Weekend Guide to Yountville in California’s Wine Country
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley you’ll find the tiny town of Yountville. This picturesque town, with its tree-lined streets and French provincial ambiance, is renowned not just for its world-class wineries, but also for its array of gourmet restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. My husband and I got some childcare arranged so that we could enjoy a kid-free weekend enjoying the luxurious scenery in Yountville.
In this travel guide to Yountville I will tell you all the places we went, plus some additional recommended spots I would’ve loved to see if we had more time. From hotels to wineries and restaurants, I picked locales with style and charm and worth your time to visit.
A Brief History on Yountville, California
Throughout the years, Yountville witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes – from the thriving wine industry of the late 1800s to the devastation of the phylloxera epidemic that threatened vineyards. The town, however, showed resilience and a penchant for reinvention. The 20th century brought renewed interest in viticulture and laid the groundwork for Yountville’s emergence as a premier wine and culinary destination. Today Yountville is a mix of the old historical and the new trendy, making for a lot of interesting things to explore.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Yountville
While the weather tends to be somewhat mild throughout most of the year, the spring and fall are definitely the standout months to visit Yountville. In the winter you can experience cold rainy days, and many of the vines are bare branches without any leaves. In the summer the temperatures can reach the 90’s , which is a bit hot to be out walking in the vineyards while exposed to the sun. Read on to see why I’ve deemed spring and fall to be the best seasons for visiting Yountville.
Yountville in the Springtime
In the spring, Yountville transforms from the dark winter with nature reawakening after long months of cold. This season is filled fresh greenery and fields of blooming yellow mustard flowers. The grapevines with their fresh green buds are a sight. The mild weather makes it a pleasure to stroll through the town’s charming streets. Yountville’s renowned restaurants and bistros, many with al fresco dining options, offer fresh spring menus, brimming with locally-sourced ingredients. As the tourist crowds of summer haven’t yet descended, visitors can savor a more tranquil wine tasting experience
Yountville in the Autumn
While Yountville shines throughout the year and each season offering its own unique charm, many consider the fall to be the most magical time to visit. As the grape harvest, or “crush,” gets underway, the valley comes alive with activity. The vineyards themselves turn into a tapestry of golds, ambers, and reds, providing a picturesque backdrop for tastings and tours. The crisp air enhances the experience of sipping world-class wines and indulging in gourmet meals. Additionally, during this period, a series of harvest-themed events and festivals fill up the calendar, celebrating the bounty of the region.
Most Aesthetic Hotels in Yountville
Embracing the town’s ethos of luxury and rustic charm, the hotels in Yountville range from lavish resorts to intimate boutique inns. Many properties pride themselves on their vineyard views, allowing guests to awaken to grapevines just beyond their window. The interiors often combine contemporary elegance with nods to wine country aesthetics, featuring local artwork, artisanal furnishings, and plush amenities.
Moreover, a significant number of these establishments house their own world-class spas and restaurants. Whether one opts for a grand resort or a cozy bed and breakfast, Yountville’s hotels are very much still in keeping with all that Napa Valley luxury.
The Estate Yountville
If you’re looking for a go big or go home experience in Napa Valley, this just might be it. The Estate Yountville is a sprawling oasis of luxury in the heart of Napa Valley. Spread over 22 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, this establishment encapsulates the essence of wine country indulgence. The Estate boasts top-tier dining venues and a spa that provides rejuvenating treatments using wine-based products. Walking through its winding pathways, past private vineyards and artistic installations, one can’t help but feel oh so fancy.
Lavender Bed and Breakfast, A Four Sisters Inn
For those seeking the intimate charm of a bed and breakfast experience, the Lavender Bed and Breakfast is a very contemporary and chic option. Drawing inspiration from its name, the inn is beautifully punctuated with fragrant lavender bushes. This Provençal-styled retreat boasts a collection of rooms that seamlessly blend rustic Napa charm with modern comforts. Plush beds, fireplaces, and thoughtful amenities ensure a restful stay. Every morning, guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast, showcasing the region’s fresh produce and culinary excellence.
Hotel Yountville
Hotel Yountville is a stylish boutique hotel that captures the essence of wine country living with its architecture of stone, wood, and natural elements. Guest rooms and suites are furnished with plush bedding, oversized soaking tubs, and fireplaces, making every stay feel indulgent. The hotel’s spa offers a sanctuary for relaxation, with treatments inspired by the valley’s natural resources. Meanwhile, the on-site dining venue serves up gourmet cuisine. And finally, the pool is long and glamours with lounge chairs and twinkle lights.
Wineries to Visit in Yountville
In this guide I only recommend wineries where you actually get to go onsite and see the property with vineyards. While tasting rooms have their purpose, I personally find that it usually lacks a bit in experience.
Oasis by Hoopes
Hoopes Winery is renowned in Napa Valley for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines, including both red, white and rose wines. They just recently launched their new visitor experience – Oasis by Hoopes! This is where we spent an hour sipping Sauvignon Blanc and exploring the grounds. This regenerative farm, animal sanctuary, and gardens truly live up to its name, offering a relaxing haven for visitors in the heart of Napa Valley.
As you scroll through our photos, you’ll see photos of the animal residents that live on the property. We also peaked around the modern boho airstream and leisurely strolled the gardens.
Schedule your own visit to Oasis by Hoopes. They’re open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering retail sales and farm-fresh produce. Secure a 90-minute slot with a minimum purchase of two bottles per adult. Reservations are required. Admission for minors ages 2-20 is $20 each.
Chandon
Chandon in Yountville is a testament to the confluence of Old World winemaking traditions and the vibrant terroir of Napa Valley. As the American outpost of the renowned French Champagne house, Moët & Chandon, this winery has firmly established its legacy since the 1970s by producing some of the region’s most celebrated sparkling wines.
Nestled amidst rolling vineyards, Chandon offers more than just exceptional bubbly; it provides a holistic wine country experience. Visitors are greeted with an architecturally stunning tasting room where they can savor flights of sparkling and still wines, all while learning about the traditional méthode champenoise.
The picturesque estate, complete with serene gardens and ponds, is a preferred backdrop for winery experiences. With its blend of sophisticated winemaking and the laid-back charm of Napa, Chandon Winery remains a must-visit for aficionados and casual wine enthusiasts alike.
Cliff Lede Vineyards
Cliff Lede Vineyards located in the renowned Stags Leap District of Yountville. Established in 2002 by Canadian businessman and wine enthusiast, Cliff Lede, the vineyard quickly became a standout in Napa Valley for both its exceptional Bordeaux varietals and its unique approach to viticulture. The estate is meticulously organized into “rock blocks,” with each block named after iconic rock ‘n’ roll songs, reflecting Lede’s love for music.
Beyond its musical whimsy, the vineyard is serious about its craft. The state-of-the-art winemaking facility and gravity-flow cellar ensure that every bottle produced is of the highest quality. Visitors to Cliff Lede Vineyards can expect not just exquisite wines but also an immersive experience, wandering amidst the stunning landscapes, appreciating the on-site art collection, and possibly enjoying curated events at the property’s luxurious bed and breakfast, Poetry Inn.
Where to Eat in Yountville
Yountville has been dubbed as the culinary capital of Napa Valley. This picturesque town is a veritable mecca for food aficionados, with its concentration of renowned restaurants, many of which have earned prestigious Michelin stars. Moreover, the plethora of local produce, from olive oils to organic vegetables, ensures that every dish celebrates the bountiful terroir of the region.
Bistro Jeanty
Bistro Jeanty is a culinary gem that evokes the charm and warmth of a traditional French bistro. Founded by Chef Philippe Jeanty, the restaurant is a testament to his roots in the Champagne region of France, transporting diners straight into the French countryside with its rustic ambiance and authentic dishes.
During our lunch date at Bistro Jeanty we enjoyed French foodie favorites including:
- Salade Mâraichère – Warm goat cheese and haricots verts salad with oven roasted tomatoes and honey vinaigrette
- Crême de Tomate en Croute – Tomato soup in puff pastry
- Entrecôte Frites – Rib eye steak with fries & béarnaise sauce
- Beef bourguignon and a side of mashed potatoes
- Lemon meringue tart – Pate sucrée with lemon curd
The French Laundry
The French Laundry stands as an epitome of culinary excellence, not just in Napa Valley, but globally. Helmed by the legendary Chef Thomas Keller, this Michelin three-star establishment is housed in a historic stone building that once served as an actual French steam laundry in the 1920s. The restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience, where each meticulously crafted dish is a testament to innovation, precision, and reverence for ingredients. With rotating tasting menus that never repeat a single ingredient, guests embark on a foodie journey that is both intimate and grandiose. The ambiance, characterized by its timeless elegance, complements the culinary artistry, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Ad Hoc + Addendum
Ad Hoc + Addendum is another brainchild of the esteemed Chef Thomas Keller. The restaurant, with its casual and cozy ambiance, was initially meant to be a temporary venture – hence the name “Ad Hoc” – but its overwhelming popularity and the joy it brought to diners made it a permanent fixture. Specializing in comfort food, Ad Hoc serves a daily-changing four-course menu that embodies the essence of family-style dining. Dishes are meant to be shared and the cuisine is both approachable and elevated. From succulent fried chicken nights to mouth-watering short ribs, the meals echo the nostalgia of home-cooked feasts, but with the finesse one would expect from a Keller establishment.
Additional Points of Interest in Yountville
Beyond its culinary accolades and celebrated wineries, there’s still more to see and experience in Yountville. In between meals, swimming in your hotel pool, spa appointments and sipping wine, consider adding a few of the these activities to your itinerary.
Washington Street
Washington Street is the main drag in Yountville, a picturesque thoroughfare that captures the essence of this famed Napa Valley town. Lined with a mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, it serves as both a destination and a journey. Along this route there’s also a slew of winery tasting rooms, so you can easily plan your own walking wine tasting tour.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Taking to the skies in a hot air balloon over Yountville is nothing short of a magical experience. This quaint Napa Valley town unveils a whole new dimension of natural beauty when viewed from above. As dawn breaks, the balloons ascend, offering passengers breathtaking vistas of the valley blanketed in a soft morning mist. You can expect to be in the air for around 45 minutes during the balloon ride. Concluding with a traditional champagne toast upon landing, a hot air balloon ride in Yountville is not just a visual feast but an unforgettable experience.
Gourmet and Artisan Shopping
Looking for gifts and fancy souvenirs to bring home after your trip to Yountville? Along its scenic streets, particularly the famed Washington Street, visitors will discover an array of boutique stores that showcase the very essence of Napa Valley’s artisanal spirit. From handcrafted jewelry, curated antiques, local artwork and gourmet food products, the town’s shops cater to discerning tastes. Notable shops include Thomas Keller’s retail shop Finesse, Hestan Vineyards and Cookware, Kollar Chocolates, Alchemy Works and Hillstone Home.
