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

Let me let you know 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 marvel 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 on the lookout for an ideal day journey, Yountville delivers large 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 start out 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 part 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 lovable bakery is standing-room solely.

Fast Tip: The road is likely to be lengthy, however don’t let that scare you. It strikes shortly, and it’s a ceremony of passage in Yountville (plus, the payoff is so value it). Oh, and whilst 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 trip 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 totally 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 trip filled with 360-degree views of the valley. However you may also wander to different automobiles, together with one with open home windows that’s superb for these peek-out-the-window photographs. 

I’ll admit, I used to be skeptical in regards to the meals as a result of, you already know, prepare eating. However I couldn’t have been extra improper. 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 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 several types 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, you then take a chew of bacon, and you then 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 among their yummy cheese or charcuterie boards.

4:00 PM – Stroll the Yountville Artwork Stroll

After indulging all day, you’ll positively want slightly contemporary air, and the Yountville Artwork Stroll is simply the ticket. This outside gallery has over 30 sculptures scattered round downtown, and each has slightly plaque with a QR code so you’ll be able to study 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 cross 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 trendy items and residential items.

In order for you a map, seize one on the Yountville Welcome Middle, or simply pull it up in your cellphone right here—it’s simple! Don’t overlook 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 fashionable with out being intimidating. Should you can, time your go to for completely happy hour—it’s the right excuse to deal with your self with out breaking the financial institution. 

Or go to the uber fashionable The Restaurant at RH Yountville, Should you’ve ever been to a Restoration {Hardware} furnishings retailer you’ll be able to solely think about what their restaurant would possibly appear like (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’ll be able to dine outdoors on their cozy patio (full with stone fireplaces!) or soak within the ambiance inside, with mushy leather-based chairs, Murano glass chandeliers, and a vibe that makes each meal really feel like a special day.

I kicked issues off with their Brussels sprout salad and a few severely tender octopus. For the principle, I went all in on the Brodetto ai Frutti di Mare, a wealthy, flavorful seafood stew that was so superb I instantly went residence and Googled the best way 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 residence 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 part you’ll need to do in Yountville, however you might not need to go away. The grounds alone are dreamy, with their stress-free fountains, heat fireplace pits , a glowing pool calling your identify, 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 slightly pleasant competitors pairs completely with a day of wine tasting

Should you’re on the lookout for extra enjoyable actions and issues to do in Yountville, Viator has a lot of top-rated excursions.

Yountville Day Journey Itinerary Video

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