One of Napa Valley’s enduring appeals is its timeless quality. The region’s celebrated wineries take a long view of the business, often operating over multiple generations. But look closely and you’ll find thoughtful investments, new experiences, and fresh takes on wine country cuisine. Over the last year, some exciting changes have been afoot in this small Yountville community. Now is a great time to check out what’s new and noteworthy.
Mad Fritz Opens Tap House in Yountville
This summer, Napa Valley’s most creative brewery, Mad Fritz, opened a small tasting space next to Jessup Cellars. Experience these hyperlocal beers from the highly regarded winemaking/brewing duo of Nile Zacherle and Whitney Fisher that express a sense of place. Reservations are not required, but space is limited. Currently, the ‘Tap House’ is open Thursday through Sunday, 12-7 p.m. Dogs on leash are allowed.
6270 Washington St., Yountville.
RO Restaurant & Lounge Opens with Asian-Inspired Twist
RO Restaurant & Lounge is a newest destination from Chef Thomas Keller and Chef de Cuisine Jeffery Hayashi offering Asian-inspired cuisine with a California twist at the level you expect from the Thomas Keller Group. The menu is full of sharable plates making RO a great place to start or end the night. Menu highlights include Hokkaido Uni Toast, Artichoke Custard, Wolfe Ranch BBQ Quail and Shave Ice for dessert. Or try a tasting of Regiis Ova caviar paired with a Champagne flight or an elegantly prepared cocktail from the bar. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3-11 p.m., reservations are available and walk ins can be accommodated.
6480 Washington Street, Yountville
(707) 947-7181
Chandon Adds Brunch Sundays
In addition to the stunning renovation of their property and hospitality program this year, Chandon has recently added a delicious Sunday Brunch experience. The three-course menu starts off with seasonal small plates, followed by a choice of brunch classics with a Chandon twist, and dessert straight from the garden. The experience includes three wines and is for guests 21 and older. Available Sundays for up to 8 guests.
1 California Dr, Yountville
(888) 242-6366
The Rendez Veuve Spa opens at The Estate Yountville
That’s ‘Veuve’, as in the one-and-only Veuve Cliquot Champagne. Napa Valley’s first and only spa of its kind, the picturesque Rendez Veuve Spa is where Champagne flows as freely as the possibilities for relaxation (and a great photo backdrop). The Champagne brand’s iconic and unmistakable tangerine color appears throughout the spa. Try a signature Veuve Massage or Veuve Facial, each tailored to the needs of the individual guest. The expert team has partnered with the most results-oriented skin and body care lines to deliver both relaxation and a bit of that Champagne glow. Closed Tuesdays.
6481 Washington St., Yountville
(707) 948-5050
Silver Trident Gets a New Space, Same Country Manor Elegance
In its former location, Silver Trident gained a reputation for their richly layered wines as well as the stylish living room appointed with Ralph Lauren Home Collection. That recognizable Ralph Lauren esthetic carries over to the new location at 6484 Washington Street, across the street from RO Restaurant & Lounge. Inspired by timeless country estates, the new ‘Tasting Home’ includes a main reception area and two private tasting rooms where hosts share classic flights of current releases as well as surprising tasting experiences like the Pizza Pairing or Potato Chip Extravaganza. Not to worry, the new Silver Trident space still features furnishings from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, including beautifully restored antique furniture, stylish contemporary pieces, evocative decorative elements, and artwork—all of which is available for purchase. The Tasting Home is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6484 Washington Street, Yountville
(707) 945-0311
Bell Wine Cellars Rewards Midweek Guests
Famous for their small-lot wines, Bell Wine Cellars offers spectacular views and gracious hospitality. Their Grape to Glass Tour and Tasting gives guests an intimate look farming and winemaking of wines made from single genetic clones of the cabernet sauvignon variety. While ‘single-clone’ wines might sound like a science fiction movie, suffice it say, this approach to winemaking allows for remarkable consistency in the wines. New this summer, the winery offers the Grape to Glass Tour and Tasting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at a reduced fee of just $35 per person. (Normally $60). Midweek is an ideal time to visit Napa Valley, especially during harvest season — historically when weekends are busiest. Reservations are required.
6200 Washington Street, Yountville
(707) 944-1673
More Noteworthy Updates
- Kelly’s Filling Station is Now Honor Market (6795 Washington St) Still the best place to fill up on gas, hot dogs, handmade stationery, pastries, and magnums of Billecart-Salmon.
- Hillstone Home (6795 Washington Street) has everything you never knew you absolutely needed — stunning coffee table books, candles, kitchen items, leather goods and gifts, and furniture.
- Priest Ranch Opens The Kitchen at Priest Ranch (6488 Washington St) Earlier this year, Priest Ranch — well known for their bacon and wine pairing — opened The Kitchen at Priest Ranch open for both breakfast and lunch.
- Yountville Canine Commons Opens (6554 Yount St, Yountville). As part of a plan to establish a formal off-leash dog park, the Town of Yountville has created a fully-fenced interim dog park on the site of the former elementary school with water, shade, and seating.
When planning a trip to Napa Valley, make time for exploring some of the newest offerings at these businesses and beyond. Bookmark this page for more inspiration throughout the year.