Need a luxurious wine country getaway with gourmet dining and vineyard views? Head to Yountville! Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is a chic, walkable town known for world-class restaurants, boutique inns, and award-winning wineries. Whether you're sipping Cabernet or indulging in a Michelin-starred meal, Yountville is pure wine country bliss.
Yountville, CA Highlights:
- Wine tasting at top-tier vineyards: Sample Napa Valley’s finest at tasting rooms like Jessup Cellars, Hill Family Estate, and Domaine Chandon.
- Dine at The French Laundry: Book months in advance to experience Chef Thomas Keller’s legendary Michelin 3-star cuisine.
- Walk the Yountville Art Walk: Discover over 30 sculptures and public artworks lining quiet, picturesque streets.
- Relax at a luxury spa: Pamper yourself at spas like Spa Villagio or Bardessono’s wellness retreat.
- Browse boutiques and gourmet shops: Enjoy fine shopping at V Marketplace or locally made goods along Washington Street.
When I like to visit Yountville, CA
The best time to visit Yountville is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). Spring brings blooming vineyards and warm days, while fall is ideal for harvest season and wine events. Summer is lively but busier, while winter is peaceful and romantic.
My tips for getting to Yountville, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Yountville is just off Highway 29, about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco and 1 hour from Sonoma.
- By Plane: Fly into San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), or Sacramento (SMF), all about 1.5 hours away. The nearest regional airport is Napa County Airport (APC).
- By Shuttle or Private Car: Wine tour shuttles and luxury transportation options are available from major cities and airports.
Where I like to stay in Yountville, CA
- Bardessono Hotel & Spa – Eco-luxury resort with rooftop pool, holistic spa, and sleek rooms steps from everything.
- Hotel Yountville – Romantic boutique resort with cozy fireplaces and garden patios.
- Napa Valley Lodge – Elegant, Tuscan-style hotel with complimentary wine tastings and vineyard views.
Best Things to Do in Yountville, CA
1. Visit the Napa Valley Museum
Located in downtown Yountville, the Napa Valley Museum gives visitors a comprehensive look at the history of this unique part of California.
The museum has three sections called the Main Gallery, Spotlight Gallery and History Gallery. Each space contains art and historical information from various time periods and creators in Napa Valley’s history.
The museum also has a variety of hands-on activities that are great for teaching and engaging young visitors.
Napa Valley Museum also holds special events and educational meetings from time to time, which are often free for the whole family.
55 Presidents Circle, PO Box 3567, Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707-944-0500
2. Go wine tasting at Stewart Cellars
Founded in 2000, Stewart Cellars is a family-owned winery that sources its wine grapes from some of the best vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Visitors can try Stewart’s acclaimed wines at their Yountville Tasting Hall, which features vaulted ceilings, a large tasting bar and expansive views of the surrounding courtyard. At a tasting guests can try some of Stewart’s newest releases or enjoy classic favorites. Stewart Cellars also offers a wine club membership with several different options for yearly wine shipments, discounts, invitations to special events and other bonuses.
6752 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707–963-9160
3. Check out Gourmet Food & Wine Tours
Gourmet Food & Wine Tours helps visitors experience the best of Yountville through two of things the town is best known for--food and wine. Yountville boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere else.
The company offers a 3.5 hour tour with stops at four different spots for a hearty lunch. Wine sampling is also included, and tour attendees will learn all kinds of interesting facts about Napa and Sonoma Counties, Yountville’s history as a hub for wine and artistry and more.
Visitors can also request a private tour with an accompanying photographer for an even more memorable experience. The Yountville tour is available to book online.
Phone: 707-668-7990
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Explore with Napa Valley Bike Tours
Napa Valley Bike Tours allows visitors to experience this uniquely beautiful area as part of a leisurely bike tour.
Guests can join a guided tour or rent bikes for a self-guided jaunt around some of the most well-known vineyards in the Napa Valley area. The tour company offers quite a few different options for half-day and full-day tours along different biking routes in the area.
Visitors can also pair their tour with a hot air balloon ride or a picnic lunch. Napa Valley Bike Tours also organizes trips for large groups and for corporate outings.
6500 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707-251-8687
5. Book a Hill Family Estate vineyard tour
The Hill Family Estate operates more than 10 vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Each vineyard produces signature wines that the estate sells through its online store.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Hill Family’s vineyards by booking a tasting experience or a vineyard tour.
There is also a Secret Garden tour where guests can explore Hill Family Farms, which is located just five minutes away from Yountville. Lastly, the Hill Family Estate runs a wine club that gives members access to new releases throughout the year, invitations to annual events and handcrafted seasonal recipes to pair with Hill Family wines.
6512 Washington Street, Yountville, CA, 94599, Phone: 707-944-9580
6. Visit the Cosentino Winery
Conveniently located off the St. Helena Highway, the Cosentino Winery started making and serving fine wines nearly 40 years ago.
Guests are encouraged to come to the winery for tastings and special events. Tastings are held on the spacious patio area, which is flanked by an ivy-covered facade and decorated with comfortable couches and chairs.
Cosentino also holds a happy hour event throughout the week where visitors can sample four wines for a total of $15. Lastly, there is a wine club that gives members early access to new releases, discounts on Cosentino wines and merchandise and other perks.
7415 Saint Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Where to Eat in Yountville, CA
- The French Laundry – Thomas Keller’s renowned 3-star Michelin experience with artful tasting menus.
- Bouchon Bistro – A charming French bistro offering oysters, steak frites, and classic desserts.
- R+D Kitchen – Stylish spot for modern American eats, sushi, and wine on a sunlit patio.
If you are interested in local events:
- Yountville Live (March) – A celebration of food, wine, and live music with celebrity chefs and vintners.
- Festival of Lights (November) – Holiday kickoff with twinkling lights, wine tastings, and festive fun.
- Art, Sip & Stroll (May) – Local art, wine tasting, and live music throughout Yountville's streets and venues.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Yountville, California:
- St. Helena (15–20 min) – Visit famous wineries, artisan chocolate shops, and fine art galleries.
- Calistoga (25–30 min) – Soak in hot springs, mud baths, and visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California.
- Napa (15–20 min) – Stroll the Oxbow Public Market, riverfront walkways, and gourmet eateries.
- Oakville (10–15 min) – Stop at Oakville Grocery and nearby vineyards for wine and picnic provisions.
- Rutherford (10–15 min) – Explore historic wineries and scenic tasting rooms among rolling vines.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: Where is Yountville located?
- A: Yountville is nestled in the heart of California's Wine Country and is a popular weekend getaway from San Francisco.
- Q: Why is Yountville a popular destination?
- A: Yountville is a famed destination for food and wine lovers worldwide, offering an array of wineries and renowned restaurants.
- Q: How big is Yountville?
- A: The town stretches just 1.5 miles, making it an ideal destination for walking and relaxing.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Yountville?
- A: Visitors can explore multiple wineries, dine at well-known restaurants, and enjoy activities like golfing and spa treatments.
- Q: What unique transportation option is available in Yountville?
- A: Yountville has an access point for the famous Napa Valley Wine Train, offering a scenic wine country experience.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and vineyards in bloom.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa – A luxury eco-friendly resort with world-class service.
Visit Domaine Chandon – Enjoy sparkling wine tastings at this renowned vineyard.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for wine tours and outdoor dining.
Hotel Yountville – A charming boutique hotel in the heart of wine country.
Dine at The French Laundry – Experience one of the most famous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Fall (September-November) – Harvest season with vibrant foliage and wine events.
Vintage House – A romantic retreat with cozy fireplaces and vineyard views.
Attend the Yountville Live Festival – A celebration of music, wine, and gourmet food.
Winter (December-February) – Cooler and perfect for a quiet getaway.
North Block Hotel – A stylish stay with a spa and upscale amenities.
Indulge in a wine and spa retreat – Enjoy wellness treatments paired with wine tastings.
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