Gustavo Rios has played an integral role in Solbar’s success, starting with the restaurant’s 2007 opening. Solbar quickly earned a Michelin star and garnered national attention with Brandon Sharp at the helm, an influential figure in Gustavo’s culinary career and his mentor. Chef Rios spent eight years laying down and supporting Solbar’s foundation when he took an opportunity to open Evangeline, a French bistro in downtown Calistoga. After leading the kitchen at Evangeline for three and a half years, Gustavo returned “home” in November 2018 as executive chef at Solbar. “This place is special - not only did I meet my wife here and proposed to her here, but Solage gave me opportunities that one can only dream of.”

Today, Chef Rios has his true passion full with Picobar, Solage’s newest poolside dining destination for modern, Mexican cuisine in Napa Valley. Gustavo drew inspiration from his coastal hometown in Ensenada, Mexico and the hometown spirit of Napa Valley to create this seasonally driven menu.