There is a reason people flock to Yountville year-round and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this foodie and wine paradise as much as I have.
The perfect trip to Napa Valley must include walkability from your hotel to wineries, tasting rooms, local shops and nationally recognized restaurants. If you’re a foodie, many of the restaurants you’ll want to try are located in the small eclectic town of Yountville. If you want luxury accommodations with some of the best access to what Yountville has to offer, Hotel Yountville is the spot. Hotel Yountville epitomizes luxury. As soon as you walk onto the property, you’re greeted by hosts who are focused on getting you into vacation mode as soon as possible. On the private outdoor walk to your room, you feel like you are walking around a sprawling estate with guest villas tucked among beautify mature oak trees and well-manicured vegetation. In the spring time there’s even a small creek that trickles through the back of the property.
ROOMS
Rooms (especially suites) have quick access from parking and have individual entrances from the outside. This is nice when you don’t want to visit with everyone in the lobby the morning after a day of wine tasting. The rooms have high, gorgeous vaulted ceilings with four poster beds and more than enough space. The extra space is nice as you’re able to tuck your luggage out of sight. There are gas fireplaces, private outdoor spaces to relax with chairs and massive (well designed) bathrooms that include a deep bathtub with a Jacuzzi and a steam shower. I’ve never experienced a steam shower before and it was heaven. Hotel Yountville pays attention to the details. The decorations are classy, clean, and fresh. The dark wood mixed with the whites and creams give off a romantic, vineyard cabin feel. The storage space was nice for folding and hanging clothes, as well as robes and slippers for guests to use! The bed was so comfortable; honestly I wanted to take it home with me. The weather was so nice that I slept with the doors open.
STAFF
The staff was very well trained, helpful and friendly. Several employees at the front desk are extremely knowledgeable and well connected with the wine community! If you need help getting a private tasting at one of the exclusive boutique tasting rooms, they’ll take care of you. You can tell they enjoy helping you plan your day to find the right wineries to fit what you are looking for. Every night, they came by to offer more bottled water and local dark chocolate. I turned the chocolate down, never…..
DINING
I cannot say enough about the breakfast. Absolutely gourmet and the best breakfast I found in the surrounding area. They have all the classics and a nice selection of specialties that I highly suggest you check out. The benedict, French toast, and homemade croissants with jam made daily by the chef were my favorites.. So, so amazing and I’m getting hungry writing this! Oh, I almost forgot. The coffee throughout the whole resort is delicious. It’s a dark roast with really great flavor and I drank quite a bit every day.
SPA
I had the chance to enjoy a signature massage with hot stones on a cool rainy day and it was incredible. It was 75 minutes and so relaxing. My masseuse asked several times about the pressure and never rushed the process. The aesthetics in the spa are ultra-relaxing. There’s a lounge area that walks out to the pool. This would be a really fun spot for a girls retreat. I hear tipsy massages are good?!
LUXURIOUS FACILITIES
There are plenty of amazing spots to hang out around the property if you want a break. Hotel Yountville has a stunning, heated pool, as well as a large hot tub outside. The pool area is packed with little spots to disappear for a few hours. In the lobby, you’ll immediately see a charming bar, as well as large indoor and outdoor fireplaces with plenty of comfortable seating. If you want to veg by the fire one night, make sure you get there early to claim your spot. The hotel has bikes for guests to take and ride around for free. It’s a great way to get around the wineries, catch some fresh air and exercise at the same time!
LOCATION
This hotel is in the absolute best location in Yountville and the Napa Valley for that matter. It’s truly walking distance to some of the most incredible Michelin Star restaurants in the USA from The French Laundry, Bouchon, Ad Hoc, Bistro Jeantry and Redd. It is also within walking and/or biking distance of 8-10 wineries. This was really nice as I arrived at 3 pm and was still able to fit in a tasting (most close at 4-5 pm) right across the street.. even better it was a SPARKLING flight! I can always find a reason to celebrate. 🙂
WINERIES
The wine experience in the Napa Valley is obviously incredible. The Napa Valley only produces 8% of the wine in California, but is on the high end of the quality spectrum due to some of the best growing environments in the world. There are 14 microclimates in the valley and even more soil combinations which result in complexity and variation. I learned all of this from a private, intimate cabernet focused tasting at Handwritten Wines. These guys are super knowledgeable, fun and thoughtful. It was such a great experience. Handwritten can only be purchased from the company and it has very limited quantities making it a boutique, artisan winery. The wine was all outstanding and since I love cabernet, Handwritten is now one of my favorites. Next, I visited Stewart Cellars. They have a really well designed space that includes outdoor seating and several private tasting rooms. I found myself forgoing the comfortable leather chairs to get extra cozy by a fireplace tasting excellent wines and craft chocolates while the host fielded all of my silly questions. It was a fun experience and I loved tasting the chocolates along side the delicious variety of wines. I was also able to hit so many other good wineries and restaurants including sparkling wine specialties at Mumm Napa to both Chandon locations. There are over 400 wineries you can visit in the valley……. Sounds like I need to go back!!
I hope you enjoy Wine Country as much as I do.
For additional recommendations in Napa Valley, here is my 2017 Spring Getaway to Wine Country.
Special thank you to Stephanie, Hannah, Rich and Tom for making this trip happen.
Thank you for adventuring along! On to the next.
XX- Blonde Boarding
@SeeKelsGo
Disclaimer: Hotel Yountville and the Yountville Chamber of Commerce hosted me on this trip. My opinion expressed here is my own.
Blonde Boarding 