Michael Chiarello
Chef, Vintner, TV Host, Sustainable Farmer
Michael Chiarello is an award-winning chef and owner of the critically acclaimed Bottega restaurant in Napa Valley, who made his mark by combining the traditions of his Southern Italian roots with the distinctive hallmarks of the Napa Valley lifestyle. From his earliest childhood memories – created around his mother’s California kitchen with his extended Italian family – Michael Chiarello knew he wanted to be a chef. Decades later, Chiarello has accomplished his dream, and much more.
Michael Chiarello, an award-winning chef and owner of the acclaimed Bottega restaurant in Napa Valley, has made an indelible mark by blending his Southern Italian roots with the distinctive Napa Valley lifestyle. Born in Turlock, California, in 1962, he was immersed in a traditional Italian upbringing, learning to cook at his mother's side while celebrating the rich food and wine culture of his Calabrian heritage. By age 14, he had begun his first restaurant apprenticeship, setting him on a lifelong culinary journey.
After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Michael pursued further studies at Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 1984, at just 22 years old, he opened his first restaurant, Toby’s, in Miami, and within a year, Food & Wine Magazine named him Chef of the Year. His California roots called him back, and by 1986, he had moved to Napa Valley, where he helped launch the iconic Tra Vigne restaurant, pioneering his signature Italian-influenced Wine Country cuisine.
Michael was named the Chef of the Year from Food & Wine Magazine in 1985, just three years after graduating from the CIA. He later received the CIA’s Chef of the Year Award in 1995, and was again acknowledged by the CIA in 2011 with their Alumni of the Year award.
His books have received awards and nominations from both IACP and the James Beard Foundation. And his innovations with California olive oil in the mid-90’s earned his olive oil business, Consorzio Flavored Oils, the Best Product Line Award at the International Fancy Food Show.
After turning his love of sustainable products to his own vineyards in 1999, he created Chiarello Family Vineyards, and his small-production wines are consistently high-scoring and well-regarded. And since 2000, Chiarello has been the tastemaker behind the NapaStyle retail line of artisanal foods, kitchen and ho
He has been on television for a decade as the host of his own shows on PBS, Food Network, Fine Living, and Cooking Channel. His Emmy Award®-winning show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello., began in 2003 and still airs daily. In 2009, he appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, winning second place and over $25,000 for charity.
He has appeared numerous times as judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef Masters. In Fall 2011, he appears on the Next Iron Chef on Food Network. A popular celebrity guest chef, Chiarello appears on frequently on NBC’s The Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, Regis & Kelly, and The View.
Based in the Napa Valley, Michael lives among his vineyards with his wife and children.
