Napa Valley Wine Trail: Yountville Art & Wine Experience
Perfect for: Art lovers, collectors, and those seeking intimate wine experiences
Welcome to a day that perfectly pairs visual arts with exceptional wines! I've designed this Yountville route to showcase some of Napa Valley's most creative tasting experiences. This itinerary works beautifully Wednesday through Sunday, though always verify current hours and availability.
Your Day at a Glance
- Morning: Cliff Lede Vineyards
- Lunch: Yountville dining
- Early Afternoon: Jessup Cellars
- Late Afternoon: Bell Wine Cellars
- Evening: Dinner in Yountville
Short on time? Focus on Cliff Lede and Jessup Cellars for a perfect art and wine experience.
Morning Start: Cliff Lede Vineyards
Begin your day at this unique estate where rock 'n' roll meets refined wines. The morning light creates a magical atmosphere in their sculpture-dotted gardens, while the FEL Wines tasting room doubles as an exceptional art gallery. The creative energy here sets a perfect tone for your art-filled day.
Known for: Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, rock music-themed vineyard blocks
What you'll love: Contemporary art collection, themed gardens, spectacular valley views
Lunch Break
Yountville offers some of Wine Country's finest dining options, all within easy reach:
- RH Wine Bar & Restaurant (5 min walk) - Elegant setting with retractable glass roof, contemporary American cuisine, $$$$
- Bouchon Bistro (7 min walk) - Thomas Keller's classic French bistro, $$$
- R+D Kitchen (5 min walk) - Modern American cuisine, lovely patio, $$$
Pro tip: Most Yountville restaurants require advance reservations, especially on weekends
Early Afternoon: Jessup Cellars
A short stroll from lunch brings you to this welcoming tasting room where art and wine seamlessly blend. The gallery-like setting provides an intimate space to explore their collection of bold reds while enjoying rotating exhibitions from local artists.
Known for: Zinfandel, Table for Four red blend, curated art exhibitions
What you'll love: Gallery atmosphere, intimate tasting experience, rotating art collections
Final Stop: Bell Wine Cellars
End your day at this charming family-owned estate where personalized attention and exceptional wines create a memorable finale. The peaceful setting offers a perfect contrast to the bustle of downtown Yountville.
Known for: Single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, Clone 6 Cabernet
What you'll love: Intimate setting, personalized service, garden patio
Extend Your Evening
Yountville evenings offer world-class dining options:
- La Calenda (5 min walk) - Tyler Florence's upscale Mexican cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, $$$
- Ad Hoc (7 min walk) - Thomas Keller's family-style fixed menu, $$$
- North Block (5 min walk) - California cuisine with Mediterranean influences, $$$
Pro tip: Book dinner reservations well in advance, especially for weekend evenings
Good to Know
- Total driving time between stops: approximately 10 minutes
- Reservations required at all wineries
- Jessup Cellars is walkable from most Yountville lunch spots
- This route works best starting at Cliff Lede around 10:30 AM
- Many art pieces are available for purchase at both Cliff Lede and Jessup
Route Overview
This itinerary centers around Yountville, with just a short drive to Bell Wine Cellars. The walkable nature of downtown Yountville makes this a particularly relaxed and enjoyable experience, perfect for art enthusiasts who appreciate a slower pace.
Remember: Tasting room hours can change seasonally, and availability varies. Always check current hours and make reservations where possible to ensure the best experience!
