A Wine Lover’s 12-Hour Itinerary For Yountville, California

Let me inform you about Yountville, the tiny-but-mighty city in Napa Valley that stole my coronary heart (and the hearts of many others). It’s stylish, cozy, and filled with a lot attraction you’ll surprise the way it matches into such a small footprint. Whether or not you’re dipping your toe into the California wine nation for the primary time or simply in search of an ideal day journey, Yountville delivers massive time on vino and vibes. Right here’s how I spent one good day right here—and how one can, too.

Day Journey Itinerary

9:00 AM: Espresso & Pastries at Bouchon Bakery

The day has to begin with espresso and pastries, and there’s no higher spot than Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. It’s a tiny place, however the pastry instances are filled with every thing from buttery croissants to completely cooked tarts. We grabbed a scone, a macaron and a cappuccino, then settled into one of many out of doors benches—as a result of this cute bakery is standing-room solely.

Fast Tip: The road is likely to be lengthy, however don’t let that scare you. It strikes rapidly, and it’s a ceremony of passage in Yountville (plus, the payoff is so price it). Oh, and when you’re there, seize a loaf of bread—they promote the identical ones served at their sister restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, proper subsequent door.

10:30 AM – All Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Prepare

All Aboard! This would possibly simply be one of many coolest wine nation experiences that I’ve ever had—a journey on the Napa Valley Wine Prepare. It’s a journey that takes you thru miles of vineyards whereas sipping champagne, and having fun with a four-course meal. 

There are many completely different expertise choices, together with some the place you get to cease at wineries alongside the route. We opted for the Vista Dome Lunch, a 36-mile spherical journey and three-hour journey filled with 360-degree views of the valley. However it’s also possible to wander to different vehicles, together with one with open home windows that’s wonderful for these peek-out-the-window images. 

I’ll admit, I used to be skeptical in regards to the meals as a result of, , prepare eating. However I couldn’t have been extra fallacious. There have been loads of decisions with the prix fixe meal, however my roasted beet salad with goat cheese and pistachios was good, and so had been the citrusy salmon with capers and beef carpaccio with truffle aioli.

3:00 PM – Wine + Bacon Tasting at Priest Ranch

Okay, let’s speak about wine and bacon. I do know, I believed it appeared like a bizarre combo too, nevertheless it’s truly fairly a genius pairing. At Priest Ranch, you’ll sip about six wines (my favourite was the daring and wealthy Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon) whereas tasting 4 various kinds of bacon. Sure, bacon. The mango mustard bacon was hands-down my favourite (candy, tangy, and simply the correct quantity of smoky).

First, you sip the wine, then you definitely take a chunk of bacon, and then you definitely sip once more. It’s like a science experiment, however far more enjoyable (and scrumptious!). And if bacon’s not your factor, no worries—you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in a glass of wine with considered one of their yummy cheese or charcuterie boards.

4:00 PM – Stroll the Yountville Artwork Stroll

After indulging all day, you’ll positively want a bit of contemporary air, and the Yountville Artwork Stroll is simply the ticket. This out of doors gallery has over 30 sculptures scattered round downtown, and each has a bit of plaque with a QR code so you possibly can study extra about it (as a result of, don’t all of us love a great enjoyable reality?).

My favourite was The Chef—a unusual piece that matches so completely within the Yountville vibe. As you wander, you’ll not solely see some unbelievable artwork, however you’ll additionally move by cute outlets like Kollar Sweets (their handcrafted truffles are too fairly to eat… however I ate them anyway) and Alchemy Works, the place you’ll discover trendy presents and residential items.

If you need a map, seize one on the Yountville Welcome Heart, or simply pull it up in your telephone right here—it’s straightforward! Don’t neglect there’s an audio tour half too.

5:30 PM – Pre-Dinner Drink

By this level, you’ve earned a cocktail (or one other glass of wine). There’s loads of decisions, however listed below are a few the favorites. Head to The Restaurant at North Block, the place the bar is stylish with out being intimidating. Should you can, time your go to for joyful hour—it’s the right excuse to deal with your self with out breaking the financial institution. 

Or go to the uber stylish The Restaurant at RH Yountville, Should you’ve ever been to a Restoration {Hardware} furnishings retailer you possibly can solely think about what their restaurant would possibly appear like (and the way a lot it might value $$$).

6:30 PM – Dinner at Bottega

Dinner at Bottega is that this itinerary’s grand finale, and also you completely deserve it. Created by the late Michael Chiarello, this spot is made for foodies. Bottega means “artist’s workshop” in Italian, so consider conventional household recipes with a California twist, all served up in a country setting. You’ll be able to dine outdoors on their cozy patio (full with stone fireplaces!) or soak within the ambiance inside, with delicate leather-based chairs, Murano glass chandeliers, and a vibe that makes each meal really feel like an important day.

I kicked issues off with their Brussels sprout salad and a few significantly tender octopus. For the principle, I went all in on the Brodetto ai Frutti di Mare, a wealthy, flavorful seafood stew that was so wonderful I instantly went house and Googled learn how to make it. 

Make it an Overnighter at Napa Valley Lodge

In case, after a enjoyable wine-filled day like this you don’t need to head house so quickly, flip your day journey into an overnighter on the Napa Valley Lodge. That is the place we stayed and it was the right place to wind down, particularly with the hearth in our room!

It’s  simply minutes away from every thing you’ll need to do in Yountville, however you could not need to go away. The grounds alone are dreamy, with their stress-free fountains, heat hearth pits , a glowing pool calling your title, and loads of cozy spots to lounge with a glass of wine (or two). Oh, and did I point out the bocce ball court docket? As a result of a bit of pleasant competitors pairs completely with a day of wine tasting

Should you’re in search of extra enjoyable actions and issues to do in Yountville, Viator has plenty of top-rated excursions.

Yountville Day Journey Itinerary Video

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