BMW, Napa Valley, The French Laundry and Bardessono. 
Unforgettable.
Pursuitist recently traveled to California’s Napa Valley for an amazing weekend. We were invited by BMW to test-drive the sparkling new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which puts an emphasis on design, power and performance. This is an elegant coupe with the convenience of a sedan.
When Pursuitist arrived at the San Francisco International Airport, we were greeted by a BMW 435i GC, which Mr. Pursuitist drove to Yountville, the culinary capital of Napa Valley. Only in the Napa Valley could a tiny rural village boast more Michelin stars per capita than any other place in North America.
Upon arriving, we dined at Chef Thomas Keller’s iconic The French Laundry, called “the best restaurant in the world, period” by Anthony Bourdain. Every day, the French Laundry serves two different nine course tasting-menus, none of which uses the same ingredient more than once. Of course, this was one of the most remarkable dining experiences of my life.
Pursuitist stayed at the luxurious Bardessono, dubbed the “Greenest Luxury Hotel.” While environmentally friendly often conjures up images of mud huts and coconut phones, the LEED Platinum hotel is as luxurious as a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons.
Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery. Lunch at Hurley’s Restaurant. Spa. Dinner at Bardessono’s Lucy. Wine. A sunrise hot air balloon ride. And driving the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe through Napa and Sonoma Valley.
As a BMW owner, I can only rave about BMW’s new 4 Series Gran Coupé sedan. Going from the concert hall to the country, this diverse and subtle sedan arrives in style. With exceptional design, great handling and spacious comfort, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is awarded Pursuitist Platinum.
Watch the video review of our unforgettable weekend in Napa with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé:
Having arrived at the San Francisco International Airport, we drove our BMW 435i GC to Napa Valley:
Green meets Luxury at Bardessono:
Dinner at Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry:
Afterwards, we had an opportunity to meet Chef Keller and discuss his kitchen remodel:
And we spotted a few of Chef Keller’s BMWs.
The next morning, room service at Bardessono:
Ready to drive the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé across the hills of Napa Valley:
Afterwards, a quick and delicious snack at Keller’s Bouchon Bakery:
Followed by wine and dinner:
The next morning, a stunning balloon ride over Napa Valley:
Departing Yountville, next stop the San Francisco International Airport.
