Making a reservation at the French Laundry may be one of the most difficult things you will ever do. Well, not really, but it cetainly isn't easy! You must call exactly 60 days prior to your desired dining date. And you will probably have to try several times before the line is not busy/answered. My suggestion is to start calling 60 days before your first night in Napa Valley. I was staying for four nights the trip when we dined at French Laundry. I called every day and was told they were completely booked. Until the fourth day, when I was told I could be put on the waiting list. It was better than nothing. And it turned out to be the in-ticket when I called from the rental car on the way up to Napa Valley and was told we were in!
Hotel, Dining Room and Kitchen Table reservations are taken up to one year in advance. Please bear in mind that The Inn's telephone operators routinely field hundreds of dinner reservation requests for any one particular evening, so we suggest prior planning whenever possible. Dinner reservations are guaranteed for overnight guests.