One Day: Yountville

The Yountville district is just south of Oakville.  Being closer to the bay, it is exposed to slightly cooler conditions at the end of the day and earlier morning.  Both Cabernet and Merlot grapes do well in this district.  Many wineries have set up tasting rooms in the town of Yountville to make wine-tasting by foot easier.  The main highway by-passes Yountville’s downtown, so you’ll need to exit the highway and scoot to the east about one block to visit what the area has to offer.  You’ll also encounter many of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants here, including the French Laundry restaurant.
Domain Chandon (California Drive)  www.chandon.com
If you enjoy bubbles and good architecture, Domain Chandon features the best of seventies architecture blending the building into the landscape.  The tasting room features floor to ceiling glass looking out over their gardens and opening onto a lush patio.  A pond surrounds the entrance to the facility and is landscaped with a mixture of beautiful foliage and inspired art worked into the landscape.  Inside you can enjoy sparkling wines or some of their fine Pinot Noirs.
Bell Cellars (Washington Street)  www.bellwine.com
This boutique winery at the south end of town lies across Highway 29 from Elyse, right near Hoffman Lane.  They produce a number of Bordeaux-styled blends and Cabernets, as well as white wines and Syrahs.  You’ll find picnic tables and a bocce ball court for outdoor fun.  Because of their small size, they ask that you make a reservation in advance of your visit.
Elyse (Hoffman Lane)  www.elysewinery.com
Located just south of the Yountville fire station on the west side of Highway 29, Elyse operates a modest winery and tasting room producing a number of delicious Rhone varietals and blends, as well as Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Because they are so small, they ask that you make a reservation prior to your visit, although they are quite accommodating on slower afternoons during the week.  Watch for the winery dog who likes to lend a hand (paw?) to the winery crew.
Ma(i)sonry Building Tasting Room (Washington Street)  www.maisonry.com
This is a great place to relax, enjoy some larger works of art, and explore wines made at nearly a dozen different wineries in Napa Valley, all of good to excellent quality.  You can enjoy your taste in the garden and even order a lunch to accompany it.  Order one of their many standard tasting flights highlighting one or two wineries, or ask to see the wine menu and compose a flight of your own choosing.  You will need to make an appointment for your visit at the website or by phone.

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