The Epicurean – Yountville
Napa Valley’s undisputed culinary capital, with more Michelin stars per capita than any other U.S. locale, Yountville personifies the California wine country lifestyle. Designated an official American Viticultural Area (AVA), the hamlet also houses The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s storied pillar of New American cuisine and seasonal eating, and a bevy of other much-lauded restaurants, tasting rooms, and bakeries. Expect quiet nights followed by an early-morning parade of fitness mavens, from cyclists to runners.
Wine: You may want to linger all day at Cliff Lede Vineyards, where you’ll find blocks of grapes named for legendary rock tunes such as “Moondance” and “Dream On” (and corresponding “Rock Block” blends like Moondance Dream), along with a variety of tasting options. “Walk-ins can partake in bar flights, but those with reservations can opt for exclusive veranda table tastings or imbibe in the VIP tasting room called “Backstage,” which features signed guitars and a changing, rock-themed art exhibit.
Dine: The French Laundry may be Napa Valley’s Mecca, but Keller’s Ad Hoc also delivers – albeit with a more affordable, less complex menu. We also like Michael Chiarello’s Bottega
In homage to Napa’s Italian immigrant heritage, Redd Wood fires up hand-tossed pizzas, and sushi cravers can get an ultrafresh fix at R+D Kitchen.
Stay: As California’s first LEED Platinum-certified hotel, 62-room Bardessono Hotel & Spa has led Napa’s trend toward sustainable tourism. Likewise, its restaurant, Lucy, celebrates quintessential farm-to-fork fare with an on-site garden. You’ll also love the rooftop pool and the Murphy bed-style massage table that comes in each room.
