Wine Tasting in Yountville

Home to some of the best wineries and restaurants in America, tourists flock to Napa Valley to experience its rustic elegance. Among the small towns that make up the valley, Yountville is quickly gaining a reputation as a top destination.

Founded by George Yount in 1836, Yountville is one of Napa’s most storied cities. Its rich history has provided the building blocks for the success of this bustling community. The combination of excellent restaurants and world-class wineries make Yountville a hallmark of Napa Valley.

Yountville’s greatest landmark is also one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Built in 1870 by San Francisco native Gottlieb Groezinger, Vintage 1870 is now one of Yountville’s top attractions. Today, Vintage 1870 is the central part of an upscale shopping mall, including high-end clothing, galleries, jewelry stores, fine dining, and wine tasting. The Vintage 1870 Mall is truly a playground for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The selection of excellent restaurants in Yountville can be irresistible to even the most reserved of people. At the top of the chain of fine dining in Yountville is Thomas Keller’s French Laundromat. The French Laundry is considered by many in the restaurant industry to be the best in America. In fact, it was actually named “the best restaurant in the world” by Restaurant Magazine in 2003.

If you can get on the three-month waiting list, prepare to get a second mortgage to pay the bill. Price aside, dining at French Laundry is a treat for all the senses. The atmosphere is second to none, the service is impeccable and the food is a masterpiece of culinary perfection.

Although French Laundry is the crux of the Yountville restaurant community, there are many others that have great food and service at reasonable prices. Of these, the crème de la crème includes Bouchon, Brix Restaurant, Napa Valley Grille, Hurley’s, Bocconcini Cantinetta, Bistro Jeanty, and Domaine Chandon restaurant.

Even by Napa Valley standards, Yountville’s fine dining is second to none. But wine is what moves this small town. Restaurants in Yountville wouldn’t be as successful without the influx of tourists that wineries bring. As one of the first regions in the Napa Valley to produce wine, Yountville is a great place for wine tours.

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Yountville enjoys a long and methodical growing season. The climate is moderated by coastal fog that creeps along the valley floor from San Pablo Bay. At noon, the mist lifts, leaving the vineyards exposed to the vibrant rays of the sun. This sun exposure makes Yountville ideal for growing Bordeaux varieties.

Not surprisingly, the majority of the planted acreage in Yountville is Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes produce moderate Cabs that are not only affordable in their youth, but are also excellent when paired with food. They can usually be enjoyed earlier than their northern counterparts.

When deciding which wineries to visit in Yountville, it’s important to prioritize your trip around what you want to experience. In my opinion you cannot go wrong with Cliff Lede Winery. A narrow strip of land off Highway 29 houses the winery. The beautiful views from its vineyards pale in comparison to its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you don’t have the opportunity to visit this up-and-coming winery, there are several others that produce a wide variety of premium wines. Among these, Domaine Chandon produces excellent sparkling wines following the tradition of Old World champagne houses. His property includes a beautiful vineyard, a castle-style winery and a restaurant.

Domaine Chandon offers a wide range of tours to indulge all your senses. Their services range from their complimentary tour to the all-inclusive “Epicurean Experience,” which includes chef-selected food and wine pairings along with dinner reservations at their restaurant after the tour.

Tours at Domaine Chandon epitomize the city of Yountville and provide the visitor with the opportunity to enjoy the best aspects of wine and food. With the number of quality restaurants and wineries in such a small region, Yountville should be at the top of your list when visiting Napa Valley.