Home to more culinary star power than any other Unites States locale, Yountville is a dream destination not only for gastronomes, but also wine lovers, art aficionados, and those merely seeking a relaxing respite. And within this tony little village located within the heart of the Napa Valley is The Estate Yountville, offering everything any visitor might desire in a quintessential Napa Valley getaway. Comprised of Vintage House, Hotel Villagio, The Spa at The Estate, and lifestyle shopping and dining destination V Marketplace, The Estate Yountville is THE destination within the destination.
Located on what was formerly the Groezinger Winery, where some of the first vines were planted in the region in 1870, The Estate Yountville and its 22 bucolic acres are anchored by its two luxe hotel properties, Vintage House and Hotel Villagio. Each pairs modern, California-cool, design-driven accommodations with world-class hospitality, and each is designed as a private sanctuary, with rooms and suites complemented by real wood-burning fireplaces, thoughtful amenities, and expansive bathrooms with freestanding soaking bathtubs and/or oversized, dual-headed showers.
Surrounded by lush vineyards and calming water features, Vintage House and its public spaces flawlessly blend Napa Valley’s viticultural history with a modern, chic, and relaxed vibe. Reminiscent of a sophisticated and contemporary Wine Country residence, the hotel’s stunning Great Room features vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, tufted velvet furniture, and a romantic wrought-iron and crystal chandelier.
At Hotel Villagio, the contemporary lobby doubles as a refined lounge complete with a welcoming bar serving custom-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. 112 rooms and 22 suites are layered with natural materials and textures. Warm woods, dark stone, and industrial metal lighting are found in the club-like lobby where a central bar and pool table lure both locals and visitors. Guestrooms are designed as polished retreats with hand-knotted rugs over wood plank flooring, mahogany headboards, custom leather and velvet couches, fireplaces, and sun-dappled terraces.
The Estate is also home to The Villa, an exclusive residence with a full Chef’s kitchen, five bedrooms with ensuites, including a primary suite with a Hästens mattress and a secluded outdoor pool – perfect for private, luxurious getaways with family or friends.
Both hotels offer a complimentary and bountiful Wine Country buffet breakfast featuring breads and pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, meats, and cheeses. And should your room prove too cozy to leave, a full room-service menu is offered.
No matter the choice of accommodations, guests of The Estate Yountville can find as much or as little activity as desired. Lounge at either of the hotel pools, borrow a complimentary cruiser bike and pedal along vineyard roads, soar over the valley in a hot air balloon, or indulge in a treatment at The Spa, one of Napa Valley’s premiere luxury day spas and the largest in the area. This 13,000 square foot sanctuary features state-of-the-art treatment rooms and private spa suites featuring fireplaces and jetted infinity soaking tubs, Swiss experience showers, wet bars, private patios and flat screen televisions with Bose surround sound systems. The serene atmosphere is enhanced with soothing fountains, cascading waterfalls, and reflecting pools. It’s easy to spend an entire day at The Spa and many guests do just that. Enjoy a post or pre treatment brunch or lunch by the pool. Utilize the sauna, steam, and private outdoor whirlpool, or relax by an outdoor fireplace with a glass of wine.
Additional activities at The Estate Yountville include lessons in the art of sabering, social wine hours and tastings, lobby entertainment, guided meditations in the intimate vineyard, “frosé croquet” on the lawn, and of course dining. Here, it’s Chef Michael Chiarello territory. His award-winning Bottega brings together the best of Italy and California with family recipes prepared with a locally-sourced twist. His Coqueta concept interprets the bounty of Northern California through a Spanish lens with an emphasis on small plate Pintxos. Order a variety and taste your way through incredible and surprising flavors, such as delicate smoked salmon dripping with truffle honey (Salmón Ahumado) or Bocadillo de La Casa “Bikini:” roasted eggplant, Cana De Cabra cheese on house made brioche, with truffle honey, and quince conserva.
Chef Chiarello is also behind Ottimo, located within V Marketplace. This Italian market serves as a café and shop filled with Chiarello’s favorite culinary discoveries from around the world. Also within V Marketplace are shops, an art gallery, and the fabulous Kollar Chocolates where chocoholics can witness the chocolate making process through a large picture window.
Beyond The Estate Yountville, guests will find walkable, sculpture strewn streets lined with wine tasting rooms such as Silver Trident, Priest Ranch, Handwritten, Hill Family Estate, and the indulgent JCB Tasting Salon. Those making the pilgrimage to Yountville for Thomas Keller’s iconic The French Laundry will want to wander the restaurant’s large and open garden where the urge to pick ripe tomatoes and strawberries proves nearly irresistible.
Photos courtesy of The Estate Yountville