Yountville is considered the culinary heart of Napa Valley. With its world-class restaurants and accommodations, and many of the Valley’s most celebrated wineries, Yountville marries a breathtaking setting and small-town ambiance with a sophisticated Wine Country lifestyle. We stayed at the Vintage House, Yountville Estate, which was superb. It is a inspired boutique hotel with bungalow style abodes tucked amidst the lush landscape of the Estate. Vintage House is a place to lose yourself in the moment, enjoying Napa’s peaceful appeal.
I started the day by walking around this small town, admiring the individual cottages that are so well cared for, with their beautifully manicured gardens. Well renowned chef, Thomas Keller, has 3 restaurants in Yountville; The French Laundry ( which we have a booking for), Bouchon and Ad Hoc. Bouchon has a bakery and there were queues outside the door for most of the morning, and I have to say that I was very tempted to go in myself, after experiencing the wonderful smells of the fresh bread and pastries as I walked past.
After an amazing breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola and freshly baked pastries (possibly from the Bouchon bakery), Tom, Sue and myself headed off to the town of St Helena. It only takes a few steps along Main Street to be charmed by St Helena, where shops, galleries and restaurants make it easy to while away a morning. Off Main Street Charles Krug and Beringer, 2 landmark wineries, call St Helena home.
As we were heading to the French Laundry in the afternoon, a few hours of R and R by the pool were called for. It was so relaxing, and in between dips in the pool, the staff treated us to various treats such as cucumber on our eyes! Rumour has it that it helps with the bags under our eyes!!! I need all the help I can get. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Yountville Estate for making our stay so special.
And now off to the French Laundry!!! We have had this restaurant booked for months and I’m so looking forward to this experience.