The wine was stolen on Christmas night from the French Laundry restaurant, which is rated three stars in the Michelin guide and has twice been named the best in the world by Restaurant Magazine.
Napa County sheriff's Capt. Doug Pike says it's unclear how the 76 bottles of mainly rare French wine ended up in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. No arrests have been made. Officials from the Greensboro Police Department were not immediately available for comment Friday.
On Monday, after a nearly monthlong investigation, analysis of forensic evidence, and numerous interviews, Napa County Sheriff's detectives traveled to Greensboro to recover the majority of the wines stolen from the restaurant. The investigation is ongoing.
The theft occurred on Christmas evening or night at Chef Thomas Keller's famed restaurant, which is known for twice daily serving nine-course tasting menus, none of which uses the same ingredient more than once.
In 2003 and 2004, the French Laundry was named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine. The restaurant had closed one day earlier for a six-month kitchen remodel.