Wine Lover's Weekend in Yountville, CA — Napa Valley

Enjoy a wine tasting with local producers.

My recommendations include:

Bell Wine Cellars - This vineyard has knowledgeable wine educators who provide a one-on-one tour and tasting experience. Bell focuses on producing small-lot wine with single-clone sources. I met the head winemaker on my tour and he was extremely friendly, openly sharing about the winemaking process in a way you usually don't come across during a tour.

Regusci Winery - This winery offers tastings at their Stag's Leap property, less than a ten-minute drive from Yountville. They're known for a laid-back tasting room atmosphere.

Walk to tasting rooms in Yountville. A few options are Stewart Cellars and Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery.

Hire a driver for a full day of wine tastings in the area. It's helpful to note most Napa Valley vineyards require reservations.

Relax and unwind with a massage at your hotel. Recommended properties with spas available include Napa Valley Lodge, The Estate Yountville, Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Hotel Yountville and North Block Hotel.

Book with Napa Valley Balloons for a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see beautiful vineyard-studded Napa Valley from the air. This tour includes preflight coffee and tea as well as baked goods from local Bouchon Bakery. You'll enjoy post-flight sparkling wine. The hot air balloon experience is about three to four hours in length.

Walk, run or bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Several properties in Yountville offer free bikes during your stay. This trial is 12.5 miles in length and connects Yountville to Napa.

Bottega: Dimly lit, romantic vibe, serving Italian cuisine. My favorite restaurant in the area for fresh cuisine and stellar service. You can opt to sit indoors or on the large covered patio if the weather is nice.

Bouchon Bakery: Excellent grab-and-go bakery for breads, pastries, and coffee. The café has benches outdoors for casual dining and people watching. The pastries and breads are worth a drive to this area alone! I recommend the ham and butter sandwich on fresh baguette and the chocolate croissants.

Bouchon Bistro: Traditional French restaurant with a raw bar. You can order a carafe of wine for the table, like the French do.

The French Laundry: Michelin-starred restaurant with pre-fixed dining. Reservations are a must and will be difficult to secure. There's a beautiful garden across the street where the restaurant grows much of their ingredients, which you can walk through.

Bistro Jeanty: Rustic café with a cute outdoor covered patio, serves French comfort food.

Ad Hoc: Famous for its fried chicken! This restaurant serves a daily four course menu, which is served family style at your table.

RH Wine Vault: A wine tasting bar which offers flights or wine by the glass, housed in a historic stone building.

RH Restaurant: Serves brunch and dinner with an emphasis on local Californian cuisine. This restaurant has chic outdoor seating with chandeliers galore.