Nestled in the heart of downtown Napa on revitalized First Street, a new hospitality concept is revolutionizing the region’s luxury food and wine scene. The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being, offers an exclusive and intimate experience like no other.
Here, the art of winemaking meets culinary excellence as vintners Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham bring their passion for food and wine to life, creating a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure that Napa Valley has never seen before.
Housed in a beautifully remodeled 1926 American Craftsman bungalow, this unique destination blends the comfort and appearance of dining in the home of vintners with the elegance of a meticulously designed space, offering guests an intimate glimpse into the personal world of its creators.
Neither a restaurant nor a tasting room, The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow debuted last December. Inspired by their experiences in Bordeaux, France, where multi-course, vintner-prepared meals are a tradition, Wołosz and Durham, a Napa native, sought to bring a slice of this Old World charm to their region.
For five years, the husband-husband team, who met in 1999 and own Gentleman Farmer Wines, prepared and served lunch to people desiring an introduction to their wines, using their Yountville home to host guests.
Their vision became so popular that, when the downtown Napa building—originally a single-family home but most recently a law office for 30 years—became available, the life partners purchased the property and expanded their offerings to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
With only 14 seats available, exclusivity is a hallmark of The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow adventure. Reservations are essential, as this intimate setting ensures personalized attention.
Wołosz and Durham also welcome oenophiles to come in for a glass or bottle of their wine if the front door is open. This invitation adds an element of spontaneity and warmth, creating a sense of community and connection to the locals with each visit.
Commanding the spotlight at the bungalow is the residential style open kitchen, with its deep blue subway tiled walls and boasting its status as the undeniable focal point where the magic happens. The duo dons the roles of cooks, hosts, and storytellers, offering a rare opportunity for diners to witness the creation of their meals by the vintners.
Breakfast is three courses spread over two hours with the option to add on either a 5-kilometer run with Durham or a serene morning meditation with Wołosz. This experience promises a holistic start to your day, blending physical activity or mindfulness with culinary delight.
Allow three hours to enjoy a five-course lunch, an immersive experience allowing guests seated on bar-height chairs at the butcher block counter to easily observe and interact with their hosts who move graciously around the range, an island made by Boos Block.
During “An Evening of Thoughtful Food, Good Wine, and Engaged Conversation,” a seven-course, three-hour showcase of indulgence, the couple share tales of California, their personal journeys, and the rich history of Napa Valley, turning dinners into narrative productions. Sizable pours of Gentleman Farmer wines flow and are included with all meals.
There are no menus. Taking dietary concerns of guests into consideration, Wołosz and Durham shop by their whims and fancies at markets and purchase what inspires them. Among the popular staples are an herb and cheese soufflé; dates stuffed with two types of blue cheese and almonds, wrapped with bacon, roasted, and drizzled with balsamic; and “Cracker Jeff,” Durham’s elevated spin on Cracker Jack® with the peanuts swapped out for cashews, walnuts, and pecans and with sour cherry molasses, pomegranate molasses, sumac, and cayenne.
Wołosz flaunts his Polish roots in dishes such as gołąbki, which he makes with beef braised in red wine, while Durham’s Italian heritage is on display in his grandmother’s malfatti recipe. Many of the recipes—some family, others developed by the couple—are shared on their website for all to try at home, for home is the feeling the two aim to deliver to visitors.
Entirely designed and decorated by Wołosz and Durham, the bungalow oozes the essence of its owners. The décor, featuring the original front door and floors, harmoniously blends of stylish elegance and personal charm and reflects the personalities and stories of the pair.
Each corner tells a tale, with carefully curated family items adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the space. Flatware Wołosz brought back from France in 1994, Durham’s aunt’s Fostoria crystal plates, furniture from the 1960s that once belonged to Wołosz’s parents, and a shrine to Julia Child, Wołosz’s hero, are just some of the items that range from vintage heirlooms to contemporary art pieces.
The design of The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is a testament to the couple’s love for their home state. Inspired by the California poppy, the interior themes echo the state’s diverse landscapes: sandy hues for the southern coasts, foggy grays for the central shores, and lush greens for the northern forests.
The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is more than a dining destination; it’s a celebration of Napa’s rich heritage and the innovative spirit of its founders. Wołosz and Durham have redefined the concept of luxury dining, offering a blend of authenticity, exclusivity, and genuine hospitality that captivates the senses.
For those seeking a truly extraordinary experience, this hidden gem in downtown Napa promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of wine country.
gentlemanfarmerwines.com