Funny Name, with Meaning.
Lat. 38.4016 | Long. -122.3608
Napa County
Napa Valley's first vineyard in the early 1840s
The town is named after George Calvert Yount, one of the first Euro-American settlers in the Napa Valley.
He planted Napa Valley's first vineyard in the early 1840s, paving the way for the region's reputation as a premier wine-producing area.
After Yount’s death in 1865, the area began to develop into a formal town. In 1867, the town was officially named Yountville in his honor.
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Yountville, California, is a small, charming town in Napa County, located in the heart of California's renowned wine country. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, fine dining, and exceptional wine-tasting experiences, it’s a top destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and culinary indulgence. Here's an overview:
1. Wine Country
Yountville is home to some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries and tasting rooms. Many are within walking or biking distance, making it easy to enjoy the region’s signature varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
2. Culinary Destination
Dubbed the "Culinary Capital of Napa Valley," Yountville boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry, a world-renowned dining establishment by Chef Thomas Keller.
The town offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to gourmet establishments, showcasing farm-to-table cuisine.
3. Cultural and Artistic Appeal
Yountville features public art installations, boutique shops, and galleries.
The Napa Valley Museum Yountville provides insights into local art, history, and the wine-making culture of the region.
4. Outdoor Activities
Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides for stunning views of Napa Valley’s vineyards and landscapes.
The area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and strolling along scenic paths, such as the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
5. Accommodations
Yountville has a selection of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts that cater to travelers seeking a high-end experience.
Spas and wellness centers add to the town’s appeal as a relaxation destination.
6. Community and Events
The town hosts events like the Yountville International Short Film Festival and seasonal wine and food festivals.
Yountville is also known for its festive holiday decorations and community events.
Despite its small size (population: approximately 3,000), Yountville is a world-class destination offering an intimate yet upscale Napa Valley experience.
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Yountville, California, has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a Native American settlement to a bustling center of wine, culture, and fine dining. Here's an overview of its historical journey:
1. Native American Origins
The area that is now Yountville was originally inhabited by the Wappo people, a Native American tribe known for their basket-weaving skills and use of the land's natural resources.
The Wappo lived sustainably in the Napa Valley for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.
2. Early Settlement and George C. Yount
The town is named after George Calvert Yount, one of the first Euro-American settlers in the Napa Valley.
In 1836, Yount received the Rancho Caymus Mexican land grant and established one of the first homesteads in the area.
He planted Napa Valley's first vineyard in the early 1840s, paving the way for the region's reputation as a premier wine-producing area.
Yount played a significant role in the development of Napa Valley and is remembered as a pioneer of the California wine industry.
3. Development of a Town
After Yount’s death in 1865, the area began to develop into a formal town. In 1867, the town was officially named Yountville in his honor.
The arrival of the Napa Valley Railroad in the late 19th century connected Yountville to other parts of the valley, boosting its growth as a small agricultural community.
4. Military and Veterans History
In 1884, the state of California established the Veterans Home of California – Yountville, the oldest and largest veterans home in the United States.
The home became a key part of the town’s identity, providing care and services to veterans and serving as a prominent local institution.
5. Rise of Wine and Tourism
By the mid-20th century, Yountville began transitioning from a quiet agricultural town to a center for wine production and tourism.
The 1976 Judgement of Paris, a famous wine competition, brought international recognition to Napa Valley wines, boosting Yountville's appeal as a destination.
6. Culinary and Cultural Transformation
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Yountville became known as the Culinary Capital of Napa Valley.
The establishment of The French Laundry in the 1990s by Chef Thomas Keller brought global attention to the town as a fine-dining destination.
Today
Yountville is celebrated for its world-class wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, art galleries, and luxury accommodations.
The town maintains its historic charm while embracing modern sophistication, making it a favorite spot for wine enthusiasts and travelers from around the globe.
Yountville's history is a testament to its adaptability, evolving from a pioneer settlement to a modern-day wine and culinary hotspot while preserving its cultural and historical roots.
Balloons & Bikes & Tours Guide
BARDESSONO HOTEL
#1 Resort in Northern California
Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award 2024
CHANDON
CHANDON's influence stretches far beyond their California vineyards. Since their beginnings in Argentina in 1959, they have established a presence across four continents, continually exploring new and unique wine terroirs while pioneering innovative techniques.
Estate Yountville
Founded in 2009, Handwritten's story unfolds with the opening of their new home in South Yountville. Located in the charming wine country town of Yountville, the SOYO House—nicknamed by locals—offers the perfect setting for a side-by-side tasting of their Napa Valley District wines, along with a variety of other exceptional experiences.
Hill Family Estate
Yountville
In September 2006, Chef Thomas Keller opened Ad Hoc, a casual dining spot where he could share the American comfort food of his childhood. The name "Ad Hoc," meaning "for this purpose," reflects the restaurant’s original intent: to temporarily occupy a space while Chef Keller’s team worked on a different restaurant concept. However, Ad Hoc quickly became a beloved favorite, drawing both Napa Valley locals and wine country visitors. What was meant to be a temporary venture soon became a permanent fixture on Washington Street, joining Chef Keller’s other renowned properties in Yountville, CA.
6476 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
707.944.2487
Alchemy Works
Hotel Yountville Resort & Spa offers the ultimate wine country experience. Inspired by the charm of a vineyard estate, it provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the rich history, cultural attractions, and thoughtfully curated offerings of the area. As one of Napa Valley’s beloved resorts, it combines attentive service and comfort with a vibrant pool courtyard, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere where guests feel like part of the community.
Hillstone Home offers the best of Yountville shopping. If you're looking to elevate your home décor, their California Coastal collection of curated home goods is sure to inspire. From elegant coffee table books and candles to kitchen accessories and leather goods, their collection has something for every taste.
LUCY
Stanley and Helen have always been a perfect pair, united by their passion for great food, travel, and family. A constant innovator, Stanley naturally created another ideal combination within his business—the seamless fusion of food and wine.
Nestled in the scenic Napa Valley, Ivy Paperie invites paper enthusiasts, floral admirers, thoughtful gifters, and worldly travelers into their watercolor-inspired haven. Their mission is to share timeless beauty through carefully crafted illustrated paper goods, art prints, and gifts.
Nestled in the heart of Yountville, within walking distance of world-renowned restaurants and wineries, Lavender offers an intimate and luxuriously cozy retreat. The inn combines the warmth of Wine Country with contemporary design, creating a serene escape in Napa Valley. A charming heritage home serves as the centerpiece of the property’s four buildings, with the inviting wraparound porch echoed in the enclosed veranda, where breakfast is served daily.
Located in the heart of Yountville, Maison Fleurie consists of three charming buildings set on half an acre of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to Napa Valley. This "flowering house" welcomes guests to an inn inspired by the elegance of southern France, featuring finely crafted furniture, rich fabrics, and a grand brick fireplace that enhances the historic charm of the main building.
Ciccio, opened in 2012 by Frank and Karen Altamura, remains a family-owned restaurant to this day. Over the years, the Altamuras have cultivated a community-focused space, offering a warm welcome to both locals and visitors of Yountville. True to their commitment to hospitality, an exclusive selection of Altamura Wine is still featured on the Ciccio menu for guests to enjoy.
BOUCHON
Rooted in a deep connection to Mother Nature, their philosophy is to align with the rhythms of the land and follow its lead in the vineyards. This harmonious approach results in exceptional wines that highlight the grapes' terroir, offering a true expression of their distinct sense of place.
Brix Restaurant and Gardens in Yountville, California, opened its doors on March 28, 1996, with a commitment to offering a farm-to-table dining experience. Spanning over two acres, their gardens and orchards supply fresh ingredients for a menu that blends the culinary traditions of Northern California with global techniques.
The Store is Chef Keller's first retail storefront, featuring a curated selection of kitchen tools, apparel, gifts, and accessories handpicked by Chef Thomas Keller and his restaurants.
For the past two decades, Jessup Cellars has built a devoted following with its ultra-premium wines and earned a reputation through word-of-mouth for having one of the friendliest tasting rooms in all of wine country.
In everyday French life, the bistro is an integral part of daily meals and celebrations—the neighborhood spot where you're greeted by name, treated like family, and served comforting, seasonal dishes. Our family-run bistro, located in the heart of Napa Valley wine country, offers a taste of classic French cuisine and warm hospitality, all led by Chef Philippe Jeanty.
Silver Trident
A modern boutique hotel in the heart of Yountville, Napa Valley wine country, and a proud recipient of the Condé Nast Readers' Choice Award.
Priest Ranch is a historic Napa Valley property with origins dating back to 1869, when it was founded by James Joshua Priest, a determined Gold Rush prospector. In 2004, the historic Priest Ranch was merged with the neighboring Elder Valley properties to form the expansive Somerston Estate, which is now home to their vineyards and winery.
"I created RASgalleries with a singular focus on Original American Art, primarily Art Glass, my personal passion... I'm proud that after 24 years in the Napa Valley, the passion remains!" ~ Ronda Schaer, owner, RASgalleries
They craft ales and lagers with a focus on controlling raw materials to highlight the unique expression of time, place, and the people behind the process. The best beers are always created with the community in mind. Inspired by the beauty of Napa Valley, they are driven to grow, ferment, and create—whether it’s wine, food, or beer. The region is filled with skilled farmers, viticulturists, and passionate individuals who love working the land. Ultimately, beer, much like people, is distinctive, complex, and multifaceted, open to many interpretations.
