Yountville is famous for its excellent wines, charming Main Street and rich culinary heritage, often dubbed the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley. And while Yountville is a popular summer destination, don’t miss out on the off-season, January-April. For one thing, the crowds are much lighter, meaning less traffic and easier reservations. You can sometimes feel like you have the town to yourself.
Also, it’s important to remember that a California winter is much like early spring anywhere else. Daytime temps usually hover in the low 60s, and the winter valley is something to behold.
Start with the Wines
In Yountville, wine enthusiasts bask in an array of tasting rooms dotting picturesque main street, each offering a selection that captures the diverse terroir of Napa Valley. Among these is the Priest Ranch Tasting Room with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc to varietals such as Petit Verdot and a Brut Rosé of Syrah. For a unique pairing, try their Bacon & Wine experience.
Other noteworthy wineries and tasting rooms around Yountville, include Chandon, Stewart Cellars, Handwritten Wines, Hope & Grace, Hestan, and JCB Tasting Salon – just a sampling. Regardless of where you go, you will enjoy more personalized service during the winter-early spring months.
Where to Eat
The culinary scene in Yountville is nothing short of extraordinary. This town is a paradise for foodies with an impressive list of dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
The iconic French Laundry tops many foodie bucket lists with its innovative take on classic French cuisine, curated by renowned chef Thomas Keller. Each dish is crafted precisely and showcases local ingredients in its prime season.
Other delicious dinner options include AD HOC, Brix, RO Restaurant & Lounge and more. For lunch, I recently visited The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, which combines the flavors of seasonal American cuisine with the regional influences of the Midwest. Executive Chef Dan Solomon crafts their menu and one of their fan favorites is pairing their Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon with the KPR Smashburger – rich and yummy.
Regarding accommodations, Yountville has a nice selection of hotels that enhance your visit even further. During my recent visit, I stayed at Napa Valley Lodge and Bardessono Hotel & Spa.
Napa Valley Lodge
With its European charm and comfortable amenities, this family-owned boutique hotel invites you to slow down and relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Napa Valley Lodge offers spacious rooms with private patios or balconies —perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee or an evening glass of local wine under starlit skies. Choose between courtyard, garden or vineyard views.
The centerpiece for many guests at Napa Valley Lodge is their serene pool area, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and fire pits. Whether you prefer lounging under a sun umbrella with a good book, taking a refreshing swim, enjoying a spa treatment poolside, or gathering by the fire pits at sunset while sipping an exquisite glass of locally sourced wine, their tranquil oasis awaits you.
In addition, the Napa Valley Lodge has special offerings, including their winter mustard season package, cab & pinot package, and a suite romantic getaway package.
This hotel is also amazingly convenient, located on Yountville’s main street and across from popular restaurants Ciccio, RH Yountville and R&D Kitchen.
“Since our Lodge’s inception nearly 50 years ago, it has been our family’s focus to make every guest feel welcome, and our privilege to share the delights and discoveries of the region. Our passion for hospitality extends to every member of our devoted team, where we aim to craft a Wine Country experience to remember,” said Greg Alden, Napa Valley Lodge Owner.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
From the moment you arrive with valet service greeting you warmly, you’ll be welcomed into an atmosphere of contemporary calm that sets the tone for an unforgettable stay.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun at their rooftop pool, savoring freshly prepared meals, or unwinding at B Spa, each experience is designed to captivate and rejuvenate.
Bardessono’s suites are sanctuaries in themselves; spacious retreats that offer an oasis from everyday life. Thoughtfully furnished with sustainable materials and modern amenities, they provide a cozy and opulent ambiance. Large windows invite natural light to stream through the room, offering picturesque views of their vineyard, zen-like gardens or serene courtyards.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa is conveniently located near tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants, including Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Bistro Jeanty, and Bottega. Lucy’s Restaurant at Bardessono is another excellent choice for seasonal fare. The hotel has its own California-certified organic garden, which serves as both muse and source, providing the freshest vegetables that play lead roles in each dish crafted by Executive Chef Rick Edge. Each harvest brings forth vibrant produce that becomes the cornerstone of Lucy’s menu offerings.
For even more pampering, the Hotel Bardessono offers an elite escape in the Maple Grove Villas. There are three villas, which can be booked separately or combined as one. These beautiful accommodations provide king bedrooms, spa bathrooms, private cocktail pools, and individualized docent services.
Limitless Choices
Food and drink may be the main attractions, but there’s no shortage of fun things to do in and around Yountville. Explore the many hiking trails that wander through the lush valley landscape. It’s a great excursion on a cool winter morning.
Hot air balloon rides are always popular, offering panoramic views of towns, vineyards and forests. Bike rides provide similar experiences lower to the ground, with many hotels offering bike rentals, so it’s easy to take a nice leisurely ride around the town and countryside. The renowned Yountville Art Walk boasts dozens of ever-changing pieces dotting Washington and Yount Streets.
The off-season is a great time to reflect and enjoy life’s bounty, and Yountville is a fantastic place to do it. The vineyards may be sleeping for now, but you can almost feel them about to burst out in the coming spring.