Yountville in a day

We understand the rock star lifestyle you lead--jetting about from place to place. Sometimes there just isn't time to do everything. But if you've got 24 hours (less if you're truly ambitious), WineTravel's put together an abridged itinerary of Yountville and the nearby Silverado Trail.

Get to know this tiny Napa town that's bursting with ultra-luxe restaurants, hotels and some of the region's most sought-after winemakers. Eschew the material world at a quiet nature reserve. Find the best spots to get the Thomas Keller experience. Sip wine under a gold onion dome, and hit the bar scene with the locals. This is Napa at its most hedonistic, so open that wallet wide and get ready to be indulged.

Morning, sunshine
Though most tasting rooms open around 10am, breaking fast with a hearty cabernet could lead to later regrets. Start the day with something a bit more substantial—and caffeinated--at Bouchon Bakery. Overseen by the French Laundry’s resident chef-lebrity, Thomas Keller, this tiny French pastry shop is a buttery blast of goodness on cool Wine Country mornings. Grab an espresso and Pain au Raisin to go, along with a few macaroons to sustain you through the day. (Psssst. They also have high-class pet treats to bring back to your four-legged friend.)

Get your blood pumping with a hike through the Napa River Ecological Preserve—one of the last remnants of pre-vineyard-covered Napa. The one-mile loop is mostly flat, but you’ll likely see plenty of fascinating flora and fauna along the way. (Hint: Don’t try this during the rainy season.) If outdoor adventures aren’t your bag, get a jump on the hoards and head to Domaine Chandon. The outdoor deck is a perfect spot for sipping bubbly or the winery’s respectable still wines. Keep an eye out for art installations that pop up throughout the grounds.

Hungry yet? Head back into Yountville for an early bite at Bistro Jeanty. On sunny days, the side porch is where you to be seen. Chef Philippe Jeanty is best known for classics like Coq au Vin, steak frites and bone marrow.

SIP

Now’s the time for some real wine tasting. Resist the temptation to head north to Rutherford and beyond. If you’re short on time, one of the best ways to really get to know Napa is to taste through a single appellation—or wine region. Make tracks east to Stag’s Leap, along Silverado Trail. Heading over Yountville Cross Road, Cliff Lede’s your first stop. A top producer of cabs and sparkling wines, the winery sits 500 feet off the valley floor, offering views from the large sun porch and a museum-quality gallery showcasing the owner's art and sculpture collection. You’ll pay dearly for their top sips, but whites can be a bargain.

Heading south along Silverado Trail, make a stop at Robert Sinskey. Organically farmed pinot noirs are critically acclaimed, but what packs 'em in the value-priced pinks--a vin gris of pinot noir and a rose of pinot noir. Maria Helm Sinskey is a culinary wunderkind, and if you plan ahead, you can get in on her 11am culinary tour, offered Monday through Friday; or the Bento Box Tasting on Saturday and Sunday.

If you’re a serious wino, you can’t leave Stag’s Leap without a pilgrimage to Shafer Vineyards. Best known for its coveted Hillside Select, Shafer's a cabernet legend. One taste and you’ll get why folks pay hundreds of dollars per bottle. Or not. Visits are strictly by appointment only, so don’t plan on dropping in. Just up the road is Quixote Winery, a Seussical dreamland of curving lines, brilliant bursts of color, grass-topped roofs and magical golden dome capping everything off like a cherry. Or an onion. Again, call well in advance, or you’ll likely be turned away.

After four tasting rooms or so, you’ll be ready for a nap. But if you’re still raring to go (and hopefully doing a lot of spitting), you’ll want to check out ultra-premium cab producer Pine Ridge and historic Clos Du Val.

SUP
Unless you’ve made reservations months in advance, you won’t be getting into the French Laundry. No matter who you think you are. Don’t panic, though. Yountville is a mecca for foodies, with more artisan cheese plates and foie gras per square-foot than just about anywhere else in America. Redd is a rock-solid choice for high-end Wine Country dining, though the stark interior can be a romance killer. The zinc bar at Bouchon is a favorite spot for chatting up locals and Ad Hoc, another Thomas Keller restaurant, features incredible family-style dishes at a prix-fixe price. If you’ve exhausted all options (and if it’s a weekend night and you’ve failed to make prior reservations, you’re gonna be in trouble) try Mustard’s Grill (which is top-notch, but usually mega-packed) or head south toward Napa.

AFTER PARTY
Late night in Wine Country is, let’s be honest, non-existent. The sidewalks roll up around 9:30pm (or earlier). There are a few spots where locals and off-duty chefs get their party on. Hurley’s is a top bet, with a killer late-night menu featuring everything from crab cakes to wild boar from 9pm to midnight. If you’re down with getting really gritty check out Pancha’s, a divey locals-only bar where you can shoot pool and guzzle a shot of tequila or two. Just leave the penny loafers and fanny packs at home. Please.

GETTING AROUND

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Wineries

• Domaine Chandon: 1 California Dr., Yountville, 707.944.2892
• Cliff Lede: 1473 Yountville Cross Rd, Yountville, 707.944.8642
• Robert Sinskey: 6320 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.944.9090
• Quixote Winery: 6126 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.944.2659
• Pine Ridge: 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.253.7500
• Clos du Val: 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.259.2200

• Bouchon Bakery: 6540 Washington St, Yountville, 707.944.1565
• Bistro Jeanty: 6510 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.0103
• The French Laundry: 6640 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2380
• Redd: 6480 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2222
• Ad Hoc: 6476 Washington St, Yountville, 707.944.2487
• Bouchon: 6534 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.8037
• Mustard's Grill: 7399 Highway 29, Yountville, 707.944.2424
• Hurley's: 6518 Washington St, Yountville, 707.944.2345
• Pancha's: 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2125