Wine and Unwinding at Estate Yountville

Yountville is a charming village nestled along State Route 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, just an hour and a half from San Francisco. Founded in 1867, after the European American settler George Yount, who was the first to plant grapes in the region, Yountville is now celebrated for its world-class wineries and farm-to-table cuisine. Often called the “culinary capital” of Napa, Yountville attracts visitors seeking luxury and relaxation. Yet beneath its the vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants lies a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the land’s connection to its Indigenous peoples. In this weekend itinerary, I explore the beauty rituals that reflect Yountville’s ancient ethos, blending nature, modern indulgence, and holistic wellness.

Friday Evening: Arrival to Yountville

Yountville is approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco and 65 miles southwest of Sacramento. We flew into the Oakland Airport and scheduled a car to drive us an hour and a half to our hotel. Alternatively, the VINE Transit Route 29 bus offers routes to Yountville. Depart early to avoid congestion on the freeway. For good weather and fewer crowds, plan your trip in the late spring (April to early June) and or early fall (September to mid-October).

3:00 PM – Arrive at the Estate Yountville

The Estate Yountville (6481 Washington St) is a beautifully landscaped 22-acre resort featuring three exquisite accommodations: Hotel Villagio, Vintage House, and a luxurious five-bedroom villa. Guests can enjoy two exceptional restaurants, multiple event spaces, a champagne-inspired spa, vineyards, tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and two inviting pools, complete with daily food and beverage service.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and began to explore the picturesque grounds. We wandered past olive groves and tranquil fountain pools, making our way to our cozy yet elegant hotel room. Inside, we found mahogany-paneled walls adorned with a stunning headboard and hand-knotted rugs elegantly laid over rich wood plank floors. I took a post-travel bath in the spacious freestanding soaking tub – it was perfect for unwinding after our journey.

5:00 PM – Wine Tastings

After dressing for dinner, we returned to the lobby, where we enjoyed the complimentary wine tasting area at hotel lobby. Available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, this delightful experience allows guests to sample a selection of fine wines. We took in the pool and enjoyed cocktails that were crafted using fresh ingredients sourced from the on-site herb garden, adding a unique touch to each drink.

7:00 PM – Dinner by Thomas Keller
Yountville is most known for the legendary French Laundry (6640 Washington St., Yountville, Ca 94599 ), a three Michelin star restaurant owned by chef Thomas Keller for thirty years. The restaurant offers two nine-course tasting menus daily: the Chef’s Tasting Menu and the vegetarian Tasting of Vegetables. The restaurant’s courtyard offers views of the chefs at work. The building that houses the restaurant was originally built in 1900 as a saloon, then served as a residence, and was later converted into a French steam laundry.

We dined at Ad Hoc (6476 Washington St., Yountville, Ca 94599), another delightful restaurant by chef Thomas Keller, offering a more casual alternative to the fine dining experience at. This eatery specializes in American comfort food, with a menu that changes almost daily to highlight unique seasonal ingredients from local producers. The dining room is adorned with a charming blue awning, and a whimsical sign reads, “For temporary relief from hunger,” inviting guests to indulge in a satisfying meal.

Saturday: A Day of Wellness at Estate Yountville

8:00 AM – Continental Breakfast

The next morning, I rose early and made my way to the lobby of the Estate Yountville, where a generous continental breakfast awaited. The spread featured an array of regional cheeses, international meats, fresh bread, pastries, and fruit. Fresh coffee, tea, and fruit juices were gone by the time breakfast was over at 10AM.

9:00 AM – Morning Yoga at the Estate Yountville
The hotel offered complimentary morning yoga sessions in a clearing within the vineyard, available exclusively for guests. Waking up with a hangover from the previous evening’s libations, I was grateful to have signed up. Surrounded by the lush grapevines, I discovered the perfect opportunity to breathe through my discomfort and restore harmony between my mind, body, and nature.

11:00 AM – Spa Treatment at Rendez Veuve

Rendez Veuve Spa draws inspiration from the region’s surrounding lush vineyards. Adorned in vibrant orange and yellow hues, the spa immediately immerses you in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a refreshing glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne mixed with orange juice and guided through an elegant relaxation lounge, where men’s and women’s facilities are completely separate.

For hotel guests, entrance to the spa facilities is just $35. In my locker, I found plush towels, a cozy robe, and slippers awaiting me. I spent an hour transitioning between eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, dry saunas, and the soothing outdoor jacuzzi. The Swiss experience showers were a highlight, featuring a central rainfall shower head complemented by powerful massage spray heads positioned at varying heights along the walls.

Rendez Veuve Spa also offers private suites for singles and couples, complete with indoor and outdoor fireplaces and cozy lounge areas. One standout treatment, called Crush This, utilizes the potent antioxidants of grape seed extract. Grapes are packed with polyphenols, which have anti-aging properties to refresh your skin and enhance its natural glow.

1:00 PM – Shopping for Local Beauty Products 

Spanning just 1.5 square miles, Yountville is a quaint village where most locations are easily accessible on foot. In the afternoon, we strolled along Washington Street in search of locally made beauty products. Many brands in Napa Valley incorporate vineyard byproducts, such as grape seeds and lavender, into their formulas. Shops like Napa Soap Company offer handcrafted, organic soaps, lotions, and bath products infused with wine and essential oils, celebrating the region’s natural bounty.

5:00 PM – More Dinner by Thomas Keller

In Yountville, Thomas Keller has created a culinary paradise featuring several acclaimed restaurants, each offering a distinct dining experience. Bouchon Bistro is a tribute to the comforting and inviting flavors of traditional French cuisine, showcasing beloved dishes like coq au vin and escargots de Bourgogne. Just a few blocks away, La Calenda transports diners to Oaxaca, highlighting the vibrant and diverse dishes of traditional Mexican cuisine, with influences from the Baja Peninsula, the Nayarit coast, and Veracruz. For those seeking an upscale ambiance, RO Restaurant & Lounge offers an Asian-fusion menu paired with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, creating a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere perfect for a night out.

Sunday: Checking Out of Estate Yountville

10:00 AM – Breakfast in Yountville

It was difficult to find a traditional American breakfast with pancakes and runny eggs. Most of the locations required a reservation. At Bouchon Bakery (6528 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599), a line stretched around the corner as eager customers awaited their turn to order fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and vibrant juices. R+D Kitchen (6795 Washington Street Yountville, California 94599) provides an intimate and unique breakfast experience, perfect for a healthy meal. We were able to walk in to Bistro Jeanty (6510 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599), a beloved 20-year-old farm-to-table French bistro that served in omelettes made with ingredients sourced from local farmers.