{"id":17246,"date":"2024-02-23T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T16:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=17246"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:37:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T22:37:40","slug":"things-to-do-in-yountville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-yountville\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 7 Things to Do in Yountville"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Yountville<\/a>, a tiny 1.5-square mile town less than 10 miles north of the town Napa, is credited with being home to the first grapevines in all of Napa Valley.<\/p>\r\n

Today, the ritzy enclave is also known for its small-town charm, abundance of world-class restaurants<\/a> (including the famous Three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry), dedication to the arts, stylish hotels<\/a>, natural beauty, stunning architecture, boutique wineries, and walkability. The latter actually makes it one of the most appealing destinations in all of Napa Valley, as once you park your car upon arrival, there\u2019s almost no reason to touch your car keys until it\u2019s time to return home.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to discover some of the most indulgent, exciting, and relaxing ways to enjoy yourself while on a getaway to this charming town that bills itself as the Heart of Napa Valley.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Soar Above in a Hot Air Balloon<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

See Napa from a new perspective while soaring about the vineyards in a hot air balloon. Napa Valley Aloft<\/a> has been flying above Yountville\u2019s gorgeous landscape since 1978, with baskets that hold 8 to 12 passengers and an option for a post-flight brunch with mimosas. (You can also book a private balloon for special occasions.) Napa Valley Balloons<\/a> is another acclaimed company for taking in the sights of the region from above and has baskets that carry 6, 12, 16, and 20 passengers, with private flights for two.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50557″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/napavalleyballoons.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”mid-width”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Whichever company you choose for your adventure, you\u2019ll arrive before dawn to watch the colorful balloons get inflated and then take off soon after sunrise when the winds are calm, and the temps are cool. As you rise into the sky, you\u2019ll take in views of the Napa Valley floor, Mt. St. Helena, Mayacamas Mountain Range, and on days when the wind cooperates, glimpses of the San Francisco skyline and the Sierras.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Take a Leisurely Stroll to Wine Taste<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

One of the best things about Yountville is that you can enjoy everything the town offers without ever getting in a car, including one of the best things the town has to offer: over a dozen stroll-able winery tasting rooms.<\/p>\r\n

At the Priest Ranch<\/a> tasting room, you can try Cabernet Sauvignon<\/a> and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as several less common varietals, including Grenache Blanc and a Brut Ros\u00e9 of Syrah. And while you can pair your tasting with a specialty cheese and charcuterie board, the Bacon & Wine Experience is the way to go\u2026 because what other winery tasting room is going to offer you a pairing of four distinctly flavored types of bacon to go with your wines?<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”71605″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.priestranchwines.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”mid-width”][vc_column_text]Just a few steps from Priest Ranch is Handwritten Wines<\/a>, a contemporary space with indoor and outdoor seating where you can sample the winery\u2019s proprietary Bordeaux-style blend \u201cThree Worlds,\u201d its Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. If you\u2019re especially fond of Pinot Noir, the Pinot Noir Vertical Experience is a must; you\u2019ll explore the different growing seasons and aging nuances while sipping four vintages from the same vineyard.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50554″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”\/businesses\/6894\/jessup-cellars” el_class=”mid-width”][vc_column_text]It will take you about 10 minutes to walk from Handwritten Wines to Jessup Cellars<\/a>, known to be one of the friendliest tasting rooms in Wine Country, where the art-covered gallery walls provide the perfect setting for enjoying premium wines fit for aficionados and novices alike. All tastings come with a satiating charcuterie board, but if you know your stomach will be grumbling, there are plenty of amazing Yountville restaurants<\/a> just a hop and a skip away.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Dine on Locally-Sourced Food at Top Restaurants<\/h2>\r\n

Northern California is known for its amazing bounty of fresh ingredients grown and raised by local farmers, and you\u2019ll find ample opportunity to enjoy that farm-to-table dining perfection at several Yountville restaurants<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Enjoy Italian fine dining in Napa at Bottega Napa Valley<\/a>, a lively restaurant from the late celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, where all of the dishes highlight local, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”49243″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/tfl\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”mid-width”][vc_column_text]\r\n

The French Laundry<\/a> is on almost everyone\u2019s Napa fine dining<\/a> bucket list for good reason. Their multi-course dinner is a treat for the senses, but for those looking for a truly unique dining experience highlighting local ingredients, the trick is to order the restaurant\u2019s \u201cTasting of Vegetables\u201d menu. The French Laundry has a \u201cculinary gardener\u201d on staff whose job is to tend to the 3.5-acre garden across the street from the restaurant, which serves as their main source of produce.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”57965″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/thekitchenatpr.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”mid-width”][vc_column_text]\r\n

If it\u2019s laidback, yet still locally-sourced cuisine you\u2019re after, look no further than The Kitchen at Priest Ranch<\/a>. Inspired by the homey flavors of the Midwest and American classics, you\u2019ll find everything from gourmet smashburgers to Italian beef sandwiches\u2014and they serve breakfast all day. To top it off, all of their dishes pair perfectly with Priest Ranch wines. After you\u2019re back home, and no doubt craving the good eats from the Kitchen, you can scroll through their list of recipes listed on their website for culinary inspiration. [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Discover Regional Art at the Napa Valley Museum<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Take a break from wining and dining to learn a little more about the place from where it all comes. Hop on the free Yountville Trolley (downtown) to the Napa Valley Museum<\/a> to explore three galleries of West Coast art, a showcase of noteworthy aspects of local culture, and selections that exemplify the region\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50552″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/napavalleymuseum.org\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Walk the Walk\u2014the Art Walk, That Is<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Discover 35 outdoor sculptures (most of which are available for purchase to benefit the Yountville Arts fund) within a mile or so of each other on the Yountville Art Walk<\/a>. Roam around and see what you find (you can learn more about each piece by scanning the QR code on the plaque), or download the printable map to ensure you see them all.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50549″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.townofyountville.com\/about\/art-in-yountville\/art-walk\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Sip Your Way Through Nearby Wineries<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

It wouldn\u2019t be a trip to Yountville without exploring some of the town\u2019s outstanding boutique wineries.<\/p>\r\n

Fans of rock n\u2019 roll will definitely appreciate Cliff Lede Vineyards<\/a>, where the vineyard\u2019s \u201cRock Blocks\u201d are named after songs and albums, like \u201cDark Side of the Moon\u201d and \u201cLight My Fire.\u201d The outdoor patio is gorgeous, but for a truly unique experience, opt for the Backstage Tasting Lounge, where you can sip while enjoying rotating art exhibits<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50583″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/cliffledevineyards.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

At Goosecross Cellars<\/a>, a winery that is close to downtown but feels off the beaten path, you\u2019ll take in views of the vineyards, Yountville Hills, and the Mayacamas Mountain Range while enjoying a diverse portfolio of meticulously crafted wines of all varietals<\/a>, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Syrah.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58504″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.bellwine.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Bell Wine Cellars<\/a> is also worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy single-vineyard or single-clone wines. During their Grape to Glass Tour & Tasting, you\u2019ll go behind the scenes, seeing exactly what it takes to make their carefully curated wines.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Play a Round of Golf<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Whether you hit the links often or just enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the greens, check out Vintner\u2019s Golf Club<\/a>. The championship nine-hole resort course features three different sets of tees, and is an excellent option for an afternoon of golf as it\u2019s welcoming to all levels. Stop by the Lakeside Grill after a round for a club sandwich and beer (or wine) in a picturesque setting.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50558″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion”]\r\n

Conclusion:<\/h3>\r\n

No matter what you\u2019re itching to do with your time in Yountville, you\u2019re bound to have a wonderful experience. From teeing off on the golf course to uncovering new artistic gems, and of course, indulging in renowned wines, this welcoming enclave has something to delight everyone.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Napa Valley town of Yountville may be quaint, but there\u2019s no shortage of activities and sights. Here are the top 7 things to do in Yountville. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":240,"featured_media":50584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[99,106,187,153,83],"class_list":["post-17246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-attractions","tag-ballooning-air-sports","tag-romantic","tag-things-to-do","tag-yountville"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17246"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/240"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17246"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71606,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17246\/revisions\/71606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}