| Boasting some of the best wineries and restaurants | | | | would not be as successful as they are without the |
| in America, tourists flock to the Napa Valley to | | | | influx of tourists that the wineries bring in. As one of |
| experience its rustic elegance. Among the small | | | | the first regions in the Napa Valley to produce wine, |
| towns that comprise the valley, Yountville is quickly | | | | Yountville is a great place to take wine tours. |
| gaining the reputation as one of the premier | | | | Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Yountville |
| destinations. | | | | enjoys a long, methodical growing season. The |
| Founded by George Yount in 1836, Yountville is one | | | | weather is moderated by the coastal fog that creeps |
| of Napa's most storied towns. Its rich history has | | | | along the valley floor from the San Pablo Bay. By mid |
| provided the building blocks for the success of this | | | | day, the fog burns off, leaving the vineyards |
| bustling community. The combination of fine dining | | | | exposed to the vibrant rays of the sun. This sun |
| and premium wineries make Yountville a hallmark of | | | | expose makes Yountville well suited for growing |
| the Napa Valley. | | | | Bordeaux varietals. |
| The most important landmark in Yountville is also one | | | | It is no surprise that the majority of acreage planted |
| of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley. Built in 1870 | | | | in Yountville is Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes |
| by San Francisco native Gottlieb Groezinger, Vintage | | | | produce restrained Cabs that are not only |
| 1870 is now one of the main attractions in Yountville. | | | | approachable in their youth, but are excellent when |
| Today, Vintage 1870 is the central part of an upscale | | | | paired with food. They can typically be enjoyed |
| shopping center, which includes high end clothing, | | | | earlier than their northern counterparts. |
| galleries, jewelry, fine dining and wine tasting. The | | | | When deciding which wineries to visit in Yountville, it |
| Vintage 1870 shopping center is truly a playground | | | | is important to prioritize your trip around what you |
| for those who enjoy the finer things in life. | | | | want to experience. In my opinion, you cannot go |
| The selection of fine dining in Yountville can prove | | | | wrong with Cliff Lede Winery. A narrow strip of land |
| irresistible to even the most reserved of individuals. | | | | just off Highway 29 is home to the winery. The |
| At the top of the fine dining chain in Yountville is | | | | beautiful views from their vineyards pale in |
| Thomas Keller's French Laundry. The French Laundry | | | | comparison to their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. |
| is regarded by many in the restaurant industry as the | | | | If you do not get a chance to visit this up and |
| best in America. In fact, it was actually designated, | | | | coming winery, there are several others that produce |
| "the best restaurant in the world," by Restaurant | | | | a wide variety of premium quality wines. Among |
| Magazine in 2003. | | | | these, Domaine Chandon produces fine sparkling |
| If you are able to get yourself on the three month | | | | wines in the tradition of Old World Champagne |
| waiting list, be prepared take out a second mortgage | | | | houses. Their property includes a beautiful vineyard, |
| to pay the bill. Aside from the price, dining at the | | | | chateau style winery and restaurant. |
| French Laundry is pleasure of all senses. The | | | | Domaine Chandon features a wide array of tours to |
| ambiance is unbeatable, the service is impeccable, and | | | | please all of your senses. Their services ranges from |
| the food is a masterpiece of culinary perfection. | | | | their complementary tour to the all inclusive |
| Although the French Laundry is the crux of | | | | "Epicurean Experience," which includes chef selected |
| Yountville's restaurant community, there are many | | | | food and wine pairings along with dinner reservations |
| others that have excellent food and service for | | | | at their restaurant after the tour. |
| reasonable prices. Of these, the crème de la | | | | The tours at Domaine Chandon epitomize the town |
| crème include Bouchon, Brix Restaurant, Napa | | | | of Yountville, and provide the visitor the opportunity |
| Valley Grille, Hurley's, Bocconcini Cantinetta, Bistro | | | | to enjoy the finer aspects of wine and food. With |
| Jeanty, and the Restaurant at Domaine Chandon. | | | | the number of quality restaurants and wineries in |
| Even by Napa Valley standards, the fine dining of | | | | such a small region, Yountville should be at the top of |
| Yountville is unbeatable. But wine is what makes this | | | | your list when visiting the Napa Valley. |
| small town go round. The restaurants in Yountville | | | | |