Jill Weinlein
Summer is one of the busiest times in Yountville, CA. The streets are packed with tourists, hotel rooms are expensive, and it’s become harder to get dinner reservations at the many award-winning restaurants.
In the fall, after the grape harvest is done and winter is approaching, the 1.5 square mile town is quieter during the week and is one of the best seasons to visit Napa Valley. The trees and leaves have turned from green to the typical autumn colors of yellow, orange, red and brown.
The streets have fewer cars on weekdays and the sidewalks are easier to navigate to see the 35 sculptures on the Yountville Art Walk. Hop on bikes for wine tastings, watch cows graze in open fields and explore the bucolic wine countryside.
Jill Weinlein
Four Sisters Inns purchased a historic boutique hotel in 1993, located just behind Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. The Inn’s lavish gardens feature an array of colorful leaves and flowers that reflect its name, Maison Fleurie which translates into English as ‘flower house’.
Not only the oldest hotel in Yountville but also in Napa Valley. Built in 1873, as the Hotel Magnolia, it was built with stone from nearby quarries, and a few decades later, bricks were added from a demolished church. The charming balcony was added when it was acquired from the French Hospital in San Francisco.
Besides a place for visitors in the early days, as it was located in the center of town near the railway, this charming building was once a pub and brothel.
When Four Sisters Inns completely remodeled the hotel, they kept the historic integrity intact. The designers carefully preserved the stone and brick, and filled the interior with charming decor to enhance the European feel of the bed and breakfast.
Jill Weinlein
Reminiscent of the South of France, the main hall and meeting rooms feature finely crafted furniture, rich fabrics and a fireplace that warms the atmosphere of this historic main building.
There are 13 guest rooms including spacious rooms in the Bakery Building. The King Spa rooms have a large bed with soft linens. The bottom floor has two doors and a small courtyard. One door leads to the garden and the large hot tub, and the other leads to the pool and beyond.
The fireplace is near the seating area and the large flat screen TV. The spacious bathroom has a spa tub and a shower. Cozy robes and slippers enhance the spa feel.
Carriage House offers stylish rooms, and has a cozy Petite Queen brick-walled living room, and a Garret Queen room upstairs in the main house, ideal for one or two.
In addition to the daily main house signature breakfast, guests can enjoy freshly baked cookies mid-day and return in the late afternoon for wine, crackers, cheeses, nuts and fruit. tree. Hot tea and coffee are available throughout the day and evening.
Jill Weinlein
According to Natalie Collins, Interim President of the California Grape Growers Association, Napa Valley is not only one of the most unique and beautiful destinations to visit in California, “California vineyards are more than just pictures. The iconic postcard image of our state’s splendor, but also the cradle of economic growth and a pillar for many communities across the state.”
A new report commissioned by the Wine Institute and the California wine and wine industry and allied businesses brings together $73 billion annually to the state’s economy and $170.5 billion annually to the state’s economy. the United States economy. California wineries and vineyards also directly and indirectly create 422,000 jobs in California and 1.1 million jobs nationally. “The report provides evidence of the hard work and commitment of California grape growers and growers in building and maintaining a truly sustainable economic engine,” said Collins.
Some wineries in Yountville to visit include the newer Mira Winery for strong reds and unique whites. In town there is a Jessup Cellars tasting facility inside a spectacular art gallery. Nearby at Handwriting, the wines highlight the winery’s unique Cabernet Sauvignon expressions.
The Priest Farm in Saint Helena also has a tasting room in downtown Yountville. Flavors of Grenach Blanc to red blends are offered to guests. Walk to Hope & Grace to sample Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands. They are served in the downtown Yountville tasting room alongside Cabernet Sauvignons, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Dry Riesling.
Jill Weinlein
While cycling through town, be sure to stop across the street from the famous French Laundry for a stroll through Thomas Keller’s 3.5-acre garden. This is the main source of products used in French Laundry’s kitchen to prepare 3-star Michelin Guide 2021 menus. Dinner service is seven days a week starting at $350 plus add-ons. addition and wine pairing. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine from the day of tasting; however, the restaurant will charge $200 per 750ml bottle.
Jill Weinlein
For a more casual dining experience in Yountville, French Bistro Jeanty offers home-style dishes like Coq au Vin, Croque Madame, Steak Tartare and Crepe Suzette. Corkage is $25 for the first 750ml bottle.
Other popular places to eat include Bouchon Bistro, Ad Hoc + Addendum, and Michael Chiarello’s Italian Bottega. Located in V Marketplace, order his Brussels spout salad with pecorino cheese and Meyer lemon dressing, plus one of his homemade pasta or grilled protein dishes.
Step into the nearby Kollar Chocolates store for sweets and take away at Maison Fleurie.
