ST. HELENA, Calif. March 1, 2012 – The Wine Country Inn ─ known for its central Napa Valley location, romantic atmosphere, and stunning vineyard views ─ has a new chef: Ryan Geoghegan. The Napa native replaces the Innʼs former chef, Guy Aaronson, who retired in January.

Chef Ryan joins Wine Country Inn

Wine Country Inn innkeeper Jim Smith said that while it is difficult to say goodbye to Aaronson, who was a guest favorite during his 10 years at the Inn, the change will be beneficial to guests. “We get many, many repeat guests, and they are always looking for something new,” Smith explains. “While Chef Ryan will keep our tried-and-true recipes, Iʼm also asking him to ‛wowʼ us with new dishes for both breakfast and our afternoon wine social.”

Geoghegan, 32, has lived his entire life in Napa. He extensive cooking experience includes a four-year stint at a Napa B&B where he elevated the food offerings. “Iʼm an ambassador for Napa Valley,” Geoghegan states. “Iʼm excited to share with guests not only some new and creative dishes, but also my suggestions for the Valleyʼs best places to eat and drink.”

In addition to a love of cooking, Geogheganʼs hobbies include barbecuing/smoking meats, making homemade sausage, gardening, traveling, and music. He and the special lady in his life, Kelli, have a two-year-old, with a second child due in late March.

About The Wine Country Inn: Celebrating 35+ years of romance
Built and operated by the Smith family since 1975, The Wine Country Inn has been transformed from the Napa Valley’s first bed and breakfast inn into a magnificent Boutique Hotel. The Inn contains 24 distinctive rooms and five luxury cottages. Each guest stay includes a full gourmet breakfast and afternoon wine tasting. Guests also can avail themselves to spa services, local winery tours (50 wineries within five miles!), and a complimentary evening shuttle service to nearby restaurants (15 within five miles!). For more information, please visit www.winecountryinn.com.

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