Yountville

Over the past several decades, the upscale burg of Yountville has evolved into a destination where wine, luxury accommodations, and most notably, a remarkable number of exceptional culinary options meet. Located 60 miles north of San Francisco in the Napa Valley, it’s a short drive from other wine-country destinations such as Napa, Calistoga, Sonoma, and St. Helena.

Restaurants in Yountville

This walkable town of just under 3,500 residents shimmers with an impressive number of destination-dining restaurants. Most famously, it's the home of Thomas Keller’s perennial Michelin three-star The French Laundry, but several other establishments have earned mentions in that esteemed guide, including Bouchon, Ciccio, Ad Hoc, The Restaurant at North Block, and Mustards Grill. (Ed. note: Ad Hoc, temprorarily closed, is scheduled to reopen on May 30, 2025.) For a casual bite with Midwestern influences, check out The Kitchen at Priest Ranch.

Yountville Resorts and Wineries

While Keller put the Napa Valley town on the culinary map when he took over The French Laundry in 1994, it has since developed into a world-class destination of dining, shopping, lodging, spas, and wine tasting—sometimes all rolled into one. Consider the swanky LEED Platinum–certified Bardessono resort, with its elevated farm-to-table Lucy Restaurant & Bar, a spa, and a lounge showcasing food and cocktails fed by on-site gardens. The resort is also walking distance to notable tasting rooms, among them RH Wine Vault, a historic 1904 stone building where guests can taste vintages from Napa and Sonoma vintners. Also not to be missed is the glittery JCB Tasting Salon from global vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, resplendent with jewels and Baccarat crystal as well as wine.

Shopping—and More Wine Tasting—in Yountville

Yountville is a charming, walkable town, with convenient access to coveted finds like bespoke headwear at Montecristi Panama Hats, high-end lingerie at Knickers & Pearls Boutique, and V Marketplace, a collection of businesses housed in the nearly 140-year-old Groezinger Winery complex. Here, you’ll discover award-winning Bottega restaurant and the internationally-renowned Kollar Chocolates.

For a sign of how this tiny enclave has evolved into a true lifestyle destination, just look at Silver Trident Winery. The Tuscan-style stone building sits in the heart of downtown and features an elegantly appointed living room, dining room, and library with decor (all for sale) from Ralph Lauren Home.

More Things to Do in Yountville

As easy as it is fill up your time taking in the food and wine scene here, the activities extend beyond gustatory pleasures. For those craving outdoor adventure, Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals makes it easy to explore scenic routes and the surrounding vineyards. Book a guided tour or simply rent a set of wheels to enjoy the town at your own pace. Get a bird-eye view of the rolling wine country hills from a hot-air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft. Or take a stroll downtown to discover the Yountville Art Walk, an outdoor gallery featuring over 30 sculptures that blend seamlessly with the town’s scenic streets.

Where to Stay in Yountville

There’s a diverse array of places to stay in Yountville, from luxurious resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. For an upscale experience, in addition to the aforementioned Bardessono, Estate Yountville and North Block Yountville are excellent options with pools and proximity to top Napa Valley restaurants and vineyards. Napa Valley Railway Inn, where guests stay in converted 19-century railcars, is a charming and affordable option set in a central, historic setting. If you prefer a boutique experience, Hotel Yountville has spacious rooms and a beautiful courtyard, while Napa Valley Lodge provides a cozy, intimate vibe. Bed-and-breakfasts such as Lavender and its sister property Maison Fleurie offer guests rooms with fireplaces, loaner bicycles, and a complimentary glass of wine during Wine Hour.

For more ideas on things to do and places to eat and shop in Yountville, check out their visitor guide.

Insider tip: Come late spring 2025, those on a tighter budget can experience Keller’s culinary genius not only by making a reservation at the aforementioned Ad Hoc, his more casual restaurant on Washington Street, but also by ordering a boxed lunch from his to-go service Addendum, at the same address. Both are slated to reopen on May 30, 2025.