Walk, sip, spa, repeat. Yountville truly does it all.
This charming town in the heart of Napa Valley wine country is the ultimate luxury escape. Honestly, I’m convinced there’s no better destination to unwind than a Napa Valley weekend itinerary like this.
Sure, Napa Valley is world-famous for its wine and food, but Yountville takes it to another level with its walkable charm, Michelin-starred restaurants, and romantic vibes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Nancy Meyers movie. (Seriously, I half-expected Nick Parker and Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap to stroll around the corner at any moment.)
A few weeks ago, I traded foggy San Francisco for sunny wine country and spent a few days soaking up everything this magical little town has to offer. The best part? We barely touched the car. Everything is just a short stroll away, so we floated from meals to tastings to even a sunrise hot air balloon ride without the stress of driving or over-planning.
Where to Stay in Yountville
Poolside Perfection at Napa Valley Lodge
One of the best parts of staying at Napa Valley Lodge was how easy it was to relax. After a morning e-bike ride through the vineyards, we booked a couples massage and just had to walk downstairs to their cozy spa. That massage? Exactly what we needed to melt away any lingering city stress.
We stayed in our robes afterward, headed straight to the pool, and spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun. It’s the little luxuries, like not having to think about logistics and events, that make Napa Valley Lodge feel like such a dreamy retreat.
- PS: Napa Valley Lodge is children-friendly, making it a great option for families looking for things to do in Yountville this weekend.
Best Coffee and Breakfast Spots in Yountville
Morning Ritual: Bouchon Bakery & Mini Cafe Crawl
Yountville mornings are slow and indulgent, which is exactly my vibe. We loved strolling over to Bouchon Bakery on Washington Street for coffee and fresh pastries (do NOT skip the ham and cheese croissant).
Yes, there’s usually a line, but it moves quickly, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Afterward, we often popped into the tiny Mini Model Bakery kiosk for their famous English muffins and a second coffee, because vacation logic says two coffees are always better than one.
Where to Wine Taste in Yountville (No Car Needed!)
You can’t visit Yountville without wine tasting. Luckily, some of the best sips in the valley are just steps apart. No car. No DD. No stress.
Priest Ranch
Right in the heart of downtown Yountville, Priest Ranch offers a relaxed rooftop lunch and a tasting room focused on bold, estate-grown wines. After devouring their rooftop burger (more on that below), we stayed for their Terroir Tasting, which pairs each pour with custom-made chocolates inspired by the soil where the grapes are grown.
Chocolate and wine isn’t new, but this experience? Elevated, thoughtful, and honestly delicious. Make sure to try their Snake Oil Cab. It’s one of the best I’ve had in Napa Valley.
Hestan Vineyards
If you’re a Cabernet Sauvignon lover, Hestan is a must. Their flight of Cabs showcases how different vintages can have wildly unique personalities. Even as a WSET2 wine nerd, I was surprised by the range. The setting is modern yet cozy, making it perfect for both serious sippers and casual tasters.
Silver Trident Winery
Silver Trident is part tasting room, part Ralph Lauren Home showroom. Everything inside is styled to perfection, and sipping wine here feels more like lounging in a dreamy living room than a traditional tasting. It’s effortlessly chic and unlike anything else in Napa.
For a full Napa Valley Yountville experience, these are some of the best wineries in Yountville and the general Napa Valley area to check out.
Best Restaurants in Yountville
Yountville’s food scene is unreal. Yes, there’s the iconic French Laundry if you’re feeling extra bougie (book way in advance), but you don’t need to drop $500 on a tasting menu to eat well here. From casual rooftops to Michelin-starred magic, these are some of the best restaurants in Napa Valley
The Kitchen at Priest Ranch
This was such a pleasant surprise. Their rooftop has a firepit and vineyard views, and the smash burger with a seasonal salad hit SO hard after a wine flight. It’s casual but elevated, and we ended up staying way longer than planned, just soaking it all in.
Ciccio
Dinner at Ciccio was a total vibe. The martinis and Negronis were top-notch, and the Three Cheese Gnudi with house-made focaccia was the exact carb fix I needed after a day of wine and e-biking. The menu changes seasonally, but everything we ordered was comforting, flavorful, and a solid 10/10.
RH Yountville
RH Yountville is stunning any time of day, but at night it absolutely glows. Chandeliers twinkle overhead, casting a romantic light across the entire space. Yes, the furniture probably costs more than your rent, but that’s kind of the point, since it’s basically a museum/showroom/restaurant.
Everything here is a statement. Don’t skip dessert. Their chocolate chip cookies are unexpectedly the best I’ve ever had.
For foodies looking for the best restaurants in Yountville California, these spots are a must.
Mad Fritz Taproom
When you’re ready to switch it up from wine, Mad Fritz is a craft beer gem. Their beer tasting flights are thoughtful and complex, proof that Napa Valley isn’t just about grapes. It’s a great pre-dinner spot if you’re winding down your day.
The French Laundry
If you’re going for the full fine-dining fantasy, The French Laundry is one of the most iconic restaurants in the world—and it just so happens to be tucked into the heart of Yountville. Helmed by Thomas Keller, this three-Michelin-star experience is all about precision, presentation, and unforgettable flavors.
You’ll need to book months in advance (seriously, set a calendar reminder), and expect a multi-hour tasting menu with wine pairings. It’s definitely a splurge, but if food is your love language, this is a bucket-list dinner worth every penny. I still haven’t been but hope to one day!
R+D Kitchen
Before heading out of town, we stopped for lunch at R+D Kitchen, and it totally lived up to the hype. Everyone we talked to over the weekend mentioned their sushi rolls – and they did not disappoint. The yellowtail sashimi salad was light, refreshing, and perfect after a night of wine and cheese overload. We also ordered the crab cakes (chef’s kiss) and rolled out of Yountville full and happy
Standout Yountville Experiences And Things To Do
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Napa Valley Aloft
Our biggest pinch-me moment was floating above the valley at sunrise with Napa Valley Aloft. They pick you up right in town and handle everything from check-in to post-flight bubbly. Watching the sun rise over vineyards while floating in the sky? Pure magic.
- Pro tip: Bring a light sweater. It’s chilly before takeoff, but once you’re under the burner, it warms up quickly. I wore my Sezane cardigan and was perfectly cozy.
E-Biking the Vineyards
We rented e-bikes from Napa Valley Bike Tours and cruised through vineyards, country roads, and along Yountville’s charming Art Walk. It was such a fun way to explore corners of Napa that are hard to reach by car, or on a regular bike, without breaking a sweat.
If you’re looking for things to do in Yountville this weekend, these experiences are unforgettable.
What to Pack for Yountville
Yountville is laid-back luxury. Think relaxed fits with upscale details close to what you would wear wine tasting. Here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Flowy dresses or matching sets for wine tasting
- Comfortable sandals or chic sneakers for walking
- Lightweight sweater for chilly mornings and breezy nights
- Sunhat and sunscreen (you’ll be outside a lot)
- Reusable water bottle for staying hydrated between wine stops
- Cute swimwear and a coverup for hotel pool hangs
- Crossbody bag for hands-free tastings and biking
If you want to channel Meredith Blake this summer, now’s your chance.
FAQ
Is Yountville worth visiting?
Yes! Yountville is one of the most luxurious and walkable towns in Napa Valley, offering incredible food, wine, and romantic experiences all within a few blocks.
How many days should you spend in Yountville?
2 to 3 days is ideal to enjoy wine tastings, top restaurants, hot air balloon rides, and spa time—without feeling rushed.
Is Yountville walkable?
Extremely! Most hotels, restaurants, and tasting rooms are located within a short walk of each other, making it the perfect car-free wine country escape.
Best time to visit Yountville?
Spring through fall offers the best weather, but the town is lovely year-round. Visit in summer for warm balloon rides and long evenings.
Why Yountville Is the Best Town in Napa Valley
You can find good food and great wine all over Napa Valley, but Yountville is special. It’s easy. Effortless. You can indulge in luxury without needing a car or spreadsheet-level planning.
Whether you’re sipping wine on a rooftop, biking through vineyards, or soaking in the hot tub after a spa treatment, every moment in Yountville feels elevated without trying too hard.
If you’re planning a Napa Valley getaway, skip the chaos and stay in Yountville, California. It’s walkable, romantic, and just bougie enough.
For a 3-day Napa Valley itinerary, Yountville is the ultimate starting point.
