On the door leading into the kitchen of California’s The Restaurant at Meadowood are the words, “He that would eat the Fruit must climb the Tree,” an adage that could not be more appropriate for this story. From humble beginnings in the Midwest to international culinary acclaim and Michelin stardom, Christopher Kostow is a chef whose talent is amplifi_ed by his vision. Part artist, part philosopher, he has been pursuing a regionally specific cuisine within the walls of The Restaurant at Meadowood that not only draws from local resources, but also ties his efforts to the history and spirit of Napa Valley.

To say that Chef Kostow’s work has been well received would be a dramatic understatement. Shortly after taking the helm at The Restaurant in 2008, Kostow steered a course for historic success, one that would earn him a coveted rating of 3 Michelin Stars in 2011, a standard he has maintained every year since. Only the second American-born chef and third youngest to receive 3 Michelin Stars, Kostow also garnered the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West in 2013. Although Kostow admits his success has bolstered confi_dence in the work he and his team are doing, he is not one to rest on his laurels.

Every aspect of a visit to Guayascate is designed to ensure that hunting parties are delivered the ultimate in wingshooting opulence—even the dramatic setting differentiates this remote Argentinean venue from most other sporting lodges, worldwide. Located less than two hours from the city of Cordoba, Argentina—in Cordoba Province, famed for dove shooting—Guayascate sits on more than 2,300 acres of prime dove habitat. For hunting jet setters, fatigued by their overnight journey, proximity to the dove fields means you can leave the lodge and be sitting in your blind in under three minutes. This, in my experience, breaks all records for hunting convenience.

You can reach Guayascate first through Santiago, Chile, or via Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by a connecting flight to Cordoba International Airport. Although a flight across the Andes is certainly picturesque, there is something special about touching down in the city of Buenos Aires. Indeed, it would be remiss to visit such a wonderful country and yet forgo a stop in the crown jewel city.

Designed by renowned Argentinean architect Dick Shilton, Guayascate is a departure from the usual Spanish colonial and mission-style buildings one typically sees in this region. Indeed, the contemporary-styled lodge would not look out of place situated on a South Texas quail ranch. This is particularly true following sundown, when a battery of light illuminates every façade. The design exudes a charm and proffers a feeling of intimacy.

Having experienced firsthand the fabulous Guayascate Lodge, I continued my Argentinean sporting odyssey to La Porteñita, a working estancia not far from the dove fields of Guayascate. Situated at the top of a hill, this quaint lodge offered impressive views over the surrounding countryside. Lodge manager Esteban “Pato” Quinteros started off the day by leading a tour of the lodge, which has a relaxed yet genteel charm. Pato explained that La Porteñita was originally the vacation home of a wealthy Argentinean family before Hayes & Hayes Outfitters purchased the property in 1996. Since that time, La Porteñita has undergone a transformation, including some substantial remodeling, and now provides a luxurious base for dove shooters from around the world.

Our first night passed quickly, with a fabulous dinner of steak complemented by fine wine, followed by dreams of the dove shooting to follow. When morning arrived, we made our way to the dining room, where we visited with a group of close friends from Florida, larger-than-life characters returning to Argentina for an annual dove pilgrimage in its tenth year.

Soon we departed for the dove fields and were met by our birdboys, as Argentinean loaders are known. They already had constructed blinds and were waiting patiently with guns and shells—and fresh coffee—at the ready. With great professionalism and little fuss, we were each introduced to our man for the next two days. We shot without respite until lunchtime. The fields were alive with doves and we saw so many birds as to spoil a man for Southern dove shooting in the U.S., forever.