At The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, every dish tells a story—of the seasons, of the land, and of the people who pour their passion into the plate. From the start, we’ve been led by Executive Chef Dan Solomon, who brought incredible Midwestern influence while crafting our original menu. As we settled into our identity and location in the heart of Napa Valley, Chef Dan began to grow and craft an incredible team that has truly stepped up to grab the torch and run with it. Behind the flavors our guests know and love is a talented, driven culinary leadership team that brings a mix of experience, heart, and creativity to every service.
Today, we’re proud to introduce you to the people guiding our kitchen: Chef de Cuisine DJ Werning and Sous Chef Miguel Ramirez.
Chef de Cuisine – DJ Werning
With a career spanning some of Napa Valley’s most recognized kitchens, including Gott’s Roadside, 8 Noodle, JAX Diner, Stone Brewing, and CIA Copia, Chef DJ Werning brings a depth of local culinary experience to The Kitchen at Priest Ranch.
DJ describes his style as California cuisine—seasonally driven with a few timeless classics along the way. For him, cooking is about more than just the end result—it’s about the people who make it possible. “Good food comes from good people,” he says, acknowledging the many hands that help bring a dish to the table—from farmers and vendors to restaurant teams and line cooks.
He thrives on the camaraderie of a busy service, likening the kitchen to going “into battle” together. That sense of teamwork fuels not only his cooking but his leadership. If he weren’t a chef, DJ says he’d be a teacher—something he already embodies in the kitchen as he nourishes his team’s minds and every guest’s bellies. Since joining the team, DJ has stepped up as a mentor to the team and has always yearned for growth from within KPR. And team members like Sous Chef Miguel Ramirez embody DJ’s skills and desire to help people grow.
Sous Chef – Miguel Ramirez
Sous Chef Miguel Ramirez’s path to The Kitchen at Priest Ranch is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and the value of mentorship. His culinary journey began humbly at Taco Bell in high school before moving into roles at restaurants and hotels across the Napa Valley.
In 2018, Miguel joined Bardessono as a dishwasher. Captivated by the chefs’ precision and passion, he embraced every opportunity to learn, eventually working his way up to line cook and mastering fine-dining dinner service and the art of breakfast. His drive led him to take culinary classes while working full-time, continually building his skills.
Miguel went on to lead banquet teams at The Estate of Yountville, cooking for large-scale events and high-profile guests, before returning to Bardessono—this time as Sous Chef at Lucy’s. It wasn’t an easy promotion; he faced skepticism and had to prove himself in a leadership role. But with determination and hard work, he gained the team’s respect and flourished.
In August 2024, Miguel joined The Kitchen at Priest Ranch part-time, quickly making a strong impression. He stepped into the Sous Chef role within months, again rising to the challenge. “Life is just like a roller coaster,” Miguel says. “There will be ups and downs and sudden turns, but you just have to enjoy it and see where it takes you.” He’s grateful for every mentor along the way, and now, he’s committed to passing on that same guidance to others.
Leadership in Action
Chef DJ and Miguel lead our culinary team with a shared respect for quality ingredients, a dedication to mentorship, and a love for creating memorable experiences. Their combined expertise shapes a menu that celebrates California’s bounty, pairs seamlessly with Priest Ranch wines, and reflects the welcoming spirit of Yountville.
The next time you dine at The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, know that every plate has been touched by their passion, precision, teamwork, and honoring Chef Dan’s original vision for the restaurant. And if you get the chance, say hello—you’ll find they’re as generous with their stories as they are with their flavors.
Join us for incredible dishes, a glass of Priest Ranch wine, or our newly returned mimosas! Cheers!