Yountville’s 3,000 residents and Napa Valley residents at large love Yountville’s small-town feel, walkable art lined streets, world-class dining, and easy-going, yet elegant vibe. For visitors of Yountville, the locals have one tip – do as the locals do. Take your time, talk to your neighbor, and enjoy all that this town has to offer. Whether you’re looking for something to sip, eat, a pick-me-up, or a great boutique, it’s easy to find the local favorites—they are all around you.
Sip
Local industry leaders know that Yountville is a great place to grab a glass of wine, cocktail, or non-alcoholic libation. You’ll find locals from throughout Napa Valley (including some famous winemakers) enjoying a post-work glass with friends and colleagues at favorites like Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon, Bottega, RH Yountville, and R+D Kitchen. Say hello to the person next to you. You never know; it might be the person who makes your favorite wine.
When it comes to stocking their wine cellars, locals look to Wine Country Connection for their selection of hard to find local and international wines hand-picked by an expert tasting panel with deep wine industry connections. Part wine shop and part tasting room, Wine Country Connection offers tasting flights curated to your palate from noon to 6 p.m. Or pick up a special bottle to enjoy at your dinner reservation. No reservations necessary. (6484 Washington St. Suite E, next to the Yountville Welcome Center)
Eat
Home to world-renown restaurants, Yountville is the culinary heart of Napa Valley and locals cherish these pinnacles of fine dining. But day-to-day, it is the approachable fare that Napa Valley and Yountville residents seek out.
Priest Ranch tasting room burst onto the scene with their fan-favorite Bacon and Wine Experience, so it is no surprise that the new The Kitchen at Priest Ranch (6844 Washington St.) has become an instant favorite among locals and visitors. Serving a menu of seasonal and locally-sourced American favorites from the mind of executive chef Dan Solomon, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch is open Wednesday to Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Tuesdays. Try their breakfast all day menu or dive into the KPR Smashburger.
Part of the esteemed Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, La Calenda (6518 Washington St.) prides itself on being a community-driven restaurant welcoming friends and families in for traditional Oaxacan cuisine with highlights from a range of Mexican regions, including the Baja Peninsula, the Nayarit coast, and Veracruz. Locals love the selection of margaritas, especially during ‘Happy Hora’ on Wednesday-Friday, and the house-made tortillas. Or try the fresh made brunch menu Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Housed in an iconic Yountville century-old grocery store, Ciccio (6770 Washinton St.) serves up California-Italian inspired fare from wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and locally grown salads under the direction of famed Chef Christopher Kostow and his wife Martina. Locals love to hit Cicco’s early upon opening (open 5 to 9 p.m.) for a seat at the bar for a freshly fired pizza paired with a classic Negroni.
Celebrating more than 40 years, Mustards Grill (7399 St. Helena Highway) is synonymous with Napa Valley. For four decades, this Yountville mainstay has served local winemakers, vineyard managers, wine industry executives alongside visitors seeking the authentic Napa Valley dining experience. Today, Mustards is still the place to go for a heaping plate of honest but sophisticated American fare washed down with a glass of the valley’s finest. Pick from their wine list entitled “Way Too Many Wines” and you can’t be disappointed.
Shop and More
Great boutiques and perfectly curated markets are a hallmark of Napa Valley. Shop these local favorites on your next visit to the region.
At Alchemy Works, the Napa Valley outpost of this Southern California retailer, locals shop accessories, unique housewares and gifts, and clothing for that effortless Napa Valley casual vibe. Find on trend apparel from brands like Apiece Apart, Clare V, Mille, Not Monday, Cleobella, and more. (6540 Washington St.)
Yountville’s three star Michelin restaurant French Laundry recently celebrated 30 years with a star-studded event featuring chefs from around the country, leading winemakers, and culinary leaders. Even if you weren’t there, you can shop like you were. Finesse, The Store by Thomas Keller (6540 Washington St.), has a full 30th anniversary collection, including this understated French Laundry 30th Anniversary Special Edition Tote, seen on the arms of some of Napa Valley’s chicest newsmakers.
Fill up on gas and a whole lot more before heading out for your winery visit at Honor Market (6795 Washington St). Locals love the coffee, morning scones, takeaway lunch items, as well as a terrific magazine stand and stationery from Ivy Paperie, a Yountville-based and woman-owned paper company. Before packing for your trip home, grab locally-produced specialty items as well as a broad selection of wines.
Locally-owned since 1977, Ranch Market Too! is where locals shop for groceries as well as locally-produced specialty items and a great selection of Bay Area brewed beers. Located adjacent to the market, Velo Deli & Pizzeria is a great option for a fresh made deli sandwich or a slice of pizza.
More Pick Me Ups
When it comes to an afternoon coffee and a sweet treat, longtime names in Napa Valley Bouchon Bakery and Mini Model (Model Bakery’s Yountville outpost) are beloved by visitors and locals alike.
At the north end of town, Madeleine’s Macarons (6752 Washington St.) was born out of a husband’s desire to give his wife her favorite treat for Valentine’s Day. Today, Madeleine’s Macarons (named for the couple’s daughter) is beloved by locals for their crepes, coffees, and, of course, the lighter than air macarons. Treat yourself to the Coffee and Macaron tasting, a delightful twist on the classic Napa Valley tasting experience.
For 13 years, Chef Chris Kollar and his team has created the finest chocolates that locals say make the best gifts. You’ll find Kollar Chocolates featured at numerous Napa Valley winery tasting experiences, but stop by the shop (6525 Washington St.) and watch the team create artisan chocolate perfection.
The Town of Yountville is located approximately 9 miles north of the City of Napa. There are numerous accommodation options from boutique lodging to ultimate luxury accommodations available. Regardless of where you stay, the town is imminently walkable with lots to explore. Do as the locals do. Adopt a slower pace and linger at your favorite haunt. Napa Valley will begin to feel like home.