(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…