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 allure you’ll surprise the way it suits into such a small footprint. Whether or not you’re dipping your toe into the California wine nation for the primary time or simply searching for an ideal day journey, Yountville delivers massive time on vino and vibes. Right here’s how I spent one excellent 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 circumstances are filled with all the things from buttery croissants to completely cooked tarts. We grabbed a scone, a macaron and a cappuccino, then settled into one of many outside benches—as a result of this cute bakery is standing-room solely.

Fast Tip: The road could 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 value 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 Practice

All Aboard! This may simply be one of many coolest wine nation experiences that I’ve ever had—a journey on the Napa Valley Wine Practice. 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 you can too wander to different automobiles, together with one with open home windows that’s superb for these peek-out-the-window images. 

I’ll admit, I used to be skeptical concerning the meals as a result of, you realize, practice 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 excellent, 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 discuss wine and bacon. I do know, I believed it gave the impression of a bizarre combo too, but it surely’s really 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 amount of smoky).

First, you sip the wine, then you definately take a chunk of bacon, and then you definately 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’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in a glass of wine with one in all their yummy cheese or charcuterie boards.

4:00 PM – Stroll the Yountville Artwork Stroll

After indulging all day, you’ll undoubtedly want just a little contemporary air, and the Yountville Artwork Stroll is simply the ticket. This outside gallery has over 30 sculptures scattered round downtown, and every one has just a little plaque with a QR code so you’ll be able to be taught extra about it (as a result of, don’t all of us love an excellent 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 go by cute retailers like Kollar Sweets (their handcrafted truffles are too fairly to eat… however I ate them anyway) and Alchemy Works, the place you’ll discover fashionable presents and residential items.

If you’d like 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. If you happen to can, time your go to for glad 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, If you happen to’ve ever been to a Restoration {Hardware} furnishings retailer you’ll be able to solely think about what their restaurant may appear to be (and the way a lot it will 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 may dine exterior on their cozy patio (full with stone fireplaces!) or soak within the ambiance inside, with tender 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 severely tender octopus. For the primary, I went all in on the Brodetto ai Frutti di Mare, a wealthy, flavorful seafood stew that was so superb I instantly went house and Googled make it. 

Make it an Overnighter at Napa Valley Lodge

In case, after a enjoyable wine-filled day like this you don’t wish 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 all the things you’ll wish to do in Yountville, however you might not wish to go away. The grounds alone are dreamy, with their enjoyable fountains, heat fireplace 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 courtroom? As a result of just a little pleasant competitors pairs completely with a day of wine tasting

Yountville Day Journey Itinerary Video

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