Exploring Yountville: A Food and Wine Lover’s Paradise

Step into the enchanting town of Yountville, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur looking to taste some of the world’s best vintages or a foodie seeking out Michelin-starred restaurants, this charming town has something for everyone.

What truly sets Yountville apart is its emphasis on passeggiata—the art of strolling around. With breathtaking natural surroundings, top-rated accommodations, and welcoming small-town vibes, Yountville invites you to slow down and savor each moment.  

Where to Eat and Drink

Yountville has more than 10 tasting rooms on its main street, including one of my favorites, Silver Trident Winery, where I enjoyed their new artisan pizza and wine tasting experience. They also pair wine with artisan potato chips. 

When you’re ready to eat, Bottega is a tasty gem for lovers of Italian cuisine. Founded by renowned chef Michael Chiarello, the restaurant offers impeccable dishes and a cozy ambiance, including roaring fireplaces on the spacious patio and warm interiors adorned with Venetian plaster, Murano glass chandeliers, and other elements.

Bottega restaurant.

You might also indulge in California-Italian delights at Ciccio, where Michelin-starred chef Christopher Kostow creates wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and farm-fresh salads served in a century-old Italian grocery store. Located in the north end of Yountville, Ciccio is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.

Ciccio restaurant.

Discover the allure of RH Yountville where guests can savor dishes from their significantly reimagined menu, including mini lobster rolls with caviar, signature salads, and fried chicken sando. Pair your dish with a Napa Valley wine, specialty cocktail, or craft beer while dining amid fountains, olive trees, and elegant chandeliers.

Fried Chicken Sando at RH Yountville.

Next door to RH Yountville, you’ll find The Restaurant at North Block which offers cuisine from coast to valley and delicious cocktails like their P.O.G. Sour with Meyer lemon vodka, guava, Lillet Blanc. (I ordered two) Their menu showcases locally farmed, fished, and foraged ingredients and a variety of fresh pastas and wood-fired flatbreads.

The Restaurant at North Block.

The North Block Hotel

Described by guests as a little gem that packs a punch, North Block Hotel radiates Mediterranean vibes and features 20 rooms around a tranquil courtyard complete with an outdoor fireplace and fountain.

North Block Hotel courtyard.

The exterior is also adorned with lush ivy and lined with warm lanterns. Each room offers private entrances as well as balconies or patios. Other amenities include comfy bedding and bathrooms with marble vanities, plush robes, double sinks, a soaking tub, and a rain shower.

The hotel provides a light complimentary breakfast (mimosas included), cruiser bikes, an intimate fitness studio and spa, plus a year-round heated pool and hot tub. I loved basking in the warm California sun at a poolside cabaña, surrounded by succulents for a natural touch. The charming Napa Valley Wine Train passes by, enhancing the relaxing Napa Valley ambiance.

Vintage House

Vintage House, located in the exquisite Estate Yountville, is a charming boutique hotel that captures the essence of California wine country. From its bungalow-style cottages set among mature olive trees and rose gardens to its chic lobby lounge, Vintage House exudes laid-back luxury.  

Vintage House aerial view.

The complimentary breakfast is one of the highlights. Fresh local and regionally sourced eggs, cheeses, meats, bread, and fruit are available every morning. Fuel up and choose from sweet treats or savory options and sip on coffee, tea, or fresh juices to prep for your wine country adventure.

The hotel has ample amenities, including complimentary weekend wine tastings, electric bikes, car charging stations, yoga, bocce ball, and tennis. Take a dip in the private pool or unwind at the new Rendez Veuve Spa, where Champagne and relaxation pair perfectly. 

Vintage House pool.

Celebrate fall at Estate Yountville’s annual Crush It Harvest Festival on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun event includes wine tasting, grape stomping, food, entertainment, local vendors and artisans, and more. 

Yountville is a destination that captures travelers’ hearts. From the stunning vineyards and rolling hills to the delicious cuisine and wine, this idyllic town has it all. Whether you’re a wine lover or a food-obsessed adventurer like me, Yountville is the perfect destination.