Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is a picture-perfect town that captures the essence of wine country charm. Known for its world-class restaurants, elegant tasting rooms, and laid-back sophistication, Yountville is just a few minutes from The Cottages of Napa Valley—and it’s the perfect destination for a day of relaxed exploration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Napa traveler, here’s how to enjoy a perfect day in Yountville, starting and ending at your cozy home base.
8:00 AM – Morning Wake-Up at The Cottages
At The Cottages of Napa Valley, mornings begin with a warm basket of Bouchon Bakery pastries delivered right to your doorstep. You can also enjoy complimentary locally-sourced, organic eggs! Sip your coffee by the fire pit or enjoy breakfast on your private porch as the valley begins to stir. If you’re up early, take a peaceful walk down Darms Lane. The quiet and the cool morning air are pure serenity. You might even catch some hot air balloons passing above!
Optional: If you want to get to Yountville around 9:30AM, you can enjoy the iconic Yountville Art Walk. It’s a self guided tour. Read more here.
10:30 AM – Garden Tour and Olive Oil Tasting at Round Pond Estate
A short drive from Yountville, Round Pond Estate in Rutherford offers more than just exquisite wines and olive oils—it provides a journey through Napa Valley’s rich history. Established in the early 1980s by Bob and Jan MacDonnell, the estate began with a 28.5-acre vineyard known as the “MacDonnell Block” . Over the years, the family expanded their holdings, cultivating over 350 acres of premium grapevines and more than 2,000 Mediterranean olive trees.
The estate’s land boasts a storied past. Originally part of the “Rutherford tract,” it was owned by Lizzie Rutherford, granddaughter of Napa Valley pioneer George Yount. In the early 20th century, the property served as St. Joseph’s Agricultural Institute, a school and farm for underprivileged boys from San Francisco, teaching them various agricultural practices, including viticulture.
Today, Round Pond Estate is managed by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, siblings Ryan and Miles, who continue their parents’ legacy of sustainable farming and artisanal production . Visitors can enjoy a guided garden tour, exploring the estate’s lush landscapes, followed by an olive oil tasting at their state-of-the-art mill—one of only two in Napa Valley. Here, you’ll sample their award-winning oils and vinegars, crafted using traditional methods that highlight the estate’s commitment to quality and heritage.
Reservations recommended. https://www.roundpond.com
12:00 PM – Lunch at R+D Kitchen
Located at 6795 Washington Street, R+D Kitchen is a standout dining destination in Yountville, offering a blend of classic American fare with a modern twist. Established in 2013 by the Hillstone Restaurant Group—renowned for upscale eateries like Rutherford Grill—R+D Kitchen was conceived as a culinary “research and development” hub, allowing chefs to innovate and refine dishes that often become staples across Hillstone’s portfolio.
The Yountville location is particularly notable for its architectural design, crafted by the Los Angeles-based firm Assembledge+. Drawing inspiration from Napa Valley’s winery aesthetics, the restaurant features warm wood and stone materials, barrel-vaulted ceilings reminiscent of wine barrels, and expansive windows that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces. This design ethos creates an inviting atmosphere that complements the region’s natural beauty.
Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from fresh sushi rolls to hearty sandwiches and salads. Signature items include the French dip sandwich and the R+D Chicken and Spinach salad, both of which have garnered a loyal following. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness is evident in its daily sourcing of ingredients and the absence of freezers, ensuring that each dish is made from scratch.
For those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience, R+D Kitchen’s shaded patio, complete with Adirondack chairs and fire pits, offers the perfect setting to savor a leisurely lunch paired with a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc.
https://rd-kitchen.com/locations/yountville/
1:30 PM – Wine Tasting at Stewart Cellars
Right across the street, Stewart Cellars offers a stylish and welcoming tasting room with flights that highlight single-vineyard Napa Valley wines. Their outdoor Heritage Tasting area, complete with fireplaces and cozy seating, makes for an intimate experience.
This is wine tasting the way it should be: no rush, no crowds, just good wine and great conversation.
3:00 PM – Retail Therapy and Chocolate Indulgence
Take a leisurely stroll down Washington Street to explore Yountville’s charming boutiques. Pop into Montecristi Panama Hats, visit the stylish Napa Style shop, or browse home goods at Alchemy Works.
Don’t miss Kollar Chocolates for a little mid-afternoon decadence. Their hand-crafted truffles are almost too pretty to eat—almost.
4:30 PM – Wine Tasting at RH Yountville
For a final tasting of the day, head to RH Yountville, a luxurious five-building compound that seamlessly blends food, wine, art, and design. Opened in 2018 by RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), this establishment marks the company’s first standalone restaurant and a significant expansion into hospitality. The compound includes an indoor-outdoor restaurant, two boutique design galleries, a wine and barista bar, and the historic Masonry building, now transformed into a two-story Wine Vault.
The Masonry building itself dates back to 1904 and was originally constructed for Charles Rovegno by local stonemason Angelo Brovelli. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including operating as the Burgundy House Inn for over three decades. Today, the restored building features a 24-foot cedar ceiling, rough-cut fieldstone walls, and a monumental limestone bar, offering a curated selection of rare, limited-production wines from top valley producers.
The restaurant, designed by architect James Gillam of Backen & Gillam, offers a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu curated by restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff. Diners can enjoy their meals under a soaring glass roof, surrounded by heritage olive trees, crystal chandeliers, and trickling fountains, all set within lush garden courtyards.
This integration of culinary excellence, historical architecture, and sophisticated design makes RH Yountville a must-visit destination, providing a serene and inspiring atmosphere to reflect on your day’s adventures in Napa Valley.
6:00 PM – Return to The Cottages for a Sunset Refresh
Head back to your cottage to relax, freshen up, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine on your porch as the sun sets over the vines. The Cottages are made for this—quiet moments, cozy spaces, and golden light.
7:30 PM – Dinner at Bouchon Bistro
No visit to Yountville is complete without dining at one of Thomas Keller’s iconic restaurants. Bouchon Bistro offers a Parisian-style experience with dishes like steak frites, roast chicken, and their famous French onion soup.
Be sure to make reservations well in advance—this charming spot fills up fast.
https://thomaskeller.com/bouchonyountville/
9:30 PM – Nightcap by the Fire Pit
Back at The Cottages, wind down with a nightcap or s’mores by the fire pit- or a soak in your clawfoot tub. The stars above, the quiet of the evening, and the satisfaction of a day well spent will stay with you long after your visit ends.
Bonus Tips for Guests:
- Many places in Yountville are within walking or biking distance—take advantage of the complimentary bikes at The Cottages!
- Consider booking spa services in your room for a little extra indulgence.
- Ask the Cottages concierge about private tastings or behind-the-scenes experiences—they can help you unlock special access.
Yountville is a gem that invites you to slow down and savor. From first light to late-night fireside chats, your perfect day here is waiting. And with The Cottages of Napa Valley as your home base, every detail is designed to make you feel like this little slice of wine country belongs just to you.
