Between its incredible collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, enchanting art galleries, boutique hotels, and spectacular wineries, Yountville is at once a treasure to visit and a superb town to call home — and that’s before we count the picturesque scenery that surrounds it all. Situated in the heart of the internationally renowned Napa Valley, Yountville is a gourmand’s Shangri-La, while its polished personality promises the ultimate in a luxurious lifestyle.
The elegant estates found throughout this intimate hamlet mirror this ethos. Palatial in size and grand in details, these properties possess high-end amenities and staggering views of the mountains and vineyards. With an exceptionally walkable downtown district and a palpable artistic spirit, it’s no wonder Yountville is one of the most coveted and visited regions in California.
Residents of this desirable hamlet appreciate the finer things in life, from eateries that are for the record books to spas that redefine rejuvenation. Its small size lends itself well to a warm, welcoming atmosphere where many neighbors know each other by name and encounter each other at one of the village’s tasting rooms. Yountville’s sublime climate is also a huge plus to its residents, who spend ample time outside, strolling its verdant streets and hiking the trails that abound nearby.
Thank The French Laundry for Yountville’s worldwide fame. Helmed by the inimitable Thomas Keller and his fabulous team, this majestic restaurant requires reservations well in advance if ever there’s a testament to a venue’s style and perfection. Nestled in a stone farmhouse and featuring the best chefs at work today, The French Laundry’s prix-fixe menu presents gems that range from citrus-cured Pacific yellowtail with cherry belle radishes to charcoal-grilled Japanese Wagyu with bordelaise. Their wine menu list alone is nothing short of breathtaking.
Keller’s phenomenal touch with food is also found at the lively and refined Bouchon Bistro. French fare takes center stage at this Yountville favorite. Roasted lamb with brown butter flageolet beans and pan-seared Scottish salmon with French green lentils are just two stand-outs on their impressive menu.
Fine dining at its, well, finest is found at Lucy Restaurant & Bar. Its swanky dining room and sun-lit patio are the perfect backdrops for relishing cuisine from executive chef Jim Leiken. And when you’re in the mood for more of Keller’s magic but in a more laid-back setting, you can meander into Ad Hoc for a bite (and to quench your thirst). The vibrant, cozy spot specializes in homey dishes like red wine braised brisket and garden pumpkin tarts with cinnamon whipped cream.
Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries, which renders wine tasting a community pastime in this posh town. In Yountville proper, you’ll find 15 tasting rooms and four distinguished wineries nearby. Elyse Winery is particularly delightful for its bespoke experience (appointments must be made in advance), while Goosecross Cellars provides not just excellent wines but also epic views of the bucolic countryside.
Yountville is as much of a haven for artists as it is for wine enthusiasts. Breathtaking regional art and exhibitions on the Golden State’s history are found in spades at the always-pleasing Napa Valley Museum. Another stellar option is to simply stroll around the 35-plus artistic sculptures that are featured around town. And once a year, residents and visitors convene for the five-day feast for the eyes that is the annual Napa Valley Film Festival.
Yountville children are served under the Napa Valley Unified School District. A smattering of the best schools in the area include:
Gorgeous open spaces and expansive views abound in this Northern California city.
Serenity awaits in this rustic Napa County sanctuary.
A vibrant, youthful energy abounds in this stylish Northern California city.
Exquisite vistas and an abundance of serenity define this upscale Napa Valley enclave.
Perennially warm weather and gorgeous natural splendors characterize this Napa Valley s...
Stunning landscapes and historic charm coalesce in this Napa Valley haven.
Compass
1508 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
Tim Hayden | CA DRE# 01027532
