Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Yountville, CA

  • Published 2022/02/25

Yountville, California, is located in Napa County, known for its vineyards and wineries.

While it is part of California’s Wine Country, the best things to do in Yountville go beyond wines.

The town was named after George Calvert Yount, an early pioneer credited with developing Napa Valley’s first vineyard.

Initially, the town was named “Sebastopol” but was later renamed after a neighboring village in Sonoma County claimed the name.

When it comes to Napa Valley, Yountville has it all: groomed streets, savoring wine, biking through vineyards, or taking a hot air balloon flight are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed here.

The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro, two Michelin-starred restaurants in Yountville, are also popular destinations for gourmet eaters.

Yountville has plenty to offer everyone, regardless of their interests or moods.

You can quickly go about on foot because the entire area is just approximately 1.5 square miles.

Experience this quaint town with the best things to do in Yountville, California.

Have Some Retail Therapy at V Marketplace

Exterior of the V Marketplace.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Shopping, dining, and socializing can all be done at V Marketplace in Yountville.

This one-of-a-kind market in Napa Valley offers a wide range of unusual and unusual items.

V Marketplace has a wide variety of high-end goods, including fine art, clothing, and jewelry.

Multiple businesses, including a children’s clothes store, a houseware, and a gift shop, can be found in this shopping center.

Long table and wine selection inside V Marketplace.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

There are two Italian restaurants, a burger spot, and a chocolate shop to select from when it comes to dining.

The V marketplace is also a popular spot for social activities such as wine tastings, parties, and other get-togethers.

Additionally, you’ll be able to stock up on some of the town’s most sought-after antiques, designer clothing, and other souvenirs.

While you’re out and about, fuel yourself at one of the many restaurants or fast-food chains.

Gaze at the Breathtaking Exhibits at AERENA Galleries & Gardens

Artworks from up-and-coming artists and masters are on display in this incredible exhibition.

Rotating exhibits and permanent collections are housed at AERENA, a rustic structure in the heart of Yountville’s historic downtown district.

Events such as parties, fundraisers, and business meetings are frequently held in the gallery’s historical setting.

The works of their favorite artists are available for purchase, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.

AERENA also has a lovely garden area for dining and socializing outside, in addition to the gallery.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are the present sites of AERENA.

Experience Luxurious Dining at The French Laundry

Name sign of The French Laundry.

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Chef Thomas Keller owns and operates this Michelin-starred restaurant in Yountville.

The French Laundry stands on 1,600-square-f00t river rock and timbers.

It was established in 1900 by a Scottish stonemason.

Afterward, it was used as a home and as a French steam laundry for a brief while in the 1920s.

Exterior view of The French Laundry.

The Old Major / Shutterstock.com

Keller purchased the property in 1994 after being refurbished by town mayor Don Schmitt and Sally, his wife, in 1978.

This is where he decided to open a top-notch French restaurant in the 1990s.

The menu varies every day at the French Laundry, and no item is ever served twice.

Chefs preparing food in The French Laundry.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Getting a table at The French Laundry is notoriously tricky because of the high demand from both residents and tourists.

The restaurant is open seven days a week and accepts online reservations.

Admire Yountville from the Skies with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides

Napa Valley was founded in 1978 and is now one of the largest wine regions in the United States.

With Aloft, you’ll be able to see Yountville’s renowned scenery from a different perspective than ever before.

A hot air balloon trip operator in Napa Valley, Aloft Balloon Rides offers breathtaking views of the region.

Yountville visitors may easily arrange a picturesque ride through the company’s office, located just a few feet from the popular tourist area.

Visitors will gain a wealth of information about the Napa Valley from an expert hot air balloon pilot throughout their ride.

Passengers are welcomed to a brunch after their flight with the rest of the airline’s crew.

Visitors can choose between a semi-private, private, or group flying experience.

Learn about the Region’s History Napa Valley Museum

Yountville, a historic town in the Napa Valley located between St. Helena and Napa, is home to Yountville’s Napa Valley Museum.

Its mission is to improve the community’s cultural life by showcasing artifacts, holding exhibitions, and providing educational and creative opportunities for all ages.

Visitors to the Napa Valley Museum will understand the history of this remarkable region of California.

Sections are referred to as “Main,” “Spotlight,” or “History,” all located in the museum’s main gallery.

Art and historical facts about Napa Valley’s past may be found in each room.

Many hands-on activities are also available at the museum, making it a great place for children.

Special occasions and educational seminars are regularly held at the Napa Valley Museum, and many of them are accessible to the public.

Taste the Exquisite French Wine Flavors at Domaine Chandon

Entrance and name sign of Domaine Chandon.

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When Robert-Jean de Vogüé and John Wright came together in 1973, they kindled Chandon’s beginnings.

Choosing its vineyards with care, Chandon, one of the earliest French-owned sparkling wine enterprises in the United States, is regarded as one of the finest in California for producing superb sparkling wines.

Glasses with wine at Domaine Chandon.

Kevin Yuan / Shutterstock.com

As the winery of Domaine Chandon in Yountville continues to develop and create a distinct representation of the terroir, Pauline Lhote and her talented staff surprise the senses with California brightness, vitality, and intensity of flavors and aromas.

Groups of 10 or less are welcome to drop by the winery without an appointment any day of the week.

If you are visiting in bigger groups, call ahead of time to book a wine tasting session.

Exterior view of Domaine Chandon.

Kevin Yuan / Shutterstock.com

Have a Romantic Rendezvous at Stewart Cellars

Stewart Cellars was founded in 2000 and is a family-owned winery.

Sonoma and Napa Valley’s finest vineyard grapes are used to craft the wine menu’s Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay—don’t miss them!

During your date night in their Yountville Tasting Hall, which includes soaring ceilings, a huge tasting bar, and magnificent vistas of the surrounding courtyard, you may taste Stewart’s outstanding wines in person.

Attendees will get the opportunity to sample some of Stewart’s newest offerings as well as some of his older favorites.

Stewart Cellars also provides a wine club membership with various options for annual wine shipments, discounts, invites to special events, and other benefits.

Check Out Cliff Lede Vineyards’ Rock Blocks

Cliff Lede Vineyards was founded in 2002 by Cliff Lede, a Canadian winemaker, and provides a wide variety of premium wines.

In 2005, an extraordinary 25,000-square-foot winery and cave system was built into a hillside above the estate, undergoing a significant makeover.

Lede named vineyard blocks after his favorite rock songs and albums, From “My Generation” through “Dark Side of the Moon,” resulting in the Cliff Lede Vineyards “Rock Blocks.”

In 2005, a state-of-the-art winery and cave system measuring 25,000 square feet was carved into the hillside above the estate vines.

In addition to the winery, Cliff Lede now has a five-room luxury inn where tourists may stay while visiting the vineyards.

There is no need to make a reservation because the tasting bar is open every day for groups of five or fewer.

Visitors may enjoy a wine tasting in the winery’s tasting room or on the outside patio when the weather permits.

Join the Napa Valley Bike Tours

Bikes of Napa Valley Bike Tours.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Napa Valley Bike Tours provides tourists with the opportunity to explore the area on a leisurely bike ride.

Napa Valley’s most famous wineries may be explored on foot or by renting bicycles from the hotel.

The tour firm has a wide variety of half-day and full-day riding trips available in the region.

A picnic lunch or a hot air balloon trip can be added to a tour.

Napa Valley Bike Tours also provides personalized programs for private group activities, such as incentive travel groups and team-building events in the Napa Valley.

Find the perfect gift for a special someone who loves Bikes and Wine!

On-site and online, you can get your hands on the company’s most popular tees, limited edition cycling jerseys made to order, and other cool merch!

Tour the Silver Trident Winery Tasting Home

The Tuscan-style tasting room at Silver Trident Winery in downtown Yountville is a point of pride for the winery, which aims to provide customers with a memorable experience.

All of the furnishings and decor in the tasting room are from Ralph Lauren Home, and guests are welcome to purchase them while they are there.

Aside from its Napa Valley Red Blend and other single-varietal wines, Silver Trident also produces its own Twenty Seven Fathoms Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Benevolent Dictator, which is a Pinot Noir.

Silver Trident’s Flagship Club is a members-only wine club that distributes three shipments of new wines each year.

Full-case club members receive 12 bottles of every new Silver Trident release from the winery at no additional charge.

Swing a Club at Vintners Golf Club

The Vintner’s Golf Club, located in the heart of Napa Valley wine country, is regarded as one of the best golf courses in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Napa Valley.

Casey O’Callaghan created its championship nine-hole resort course, which opened in 1999 and was redone by Bob Boldt, a Class A PGA superintendent, in 2003.

Wine Country Magazine has awarded Vintner’s Golf Course the most fantastic up-valley golf course and the area’s best greens.

Players of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, are welcome on this course.

You can play a round of nine holes and still have time to visit the wine country.

Vintner’s Golf Club has something for everyone, whether it’s its immaculate greens, luxurious amenities, or breathtaking views of the Napa Valley.

Its Lakeside Grill is a neighborhood favorite for delicious cuisine and beverages in a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

Grab a Quick Bite at Bouchon Bakery

Entrance and name sign of Bouchon Bakery.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

The first Bouchon Bakery was founded by Chef Thomas Keller in July 2003.

Bouchon Bakery was initially created to supply Keller’s Bouchon Bistro and The French Laundry with one-of-a-kind bread.

It is located in Yountville, California, just down the road from both.

As time went on, the bakery grew into a significant business on its own.

People lined up outside the Bouchon Bakery.

Arnieby / Shutterstock.com

French-influenced bread and sweets inspired by Chef Keller’s experiences living in France and his own youth in the United States may be found in the bakery’s extensive assortment of artisanal bread and desserts.

Bread, buns, and pastries are all freshly prepared for customers’ convenience.

Also available for purchase are muffins and coffee cakes, and various sweets such as tarts, cookies, and brownies.

Freshly made colorful Macarons at Bouchon Bakery

urbanfoodie33, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bouchon Bakery also offers a selection of coffees and espressos and quiche, sandwiches, and salads for lunch.

The patio of Bouchon Bakery is also a terrific place to eat and socialize with friends and family.

Sip Wine While Appreciating Works of Art at Jessup Cellars

At Jessup Cellars, wine enthusiasts of all levels are made to feel at home.

One of the most pleasant and relaxed wine tasting experiences in the country can be found in Jessup.

Fine work from local and national artists may be viewed in the tasting gallery, where visitors can sample the latest releases and artisan cheeses.

If you’d like to reserve a spot for a private event or special occasion, you may do so online.

Subscribers to Jessup’s wine club can pick from three distinct packages.

On an annual basis, members receive around three to twelve new releases, plus discounts on wine and other products they might want to buy in the future.

Explore the Stunning Hill Family Estate

A Merlot and a red blend named Origin were the first wines made by Hill Family Estate in 2001.

An average year’s production is between 9,000 and 12,000 units.

They can only use the best grapes because they have 12 different vineyards.

The Hill Family Estate owns and manages more than a dozen vineyards in Napa Valley, California. The estate distributes its distinctive wines from each of its vineyards.

Guests can sign up for a taste or a tour to experience the Hill Family Vineyards in all their glory.

The Hill Family Farms, a five-minute drive from Yountville, offers a Secret Garden tour for visitors.

Last but not least, the Hill Family Estate maintains a wine club that provides members with early access to new releases, invites to yearly events, and seasonal recipes created to combine with Hill Family wines.

Have a Picnic at Yountville Park

Yountville Park is a gorgeous, green location for families seeking a day out with their children on the town’s northern border.

It features a massive playground for kids ages two and up, with separate toddler and older children’s spaces.

It features four picnic areas, a vast lawn area, two bathrooms, and two water fountains in the park.

Families may enjoy their picnic lunches in the covered locations, many of which feature seats for the occasion.

There are also restrooms on-site.

Overall, the park’s central grassy area makes it a great place to spend a day with the family.

Final Thoughts

Yountville has it all: history, art, shopping, delectable cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and, of course, plenty of wine.

If you’re seeking a magnificent retreat, this vibrant town is the perfect destination to create lasting memories.

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