If you've been searching for the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway, I'm here to tell you the answer: Yountville. This Napa valley town is the picturesque destination for all your wine-and-dine needs! My boyfriend Kevin and I enjoyed just a one-night stay, but we were able to pack so much into our trip and had the best time. (Even the storm that weekend couldn't get us down!) Here are the places that I think are definitely worth adding to YOUR itinerary...
When in Rome, right? It shouldn't be a surprise that my first suggestion is a wine tasting. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of wineries in the Napa valley to choose from. But for a more intimate experience, check out Stewart Cellars on Washington St! The main tasting room has a craftsman vibe and you almost feel like you're stepping into someone's home. (But like, if that home was a small fancy lodge maybe...) The vaulted ceilings and dark beams are beautiful, and all of the furniture and decor give the space an elegant, yet warm ambience. Coming in from the rain and sipping on a glass of rosé never felt so good!
They offer two flights in the main tasting room. The "portfolio" includes a rosé (we bought a bottle to take home!), chardonnay, and two red wines for the pretty reasonable price of $30 per person, and their all-red flight is $40 each. Here's a tip: If you're staying at a hotel in town, make sure to ask the front desk/concierge if they partner with any local wineries. At our hotel, they offer guests COMPLIMENTARY tastings and 2-for-1 deals. This is perfect for couples!
Kevin and I savored every second of our time here. We ended up staying for a little over an hour, chatting up the super friendly staff who shared a ton of interesting facts and answered all of our questions. We're no pros, and quite frankly, we don't drink wine very often. This was truly a special occasion for us. (We even got to try a 2010 cabernet sauvignon! So good!) And for those of you who want something extra special, there are also tastings held in their Nomad Heritage Library, which has a wood-burning fireplace and all the luxe-vintage details your heart could want. The wine and chocolate pairing is $50 per person, and again, this could be ideal for couples. *heart eyes*
Once your lips are stained a little purple from all the wine, and you're feeling really good (Me. *points at self* That was me.)...you're ready for some food! I highly, highly recommend Ad Hoc for brunch! If you've heard of Yountville's ultra exlusive, Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry, then you also know that it comes with an insane waiting list and hefty price tag. Well, Ad Hoc is its sister restaurant, and Chef Thomas Keller is serving up much more casual fare here. The menu features seasonal ingredients and changes daily, and on Sundays they offer a three-course brunch for only $35 per person. Every dish is served family style.
Our meal that day started with kale salad with citrus, hearts of palm, and a creamy dressing. It was so fresh and flavorful! I love kale, and this made me want to try recreating the recipe at home. But the star of the show was, hands down, their popular buttermilk fried chicken. It was crunchy and tender--came with sweet syrup, rich gravy, AAAND bacon and chive waffles--and every bite of it was DE-LI-CIOUS. To round it all out, our desserts were baked alaska (purchased as an "add-on") and pumpkin chocolate chip bread with chantilly cream. Not too sweet or over the top, but just sweet enough and the perfect finish. These were all high-end flavors, but with a comfortable atmosphere and without the shocking price. If you're here for a weekend, make a reservation for Sunday brunch! It's a must!
At last, my advice for ultimate relaxation: wind down at Hotel Yountville. Kevin and I were lucky enough to stay here, which is an all-suite, luxury resort and spa, and it was so quiet and private. It has its chic, modern touches, yet still feels quaint, charming, and cozy. It's the best of both worlds! And since it was raining when we visited, I felt like it really highlighted the comforts of the hotel and helped us appreciate all of the amenities right on property. We ordered room service for dinner (get the steak frites and the roasted chicken!!!), had breakfast the next morning in the guests-only restaurant (That. French. Toast.), and even got a couples massage at the spa...it was an absolute dream package!
I captured all the decadent details on camera, and I've got it all wrapped up in a vlog for you. WATCH below and see for yourself why this place needs to be your next vacay spot!
No comments