Quick Travel Guide • Yountville, California, USA, North America
Yountville: A Guide About Where To Stay, Wine and Dine
Last Updated On: May 22, 2023
Yountville is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s Wine Country. Located only an hour outside of San Francisco and a quick flight from LA, this luxurious getaway is the perfect place to spend a relaxing long weekend. Most people who come here have two priorities—food & wine—and with this quick guide to Yountville, we will give you just that and more. Yountville’s small-town charm, Michelin Star restaurants, small-production wine tasting rooms, and picturesque vineyard views attract people from near and far and though many only come for the day, I highly recommend staying for at least one night. While Yountville is not short on accommodations, we can not stop talking about our stay at the North Block Hotel. The intimate courtyard accompanied by the soothing sound of the fountain, the lush vines growing over the walls, and hand-painted tiles are all reminiscent of the romance found in Italy. Alongside its chic B&B’s, elegant inns, and upscale boutique hotels there is more to explore than just wineries. Yountville is home to private art exhibits, museums, galleries, and even winery art installations, for those who want to combine the best of both worlds.
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What To Do In Yountville
1. Discover The Art Walk:Enjoy an impressive collection of over 65 outdoor sculptures carefully placed along the main stretch of Yountville. Most pieces are actually for sale and support art-related events and activities. The North Block Hotel is located right at the end of the walk, making it the perfect starting point to follow the Art Walk from the end to the beginning. If you don’t feel like walking, hop on one of the complimentary cruisers offered at the North Block Hotel, and off you go. Click here for a printable Art Walk Map.


2. Take A Hot Air Balloon RideThere is hardly a better place than Napa Valley to tick off a memorable hot air balloon ride from your bucket list. This is not only the perfect anniversary gift, surprise, or birthday present but a unique way to see Napa Valley from a birds-eye view. Imagine waking up before sunrise to witness each hot air balloon gain its impressive size before watching the gentle giants float gracefully into the dawn. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being lifted off the earth by a hot air balloon. Standing in a wicker basket watching as the objects below get smaller and smaller as you float into the sunrise is simply magical. For the most elevated experience look no further and book with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides.

3. Enjoy A Wine Tasting:With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, finding the perfect one for you can get quite overwhelming. Depending on your personal taste you can choose between 60 min tastings to as long as 3 hours. While some wineries use tasting bars, others will offer a seated tasting incorporating light food such as chocolate or cheese. Prices usually vary depending on the winery; however, you can expect to pay around $35 - $65 per person for basic tasting and $65 - $125 per person for more extravagant food & wine pairings. Keep in mind that most wineries require a reservation upfront so make sure to pick your favorites as soon as possible and plan ahead. There is nothing more annoying than getting to Napa Valley and all the nice vineyards are booked out. However, should you decide on embarking on a last-minute wine tasting experience, the front desk at the North Block Hotel would be happy to help you find the perfect tasting room. Visit Napa Valley has also put together the perfect guide to help you find the best winery based on your personality and taste.


Yountville is home to 15 stroll-able tasting rooms and 7 nearby wineries serving everything a wine lover could ever ask for. If you are staying in Yountville for a couple of days, then make sure to get your hands on the Wine Walk Map, they are available at any Yountville tasting room. You can collect stamps at each tasting location and when you reach 5,10,15 or all 17 you can redeem them for a prize at the Yountville Welcome Center. Domaine Chandon | Yountville (7-minute bike ride)Relax under the shade of oak trees and take in the exquisite architecture and lush landscapes of this stunning estate with a glass of your favorite sparkling Chandon. While Domaine Chandon also offers an intimate Tasting Experience, what makes this place unique are the Cabana rentals and the option for a Picnic on the Lawn. Every picnic comes with a picnic basket (which is yours to keep!) filled to the brim with local artisanal cheeses, salads, and seasonal sandwiches - paired with Chandon’s Minis. There is no better place to enjoy a wonderful time with loved ones. Reservations are encouraged - Click here to book


Goosecross Cellars | Yountville (10-minute bike ride)Goosecross Cellars is a stunning estate located just outside of Yountville and is easily reached by bike. This family-owned winery not only offers front-row seats with picturesque views over its own vineyard but spoils its guests with a great selection of small-production wines. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to cater to any tasting of your personal preference. Reservations are required - Click here to book
Clos Du Val | Stags Leap District (12-minute drive)Nestled within the impressive Stags Leap District, this is another worth-mentioning winery offering picturesque vineyard views and a relaxing yet elevated wine-tasting experience. The building features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that opens up into a spacious outdoor terrace with a chic living room kind of vibe. This is actually one of Napa Valley's most historic properties turned into an elegant and modern estate. Reservations are recommended - Click here to book



Stewart Cellars - Tasting Room | YountvilleThis tasting room shouldn’t be missed. The chic property boasts a lux farmhouse with an easy-going bohemian vibe, dotted with carefully selected vintage pieces. This small family-owned and operated business crafts boutique wines that showcase Napa's Heritage vines and winemaking traditions. Choose your desired experience and enjoy a tasting at either the Tasting Hall, the signature Heritage Library or the outdoor courtyard. Southside Café is also located on the property, serving coffee and quick bites. (Open from 8 am - 2 pm daily) Reservations are recommended - Click here to book

Handwritten Wines - Tasting Room | YountvilleThis stunning property is also known as the SOYO house and is located at the southern edge of Yountville’s downtown. The new building is absolutely beautiful and makes for the perfect place to enjoy a side-by-side comparative tasting of Napa Valley's District wines. Enter through the foyer into the inviting den and get seated at the indoor table or outdoor patio for tastings of Handwritten Wines. Reservations are recommended - Click here to book



Restoration Hardware | Yountville One of the nicest tasting rooms in all of Yountville and possibly in all of Napa Valley. Enjoy an intimate outdoor wine tasting within the comfort of the trellis-covered living rooms adorned with comfortable couches and chic chandeliers. This is the perfect place for a romantic date night or an elevated tasting experience with friends. We also recommend their restaurant next door, just when you thought the night can’t get any better. Reservations are recommended but due to their popularity pretty much required - Click here to book
Stag’s Leap | Stags Leap District (10-minute drive)This 240-acre estate is one of the top five most romantic winery Destinations in Napa. Built in 1890, this ivory-colored stone building with its large wooden doors is rich in history. Its age only adds to the absolutely romantic atmosphere from lux vintage furniture to the lush gardens. Sit along the edge of the vineyard and enjoy your glass of wine in pure harmony with your surroundings. This place is the epitome of a perfect wine-tasting experience. Reservations are required and fill up quickly - Click here to book



Sterling Vineyards | Calistoga (30-minute drive) For a completely different wine-tasting experience make your way to Calistoga, which, by the way, is a great place to spend an afternoon. Here you will find Sterling Vineyards. Perched 300 feet above the town of Calistoga, you will first hop on an aerial tram taking you up the hill to the winery. The architecture of this stunning estate is comparable to the white buildings found in Greece and while you can participate in a private seated tasting we recommend the Signature Experience. This is basically a self-guided Sip & Stroll tour that takes you through the different production sites of the winery. Not only do you get to enjoy the scenic views while enjoying a great selection of wines, but you also learn how wine is made one wine glass at a time. Reservations are recommended - Click here to book



4. Hop On The Wine Train:This is more than just a refurbished luxury train from the early 1900s. Imagine sitting in one of the classy Pullman vintage cars, relaxing in your comfortable plush armchair while enjoying outstanding service and gourmet California cuisine. There is hardly a better way to discover the fairytale-like landscape of Napa Valley than by train. Choose between lunch, dinner, romance, mystery, or book your own private tour. Excursions range anywhere from a few hours to a full day. For more information and booking - Click here 5. Visit the Napa Valley Museum:An experience for those looking for a creative break from wine-tasting. Enjoy a nice collection of art and artifacts as well as learn about the local history by visiting the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. The Museum's Main Gallery hosts a great selection of ever-changing exhibitions featuring local, regional, and national artists. Also, if you happen to be in Yountville on the third Saturday of the month at 11 a.m., you can join a guided tour of the museum. For more information – click here
6. See A Show At The Napa Valley Performing Arts Center At Lincoln Theater:Over the last few years, the venue has hosted world-renowned artists, musical shows, live dance, and theater performances for all ages. Enjoy an innovative and engaging program from operas to comedy and jazz to blues shows. For more information on booking tickets and upcoming shows - Click here. 7. Discover Napa Valley by bike:The North Block Hotel is not only centrally located, but also provides complimentary electric bikes for those eager to venture out and explore the area. Get lost in the surrounding vineyards or follow the Vine Trail Napa Valley, a 12-mile bike path starting from Yountville and ending in downtown Napa. The plan is to extend the trail to 47 miles to connect the entire Napa Valley from Calistoga to the Vallejo Ferry.Should your accommodation not provide complimentary bikes, there are rentals available at bike shops in Yountville. Find a map of the complete 12.5-mile bike trail from Kennedy Park to Yountville here.



How to get around in Yountville
The easiest and most convenient way to get around Napa Valley is by car. Although once you reach Yountville and check into your hotel such as theNorth Block Hotel which is conveniently located in the heart of this small town, you won’t be needing your car anymore since everything will be walking or biking distance. Should you decide on staying at the North Block Hotel, then there is no need to worry about driving, since the hotel is perfectly situated within walking distance to a broad selection of wineries offering everything from local to international wines. For visits to nearby wineries for a tasting, we recommend making use of the region's rideshares. Customers hardly ever wait more than 5 or 10 minutes for a Lyft or Uber.


10 Best Restaurants in Yountville:
Do you enjoy carefully selected wines or simply appreciate good food, then you have come to the right place. Classics such as The French Laundry, RH Yountville, and Bouchon Bistro, are some of the most desired venues in all of Napa Valley. Due to the outstanding service, wine selection, and an unmatched hint of luxury, the restaurants of Yountville have become quite popular.
Southside Cafe
A beautiful cafe and coffee bar in Napa Valley, serving real California cuisine. While this community-centered cafe house has a total of three locations, the Southside Cafe in Yountville is the only one featuring a stunning outdoor courtyard located within the property of the Stewart Cellars and open from 8 am - 2 pm daily. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or simply grab a coffee to go. If you are looking for dinner and freshly blended juices then head to their sister property at Southside Century located in South Napa.


Bouchon Bistro
Bouchon Bistro offers French bistro fare with Thomas Kellers unfailing love to detail in both the ingredients and presentation. The flashy yet elegant restaurant is a low-fare version of the French Laundry and almost a must when visiting Yountville. Choose between the outdoor patio, the chic indoor dining room, or get it delivered right to your room at the North Block Hotel.
The French Laundry
The French Laundry, a Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, is housed in a two-story stone cottage that used to operate as a French steam laundry, hence the name. There are two tasting menus offered (meat & vegetarian), combining the best of locally sourced ingredients with the fresh harvest from the garden. Expect visual masterpieces during each course and let your senses take in the tasteful gastronomic explosions. The restaurant is open seven nights a week for dinner, but expect to book at least 2-months in advance. Last-minute reservations can be tricky to get and almost impossible. Check Tock to snatch your online reservation. If nothing is available, make sure to join the waitlist, maybe you'll get lucky. Tip: For the full experience, we recommend arriving early enough to take a stroll through the gardens located just across the street. French Laundry also offers kitchen tours, simply ask your waiter and he will be happy to show you where the chef carefully curates his meals.


Ad hoc+ addendum
A casual indoor dining venue in Yountville by Chef Thomas Keller. The restaurant was inspired by his childhood and therefore serves typical American comfort food with a twist. The daily changing menu keeps the kitchen on its toes and the customers coming back time and time again. If you’re interested in trying Thomas Keller’s cuisine but are looking for something more casual and affordable than this option is for you! Addendum offers a landscaped picnic area located just behind restaurant. The garden is open from Wednesday-Friday (3pm-7pm) and Saturday-Sunday (11am-5pm). We recommending ordering the famous buttermilk fried chicken and enjoying the picnic tables.
Coqueta
Coqueta Yountville offers a nice outdoor patio and serves traditional Spanish tapas with a hint of California cuisine. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Gott's Roadside
A casual American Roadside Diner. While this diner is not in Yountville it isn't far of a drive. This might be just the right place for a pit stop when craving typical American comfort food. I personally love these old school diners with the big flashing signs and bright red colors. We stopped by on our way to Yountville and let me tell you, it is worth it. Sometimes all you need is a tasty burger and fresh french fries. They have a multitude of locations, such as Napa, St. Helena, San Francisco and more.


Model Bakery
This historic Bakery has been serving locals and visitors for a proud 90 years. Choose between a wide variety of artisan bread, pastries, and divine breakfast sandwiches. The English muffins are a legend here, so whatever you do, try them. They are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside... Do I have to say more?! This is the perfect place to treat yourself when exploring Yountville on foot. Their flagship store is on the Main Street location in St. Helena, with another branch at Oxbow Public Market in Napa and its newest Mini Model addition in Yountville.
Bouchon Bakery
The Bouchon Bakery has truly made a name for itself and for good reason. If you are looking for divine pastries look no further. Don't let the line discourage you, it goes quickly. For the perfect picnic addition, grab one of their Walnut Batard, Bouchon Brownies, and their tasty rice crispy treats with a twist, also known as Fuggedaboutit.


Ciccio
An Italian restaurant offering more than "just" heavenly wood-fired pizzas. This charming family-owned Italian restaurant is carefully placed in a renovated 1916 Market Store. Most ingredients come directly from their own Altamura Ranch & Vineyards. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations and is particularly popular for dinner, so make sure to get there just before it opens to get a nice table.
RH Yountville
An absolute one of a kind dining experience, spoiling all your senses. Sit in the outdoor courtyard speckled with heritage olive trees and enjoy a romantic and chic atmosphere. Meander through the gallery and admire the spectacular Chandeliers and water features. RH offers an international and ingredient-driven cuisine accompanied by a great selection of artisanal wines.


Where to stay in Yountville
Yountville is not short on accommodations. From the European inspired North Block Hotel to the zen atmosphere of Bardessono, you have a wide variety to choose from. You will find some of our favorites below.
Boutique Hotel
This property has been voted No.1 Hotel Resort in California for the second year in a row by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards and for good reason. Located in the “North Block” of Yountville bask in its Mediterranean flair amongst elegant and cozy rooms while enjoying outstanding customer service.



Boutique Hotel
Hotel Yountville
Imagine taking a nice hot bath in the oversized sunken tub or laying in the comfort of your four-poster bed, reminiscing about your day with a glass of wine in hand. This all-suite luxury hotel is the best of both worlds being surrounded by miles of vineyards as well as walking distance to all the attractions of Yountville.
Boutique Hotel
Bardessono Hotel
With its eclectic gardens, an onsite spa, a rooftop pool and fine dining, this is a place of rejuvenation. Just in case you do want to go out on the town, you are a very short walk from downtown Yountville.
Boutique Hotel
Vintage House
This French-inspired manor property is right on the main drag of Yountville and offers 80 bungalow-style suites with private patios & balconies to enjoy the sunrise as well as wood-burning fireplaces for romantic evenings.
Resort & Spa
Carneros Resort and Spa
The resort is about 20 minutes south of Yountville. Nestled on 28 acres surrounded by picturesque rolling vineyards, the property boasts 86 suites, multiple gourmet restaurants, and an award-winning spa.

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