Tucked quietly across the street from one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants lies a 3.5-acre garden brimming with over 150 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, many of which may never see the inside of a grocery store, let alone a farmers market. This is The French Laundry Culinary Garden, and for the first time in nearly five decades, it’s now open to the public for guided tours: a rare invitation into the heart of Chef Thomas Keller’s kitchen philosophy.
What once felt like a well-kept secret is now a 75-minute sensory experience that offers far more than just pretty rows of vegetables. At $100 per person, the garden tour is a worthy investment both in time and taste. What you get in return is an immersive stroll through a living pantry, complete with passionate guides, playful chickens, and the kind of produce that makes you rethink everything you know about a radish.
Our tour began on a peaceful patio with refreshments and introductions from the estate’s gardeners. Equal parts educator and storyteller, our guide wove together the garden’s history from its humble beginnings in four garden beds planted by original French Laundry chef Sally Schmitt, to its current status as a hyper-curated, sustainably minded masterpiece under Keller’s vision.
The tour flows with natural rhythm. One moment you’re savoring the citrusy tang of an oxalis blossom plucked from a microgreen flat in the hoop house, the next you’re crouching to feed a flock of cheerful hens in their stylish midcentury coop. Every detail, from the heirloom Sicilian squash to the whisper-thin Mara des Bois strawberries, is selected not only for flavor but for the stories they tell, stories that shape the menus at The French Laundry and its sister restaurants Bouchon, Ad Hoc, RO Restaurant & Lounge and beyond.
Not all of the property is used to grow food and flowers, the south end is a peaceful shaded garden. And then just when you think you’ve had your fill, the tour ends with a final flourish: a refreshing ice cream treat and a parting gift, served alfresco beneath the trees. It’s the perfect palate cleanser, and quite literally, the icing on the cake.
Whether you’re a food lover, gardener, or simply looking for a unique experience in the heart of Yountville, The French Laundry Culinary Garden tour offers an unforgettable, intimate glimpse into the artistry behind the plate. And in true Keller fashion, it’s not just about what you eat, it’s about what you learn, what you feel, and what you carry with you after the last bite.
Tours are offered seasonally, Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Book your experience by reserving on tock here today!