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Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Tracy

Yountville is a beautiful, artsy place in California just minutes from Napa Valley. Read these Best Things To Do In Yountville and plan your next Wine Country vacation.

Top Things To Do In Yountville California

Yountville is an incorporated town in Napa County and is often referred to as the “heart of the Napa Valley”. The entire town is founded on the concept of passeggiata, or the art of the stroll. You can walk to or from everything the town has to offer including 5-star hotels, Michelin star restaurants, boutique shopping, tasting rooms, wineries and more. Which is exactly why we decide to stay in Yountville when we travel to Napa Valley. Yountville is a short drive from many of the Top Napa Valley Wineries and has so much to offer right in town. Quaint. Hip. Artsy. Gorgeous views. Plus much more.

Discover the charm of Yountville, a haven for relaxation and exploration. Indulge in boutique shopping at The Shops at Marketplace, sip on exquisite wines at local tasting rooms and cellars, and immerse yourself in art galleries and scenic hot air balloon rides.

With its picturesque landscapes and plentiful activities, Yountville promises a luxurious and unforgettable getaway for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about what not to miss in Yountville.

Where To Stay In Yountville

If you are planning a trip to Yountville one of your first concerns is probably the best place to stay. Yountville will not disappoint with their luxurious hotel accommodations, or if you are looking for something a little more quaint they have several bed and breakfast options.

Check out the Best Places to Stay in Yountville

Best Restaurants in Yountville

Now that you know of some options on where to stay in Yountville let’s talk about the food! There are so many amazing restaurants in Yountville that you would have to stay quite a while to experience them all. Or just go back several times like us 🙂

Alright, now let’s get to why you can here! Top things to do in Yountville!

Things To Do In Yountville

Shopping

The Shops at Marketplace at the Estate located in the heart of Yountville offer a variety of specialty and boutique stores. From shoes, designer clothing, unique trinkets, art, and more you can find it all here. The Shops at Marketplace are housed in a historical building from the 1870s that was the former home of Groezinger Winery. In addition to the boutiques and specialty shops here, you will also find three restaurants, an award-winning chocolatier, and art galleries featuring artists from the area.

In addition to the Shops at Marketplace at the Estate, there are other boutique shops, restaurants, artisans, and tasting rooms to explore in Yountville. You can also get some additional shopping at the Napa Premium Outlet shopping center which is about 15 minutes away.

Wine Tasting

With a location known as the “heart of the Napa Valley” you would expect there to be quite a few tasting rooms and wineries to visit in Yountville, and the city does not disappoint. There are 15 tasting rooms within walking distance and seven nearby wineries.

Two of my favorite wineries right in Yountville are:

Hope & Grace Wines is next door to Bouchon at 6540 Washington Street. The winemaker, Charles Hendricks, has done wonders showcasing his own winemaking skills after years of consulting for other labels. The tasting room is edgy, with great artistic touches, including the original artwork that inspired the design for his label. With an approximate annual production of 2,000 cases, he has a Chardonnay, a Malbec, a couple of Pinot Noirs, and two Cabernet Sauvignons.

Jessup Cellars is just down the street from Hope & Grace at 6740 Washington Street. Another edgy tasting room filled with great art and such a warm and friendly ambiance. Founded in 1996 by Mark Jessup, Jessup Cellars offers a great lineup of both white and red wines. Concentrating on small production wines, their focus really is on showcasing the individual characteristics of the location where the grapes were grown, often known as terroir. This attention to detail has resulted in some beautifully hand-crafted wines. Jessup Cellars is open daily from 10 – 6.

There are of course, hundreds more wineries to visit in the Napa Valley and surrounding areas and don’t forget the famous Napa Valley Wine Train!

Most of the tasting rooms in Yountville are open daily, with a few exceptions, and the majority of them do not require reservations unless you have a large party. You may want to consider making your reservations for winery tours in Yountville before your trip begins. If you would like to visit wineries in Napa Valley, Napa is only about 18 minutes away by car. Be sure to check out the Best Napa Valley Wineries To Visit.

Art Galleries To Visit

If you are a patron of the arts or an aspiring artist then Yountville has a lot for you to see as well. There are several galleries around town, in addition to all of the local artists featured in the tasting rooms. There is even an art walk as you stroll down Washington Street with art pieces on display throughout the town. You can pick up a map for the Yountville art walk in the Yountville Welcome Center that describes the art and the artists who created it. We walked down Washington Street and actually several of the side streets every morning after breakfast, the views of the mountains were gorgeous, we passed several vineyards along the way and the art gave you the feeling it was part of the landscape. Beautiful, yet natural in it’s surroundings.

Go For A Hot Air Balloon Ride

You traveled to wine country to see the vineyards and the beautiful countryside, why not do it from a bird’s eye perspective? There are several hot air balloon touring companies that provide just that. Soar high in the air over the Mayacamas mountain range, and the valley itself and take in the breathtaking views below, just don’t forget your camera! If you are staying at the Vintage House, they are happy to arrange a hot air balloon ride for you.

Tour the Valley on a Bike

Yountville is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it’s the perfect place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. There are multiple bicycle rental companies in the area, and some hotels even offer complimentary bicycle and e-bike rentals as an amenity. We used the complimentary bikes at Hotel Villago last time we were there and I loved it! Take advantage of the gorgeous landscapes and weather and tour the valley on a bike!

Yountville has something for everyone history, art, shopping, delicious food, gorgeous views, and of course lots of wine. If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway where you can make memories that will last a lifetime, then Yountville is the place for you.