13 Best Yountville Wineries and Tasting Rooms: 2024
Yountville, California, in the heart of Napa Valley, is a food and wine lover’s paradise.
The town is named after George Yount who planted the first grapes in Napa Valley in the early 1850s. Today, the Yountville AVA (American Viticultural Area) has over 3,000 acres under vine (mostly on the valley floor) comprising over 100 vineyards.
Yountville wineries are renowned for producing outstanding cabernet sauvignons, merlots, chardonnays, and sauvignon blancs.
As for the food, this small town of less than 5,000 people is a true foodie Mecca.
The first time I visited Yountville, I came with my husband Mike for the sole purpose of eating at the three-Michelin-star French Laundry restaurant. I was in culinary school, and the meal was absolutely amazing. But we quickly realized how many other culinary gems this town had to offer.
Recently, Mike and I returned to explore the restaurants and wineries in Yountville, Napa Valley, once again. The town has changed with the addition of way more wineries than restaurants.
I was surprised how many tasting rooms were downtown, right in the heart of Yountville. You can have a great wine experience at one of these venues or at one of the vineyard settings—or both! I’ve made a list for each.
Exploring the Yountville wineries, tasting rooms, and nearby vineyards
Yountville Wineries with Downtown Tasting Rooms
In the tiny town of Yountville, you can easily partake in a day of wine tasting without ever getting in your car.
Nestled between the town’s best restaurants on Washington Street, more than 15 Yountville tasting rooms offer a variety of exceptional wines to sample in an urban setting.
Between exploring the Yountville restaurants and wineries, we walked up and down Washington numerous times over numerous days. We were delighted to find so many Yountville wineries also offering food pairings. As a foodie first, that’s always a plus for me.
Whether you’re looking for outside patios, artful surroundings, cozy couches, bacon pairings (see #5), or other yummy nibbles, this list will help you find the best wine tasting Yountville has for you.
1. Hill Family Estate
Hill Family Estate’s Secret Garden Tour in Yountville starts in the impressive garden.
As the name suggests, Hill Family Estate is a family-owned winery. It is run by Doug, Carly, and Ryan Hill. Originally a grape-farming family, the Hills feel a deep connection to the land and to farming in general.
So much so that they offer one of the most unique wine tours—a Secret Garden Tour. You start at their expansive garden and finish at the Hill family’s Yountville tasting room downtown with a tasting.
The garden is an oasis of fruit trees, vegetables, and a wide variety of herbs. For years, because of its proximity to The French Laundry, I thought the garden belonged to Chef Thomas Keller. It turns out that the garden does indeed supply the famous restaurant, but it is owned by the Hill family.
You don’t need to do the tour to visit the tasting room; we just walked in. The day we were there, the tasting consisted of 5 different wines: sparkling rosé, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon.
If you prefer to taste at the vineyard, you can do that too, but only by appointment.
Appointments: Required for tours and vineyard; recommended for the Yountville tasting room.
Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM
Address: 6512 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
2. Handwritten Wines
Handwritten Wines, a boutique winery with a tasting facility in what is known as the SOYO house
Handwritten Wines is one of the top-notch boutique wineries for cabernet sauvignon in Napa. Committed to honoring traditions like handwritten letters—each with its own unique script, tone, and message—Handwritten Wines believe in crafting each vintage into a unique wine.
Two types of tastings are offered: the Classic Experience and the Bread and Butter Experience. Both are side-by-side comparisons of the winery’s Napa Valley hillside and mountain district cabernet sauvignons. In addition, both experiences are accompanied by white truffle potato chips.
I’ll do just about anything for the taste of white truffles—and day-drinking some delicious red wines hardly counts as a sacrifice in the pursuit of such a worthy goal.
The Bread and Butter tasting kicks the food up a notch by adding bread (a Bouchon Bakery baguette) and butter (3 artisan domestic butters), as well as a Coppa salame and P'tit Basque cheese.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
Address: 6494 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
3. Jessup Cellars
Jessup Cellars, a Yountville winery whose tasting space doubles as an art gallery
Jessup Cellars is know as one of the friendliest tasting rooms in Yountville. And when we visited, indeed, we had a very friendly experience.
The Jessup tasting room is just as much an art gallery as it is a place to sip wine. You can choose the wine alone, or a paired cheese plate is available. If you’re a cheese lover like me, this is a no-brainer.
You can taste at the bar, or sit at a table surrounded by the works of celebrated regional and national artists. When we stopped in, there was also a wall of paintings done by children, which was part of a Jessup Cellars community project.
Insider Tip: Look at Jessup’s online calendar for free events like artist receptions.
Appointments: Recommended
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
Address: 6740 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
4. Silver Trident Winery
The Silver Trident Winery in Yountville has a Ralph Lauren showroom for its tastings.
Silver Trident Winery calls its tasting room a “tasting home.” The idea is to create the most welcoming experience for their guests.
You won’t find the typical bar or standing areas. Instead, there are rooms filled with Ralph Lauren furnishings like comfy couches and chairs.
The basic Silver Trident wine tasting showcases a flight of five new releases: sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, a red blend, and two cabernet sauvignons.
In addition to the wine flight, you can opt for the Potato Chip Extravaganza and add chips to your sips. For $15, you’ll receive five different varieties of artisanal potato chips paired with your wines.
The most unique experience might just be the one available for your dog. But don’t worry, your furry friend will not being drinking wine, just enjoying some water and four gourmet dog treats.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM
Address: 6484 Washington St, Suite G, Yountville, CA 94599
5. Priest Ranch Wine
The bacon and wine pairing is the most popular tasting experience at Priest Ranch.
One of the things I like about Priest Ranch is that the winery makes some unique varietals like petit verdot that you won’t find at the neighboring wineries.
But what I like best about Priest Ranch is that they’re one of the best wineries in Yountville for foodies. They offer several different food and wine pairings where the wine enhances the flavors of the food and the food enhances the wine.
The friendly staff guides the experiences—they are true wine educators!
Pairing choices include cheese and charcuterie, caviar, chocolate, and the most popular option: bacon. The bacon tasting pairs four distinct thick cuts of pork belly with four carefully selected wines. If you’re a bacon lover, Priest Ranch is sure to be one of your favorite stops on this urban wine trail.
You’ll definitely need these: Charcuterie Board Quotes
Appointments: Recommended
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
Address: 6490 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
6. Hope & Grace Wines, Napa Valley
Hope & Grace’s house-like tasting room in downtown Yountville
One of the smaller wineries in Napa Valley, Hope & Grace focuses on limited-production, single-vineyard wines, particularly pinot noirs, cabernet sauvignons, malbecs, sauvignon blancs, chardonnays, and dry rieslings.
Their Yountville tasting room is the perfect blend of elegance and coziness. With its warm wooden accents, comfortable seating, and beautiful art pieces adorning the walls, the tasting facility creates an intimate setting for guests to enjoy their wine-tasting experience.
The personalized tasting experience is guided by passionate and knowledgeable staff who share the stories behind each wine, providing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Napa Valley's terroir.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: 6540 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
7. Stewart Cellars
The stone buildings of Stewart Cellars that beckoned me in
I am a sucker for stone buildings. So when we passed by Stewart Cellars’ facade, I knew we needed to go inside.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by wine experts who guide them through a curated selection of tasting flights, highlighting the winery's flagship varietals and exclusive releases.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Stewart’s cabernet sauvignons are so highly rated. Many were awarded scores in the 90s by top wine magazines. Wine Enthusiast even rated the 2021 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Nomad Cabernet Sauvignon a 98!
I like most types of wine, but my biggest weakness is for the bold cabernet sauvignons that you can only find in Napa Valley. If this sounds like you too, Stewart Cellars should be on your list.
(Sorry, Temecula, Lake County, Malibu, Paso Robles, and Anderson Valley! I still love to come visit and enjoy your great wines, but they are not Napa cabs. Luckily, they are also not priced like Napa cabs.)
Appointments: Recommended
Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM
Address: 6752 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Yountville Wineries With Tasting Rooms at Their Vineyards
It is incredibly convenient (and safe) to walk through the town of Yountville, but if you’re seeking the best wine tasting in all of Yountville, I urge you to venture out to at least one of the wineries below.
There’s just something magical about being among the vines that elevates the experience.
Like the downtown Yountville wineries, these tasting rooms offer a variety of different wine varietals, pairing experiences, and types of ambience.
8. Domaine Chandon
Fun times at Yountville’s best winery for sparkling, Chandon
Years ago, the first time I visited Domaine Chandon I had a glorious time sipping sparkling wines in their wonderful outdoor area. It really is one of the most beautiful wineries in Yountville!
In fact, I have such fond memories I was hesitant to return since I didn’t want to be disappointed. I wasn’t—coming back to Chandon was one of our best experiences in Yountville!
Since 1973, Chandon has been a sparkling wine pioneer in Napa Valley. Today, it is still the best winery Yountville has for bubbles, regularly receiving scores in the 90s from Wine Spectator for their wines. They offer too many types of tastings to list—everything from just wines to small snacks to a 5-course lunch to a gourmand feast in a cabana. Whichever you select, my guess is you’ll have a new favorite bubbly when you leave.
Appointments: Recommended
Hours: M/Tue/W: 10 AM to 4 PM; Thur–Sun: 10 AM to 5 PM
Address: 1 California Dr, Yountville, CA 94599
9. Bell Wine Cellars
Sip among the vineyards in Yountville at Bell Wine Cellars
When we walked up to Bell Wine Cellars, a friendly foursome was enjoying their wines so much that they felt it necessary to tell us that Bell was one of the best wineries Yountville locals love.
Nope, we hadn’t asked them. But it was something I would have done if I were a local, loved the winery, and a couple who were obviously tourists walked up. (Hmmm . . . why was it so obvious?)
What makes Bell so special is their attention to detail when it comes to grapes. They go beyond single appellation and single vineyard, and lead Napa Valley in single-clone cabernet production.
In layman’s terms, they aspire to make the best wines by cultivating superior grapes. If this interests you, Bell offers a Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Tasting—the only one of its kind that I’ve run across.
Additionally, their Glass to Grape Tour is one of the most comprehensive in Yountville. Stroll the the vineyard where an informative guide explains the farming, terroir, and climate relationship. Then you’ll see the barrels and tanks, and end with a tasting of five wines.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM
Address: 6200 Washington St, Napa, CA 94558
10. Goosecross Cellars
The vineyards that lead to the main building at Goosecross Cellars
Between Washington Street and the Silverado Trail, Goosecross Cellars welcomes everyone from the seasoned oenophile to the curious novice.
On a nice day, taste on the outdoor patio and admire the stunning views of the estate vineyards, Yountville Hills, and the Mayacamas Mountain Range. It’s like living the picture postcard of Napa wine country.
Goosecross also offers an exclusive cabernet sauvignon tasting, and a food and wine pairing that consists of expertly selected cheeses and charcuterie.
Although Goosecross produces chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, and even a bubbly brut, they specialize in small-batch limited-production reds, with cabernet sauvignon at the forefront.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM
Address: 1119 State Ln, Yountville, CA 94599
11. Cliff Lede Vineyards
Whether tasting on the patio or in the Backstage Tasting Lounge, cabernet fans will love this Yountville winery.
Cliff Lede Vineyards offers wine enthusiasts and music lovers a truly unique tasting experience.
Every vineyard block at Cliff Lede is named after a famous rock song or album, like “Pin Ball Wizard” or “Dark Side of the Moon.” This is the music I grew up with, so I find the “Rock Blocks,” as they are called, particularly fun.
The music theme is played out in other areas of the winery, particularly in the Backstage Tasting Lounge with signed guitars on display and other music-related art décor.
But the real rock star of this show is the winery’s Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, whose grapes come from a steep hillside in the Stags Leap District. This wine is so remarkable it has been awarded multiple 100-point scores from wine critics!
The winery has a myriad of tasting offerings (including private tastings), vineyard tours, and wine clubs. Real cab fans, if there’s a tasting in your budget, be sure to do one here.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM
Address: 1473 Yountville Cross Rd, Yountville, CA 94599
Wineries Near Yountville
The two Napa Valley wineries below are technically not in Yountville. However, they both have strong culinary ties and are close to town, so I thought they deserved a mention.
12. Kelleher Family Vineyard
The Kelleher gardens, one of the most picturesque places to taste wine in Napa Valley
If you’re looking for some of the best wine tasting near Yountville, Kelleher Family Vineyard is just 2 miles from town.
Kelleher Family owns their vineyard and Brix restaurant on the same property. This means you have lots of options.
Do a traditional tasting of just wine. Have a wine and cheese or other food pairing. Sit in the restaurant and have lunch with wine. Or grab a glass and sit and sip in the picturesque garden.
The latter is usually my choice. I love roaming through the herbs and veggies to find the perfect spot to view the vineyards. Last time I got to talk to the sous chef who came out to pick some mint.
Appointments: Required for tasting experiences.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM; Brix serves lunch & dinner every day but Tuesday.
Address: 7377 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
13. Trefethen Family Vineyards
For a taste of old school Napa Valley, visit Trefethen.
When we drove through the entry gates toward the large mansion-like structure ahead, Trefethen felt like a grand estate. The setting is definitely old school Napa Valley. That doesn’t mean stuffy—au contraire: It’s a very friendly winery that happens to have a giant house and impressive history.
In 1968, the Trefethens were pioneers in the Napa Valley wine industry, and in 1979 they shocked even themselves when they won the World Wine Olympics in Paris for best chardonnay.
Now, three generations later, the family still runs the business, and they are one of the most culinarily oriented wineries out there. And this is not a new thing.
Back in the day, Julia Child was hosted by Janet Trefethen. The Napa Valley Cooking Class was conducted at Trefethen for 25 years. The late Michael Chiarello filmed his Emmy-award-winning cooking show Easy Entertaining at Trefethen. The French Laundry’s Thomas Keller has his own garden on the estate.
Trefethen’s gastronomic roots are also evident in the winery’s Taste the Estate at The Villa experience. In this gustatory exploration, the Trefethen winery chef highlights the seasonal produce from the on-site garden with a pairing of five of the estate’s finest wines.
Appointments: Required
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Address: 1160 Oak Knoll Ave, Napa, CA 94558
When Visiting Yountville Wineries, Stay at The Cottages of Napa Valley
The best place to stay in Yountville, The Cottages of Napa Valley
On our last trip to Yountville, we stayed at The Cottages of Napa Valley and had an incredible experience. With just eight cozy cottages on site, this is no ordinary hotel or even a B&B—it’s a relaxing, romantic retreat.
Each cottage has been lovingly restored by the hands of owner Mike Smith. You’ll usually find him riding his bike or walking around the grounds at some point in the day.
Take the time to talk to him, as he has a wealth of great information about the property and Napa Valley. During our talk and throughout our stay, I really felt the love he put into creating this hidden gem.
The Cottages
Our cottage, just minutes from downtown Yountville tasting rooms, wineries, and restaurants
Our cottage was so spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated inside and out, I think I could live there.
Inside our cozy cabin. Note, “cozy” does not mean small!
In the main room, we had everything we needed, including a plush king bed, large couch, TV, music system, fireplace, worktable, and small kitchenette with a fridge.
What makes it even more “livable” for me is the large bathroom. With a separate soaking tub and shower, a sink two people could use at once, plush bathrobes, and luxurious L’Occitane products, I was in heaven.
Our patio in front of our cottage
Outside the side door, we had a porch with table and chairs and a swing bench. Outside the front door we had chairs and a chiminea.
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I was tempted everyday to just hang out at The Cottages and not leave. Especially on checkout day!
The Food
We ate a hearty sweet and savory breakfast every morning at The Cottages of Napa Valley.
To begin with, we had a bucket full of goodies likes nuts, chocolate, and snack bars on our kitchen table when we arrived. Even better, there was also a bottle of local white wine in the fridge—along with sodas and waters. But what I most appreciated was that a breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, and tea was included daily.
For a savory breakfast, farm fresh eggs are available in the communal fridge in the clubhouse and sliced ham and cheese are also provided. To supplement your savory, or if you prefer a more French-style breakfast, scrumptious pastries from Bouchon Bakery are delivered each morning.
Even though I tend to choose savory over sweet, these pastries were one of the highlights of my day. The croissants were the best I’ve had stateside, and believe me, I’ve had more than my share of French pastries. I appreciated them even more after I saw the long line at Bouchon that I did not have to wait in!
The Location
A communal area at our favorite B&B in Yountville
The central location of The Cottages is perfect for exploring the restaurants and wineries in Yountville.
The inn even has bicycles (first come first serve) to pop into town with or ride to the wineries.
But if you prefer to drive, the downtown Yountville wineries and restaurants are just a few minutes away, and there is ample free parking available.
If you are looking to venture a little further to Oakville, St. Helena, or other Napa wineries, The Cottages will serve as an excellent hub for the entire Napa Valley.
We had a truly wonderful time at The Cottages, the perfect place to stay while you play in Yountville and beyond!
Check rates and availability here : The Cottages of Napa Valley
Cheers and Bon Appétit!
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