Yountville: A Traveler’s Guide

  • Travel
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on JANUARY 19, 2016
  • 2281
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What makes Yountville so special is that it manages to provide so much culture and sophistication without losing any of its small-town charm. You could spend a week visiting some of the top restaurants and tasting rooms Napa Valley offers, and never come across the same place twice, without ever leaving the city limits. No matter how long the visit, this list will help you to plan out your trip.

Where to Stay

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Image Source: Yelp
Hotel Yountville
6462 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 967-7900
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 767 reviews
Check Availability

For a luxurious experience, Hotel Yountville is a standard in this quaint town. Located at the south end of Washington Street, the Tuscan countryside inspires this property, where charming, stone farmhouse buildings are edged by rows of cypress trees. The hotel seamlessly blends its wine country sensibility with modern amenities like a luxury spa. We recommend including some downtime during your stay to enjoy relaxing by the outdoor fireplace or at the sleek hotel pool bar. Insider tip: Hotel Yountville is situated next to Veterans Memorial Park where visitors can wander through the art sculptures of the Public Art Walk with a morning coffee.

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Image Source: Yelp
Vintage House
6541 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-1112
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 519 reviews


Enhanced by luxurious amenities like whirlpool tubs, Vintage House is a cozy boutique hotel fashioned with an elegant atmosphere in the French country style. Take advantage of the brunch buffet for a late-morning bite, and come back for wine tastings and tea service in the afternoon. Insider tip: Vintage House is located on the 23-acre Vintage Estate, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. For a change of scenery though, head over to the estate’s sister hotel, the Villagio Inn and Spa, for a more Tuscan vibe. You may use the pools at both hotels during your stay at the property.

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Image Source: Yelp
Napa Valley Lodge
2230 Madison St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2468
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 1,095 reviews
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With enticing vineyard views and spacious rooms, the Mediterranean-style Napa Valley Lodge lures visitors with a relaxing pool and fountains seemingly pulled straight from the Tuscan countryside. The hotel also boasts bocce ball courts, fire pits, and a fitness center, all within walking distance from amazing tasting rooms Ma(i)sonry Gallery and Jessup Cellars. Insider tip: Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary Champagne breakfast.

Where to Eat

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Image Source: Yelp
Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2253
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 2,050 reviews
Reservations: Unavailable

This tiny French bakery is known for its world-class treats, and it’s earned a reputation as a favorite for those seeking fresh croissants, oversized French macaroon cookies, or the bakery’s mini “chocolate bouchon” cakes. It’s also an easy option for a light lunch, where a selection of salads, sandwiches, quiche, and a soup du jour are on the menu. Bouchon does not offer inside seating, but a few benches and tables are available outside. Better just to take your latte and pastry to go if the shops along Washington Street are calling out to you. Insider tip: Be sure to schedule enough time for this worth-the-wait stop: Bouchon is known for having a line out the door on the weekends!

R+D Kitchen
6795 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 945-0920
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 939 reviews
Reservations: Suggested

Located in Yountville just off Highway 29, the modern R+D Kitchen features a relaxed Wine Country vibe and plenty of delicious eats to be had. Grab one of the outdoor spots, where Adirondack chairs are clustered around a fire pit, or sit inside to enjoy a menu of elevated burgers, sandwiches, hefty salads, and freshly prepared sushi. Insider tip: Even though the restaurant serves upscale versions of casual food, overly casual attire doesn’t go over so well. When visiting, just be mindful of R+D’s dress code: collared shirts for gentlemen, no tank tops or provocative clothing for the ladies, and nothing with large logos.

Image Source: Thomas Keller Group
Ad Hoc
6476 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
(707) 944-2487
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 1,255 reviews
Reservations: Required

Chef Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc is a Wine Country staple, drawing locals and visitors to its casually elegant setting for four-course, family-style dinners that change daily. Can’t make it in for dinner? Then don’t miss the Sunday morning three-course brunch menu. Insider tip: Ad Hoc has a small take away restaurant, aptly named Addendum, offering boxed lunches to-go or to enjoy in the garden every weekend. Stop in for lunch to enjoy mouthwatering favorites like fried chicken or pulled pork sandwiches and sides.

What to Do

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

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Image Source: Yelp
Napa Valley Aloft
6525 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(855) 944-4408

Soar through the skies over wine country during the sunrise, and see Napa Valley like never before. Piloted by FAA-certified balloon pilots, Napa Valley Aloft offers 3 to 4 hour-long hot air balloon rides for couples and large groups, all launching from the The Shops at the Marketplace on Washington Street. Insider tip: There is an option to include brunch and champagne at Pacific Blues Cafe after the ride.

Go Wine Tasting

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Image Source: Yelp
Hope and Grace
6540 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2500

The boutique Hope and Grace Tasting Room is named for winemaker Charles Hendricks’ two daughters and features small-production wines with a focus on single-vineyard and single-variety styles. The cozy and down-to-earth atmosphere can be enjoyed while sipping through limited release Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Riesling, and Chardonnay. Insider tip: The tasting room is open until 5:30 p.m., a bit later than the wineries in the area.

Go Shopping on the Main Street

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Image Source: Yelp
The Shops at the Marketplace
6525 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2451

Washington Street offers some fabulous boutiques, and some of the most popular are located in The Shops at the Marketplace. NapaStyle, Michael Chiarello’s lifestyle store is a centerpiece to this area, selling wine country furniture, decor, and cooking accoutrement (the jars of marinated parmesan dip and bruschetta make great souvenirs). Insider tip: The Napa Style Cafe in the back of the shop is a fun option for a quick and easy lunch.

Yountville is one of the most beautiful and relaxing destinations in the Napa Valley. With this guide’s help, be sure to delight in the first-class dining, lodgings, and tasting rooms. Start dreaming about your next visit!


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.