultra-premium wineries and hope you continue to enjoy our own Nord Estate wines."

If anyone's in the market for a restaurant and choice plot of land in downtown Yountville, the Nords have put the site on the market for $5 million.

Although calls to the Patina Group management in Los Angeles were not returned before press time Monday, a new lessee confirmed Pinot Blanc closed last Saturday night.

Bill Upson, partner in the Real Restaurants Group, has entered into a long-term lease with property owner Rodney Friedrich to replace Pinot Blanc with an eatery focusing on regional American cuisine.

While concept for the new restaurant is still being developed, "it will be middle market, affordable, fun and informal," Upson said Monday afternoon. He said extensive remodeling of the kitchen and front-of-the-house spaces is envisioned. No opening date has been set.

The Real Restaurant Group has a number of independently owned and operated dining establishments in the Bay Area, including Tra Vigne and Pizzeria Tra Vigne in St. Helena, Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley, plus Betelnut, Bix and Fog City Diner in San Francisco.