Summer is in full swing in Yountville and the Napa Valley. Days are longer and the weather is heating up. It is the perfect time to perfect your passeggiata while exploring Yountville. Passeggiata is the Italian tradition of strolling through town and taking in the beauty that life has to offer. With its blooming flowers, eclectic buildings, picturesque vineyard views and friendly locals Yountville is the perfect place to relax, and take in the beauty of life.
Start off your car free day with one of Yountville’s many breakfast options. If you are looking for a sit down full breakfast, complete with a bloody mary cart, head to Lucy Restaurant and Bar inside the LEED certified Bardessono. If you want to do what the locals do stop by Southside Cafe (on the north side of town) for their stone fruit toast or ham breakfast sandwich. If a pastry is more your style stop at the famous Bouchon Bakery for a croissant or at Mini Model Bakery for an english muffin, one of Oprah’s favorite things!
The most important part of your passeggiata will, of course, be wine! In less than one strolling mile, you can choose from 15 tasting rooms, offering wines not only from Yountville and Napa Valley but from around the world. You can experience everything from a small production Cabernet Sauvignon house to a large production winery that is a household name, and everything in between. Stop into Wine Country Connection and chat with Kevin Vogt, owner and Master Sommelier, about the difference between old world and new world wines. If you are looking for a walk-in, sit-down experience, stroll over to Silver Trident Winery and relax in the Ralph Lauren Home furnished tasting room while savoring their fantastic Pinot Noir. If something more eccentric and exclusive is your style, book a tasting at JCB Salon Privé and experience the true meaning of luxury.
If you are in town for a few days pick up a Wine Walk Map at any of the Yountville tasting rooms to get the most out of your tasting experiences. Collect stamps at each tasting location and when you reach 5, 10, 15 or all 17, head to the Yountville Welcome Center to redeem fun prizes that will remind you of your time spent in Yountville.
No passeggiata is complete without gelato and Yountville is lucky enough to boast two gelato places! For traditional gelato and sorbet wander to Ottimo! behind V Marketplace. If you are chocolate fan then go inside V Marketplace to Kollar Chocolates and watch Chris Kollar’s team make their local chocolate truffles while picking out your gelato. With gelato in hand stroll down the street and explore The French Laundry Gardens.
If you need a break from your passeggiata stop into one of Yountville’s famed restaurants. Indulge in the best tomato soup at Bistro Jeanty or the Polenta sotto Vetro, polenta under glass, at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega. If you are craving sushi, stop at R&D Kitchen for a margarita and thai tuna roll. No matter where you dine you will be greeted with excellent service and delicious food.
When you have finished your passeggiata head back to one of Yountville’s premiere accommodations. Whether you are looking for a small country inn or a five star resort Yountville has something to suit everyone’s needs.
Seeing Yountville by foot, is truly the perfect way to explore this world famous destination.