A Day In Yountville

By Norah Bradford

Yountville is a small town composed of some 3,000 people located in Napa Valley California approximately one hour's driving time from the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. More importantly Yountville is home to as many Michelin stars as exist in some of the world's culinary capitals with disproportionately larger populations coupled with the wine scene and natural beauty of the area. It is a fundamental part of any vacation to the Bay area but with so much going on how should you best occupy one day ? Here are a few suggestions to experience the best of Yountville;

I Love Lucy! The Bardessono Hotel's ideal lunchtime restaurant & bar

The Bardessono Hotel occupies what was formerly a wine vineyard and family home.This boutique hotel operation is a rarity with many dimensions from its LEED construction status to its quite unique approach to guest relations – staff are rewarded for coming up with ideas to make their guests happier – even if it involves drawing on the hotel budget. Lucy restaurant & Bar is at the center of this property and dining outdoors in the courtyard with water features is an extremely relaxing experience. Executive Chef Victor Scargle is focused on providing a field-to-fork experience for diners alongside a unique range of cocktails. The menu is seasonal and aims to showcase the best of the available produce. Highly recommended menu items include the Lucy Garden Trio and any item with tomatoes which are simply phenomenal.

Jessup Wine cellars: Just what the doctors ordered 

Taste wine in an airy, purpose designed space adorned with art. Three families from the medical profession came together to acquire a winery and struck gold with an early award for the quality of one of their wines. Dan and Becky Blue, Roy and Cheri Eisiminger, and Vance and Jana Thompson have made it their mission to create and share life-enriching experiences for their wine club members and guests, while also
giving back to the community through the support of the arts. Make sure you taste the Flagship 'Table for Four' – a red wine made by a blend of grapes led by Cabernet-Sauvignon.

Spa Villagio: Treatment time 

Spa Villagio succeeds in taking its guests to another dimension where you can easily forget where you were arrived from. The Mediterranean feel to the spa is very strong and the five spa suites – Aqua, Mayacamas, The Loft, Stags Leap and The Den create a unique experience for one to receive a treatment or for a couple to relax. Four signature treatments Breathe, Awaken, Shine and Together whilst very different all offer a five star dose of relaxation.

Dinner at the etoile restraurant at Domain Chandon: Culinary excellence amongst the stars and bubbles
Literally the other side of the road from Yountville main street lies the vineyards of Domain Chandon (of Moet & Chandon fame). A piece of France right alongside Yountville, the winery and restaurant are situated amongst beautiful gardens
the restaurant within the winery oozes sophistication through every pore. Open for lunch and dinner the menu switches with the seasons as Chef Perry Hoffman seeks to take advantage of the best ingredients available. Try also the etoile rose house champagne which tastes sublime and a great match for many of the menu items.

For more information:
yountville.com