Napa Valley's hottest new neighborhood is North Yountville--that's NoYo to locals--and at SENZA Hotel we're excited to connect guests to the unique offerings of the nearby area. Yountville is widely regarded as the heart of Napa Valley, home to the world-famous French Laundry restaurant as well as a central geographical point between several of the area's world-class wine appellations.
But North Yountville is distinguishing itself with new restaurants and hidden gems, as well as some of California wine country's favorite tasting rooms. Below, check out a quick sample itinerary with just a few of NoYo's hottest spots!
For breakfast, try the Southside Café, a local, family-owned business known for breakfast treats and great coffee. Try the Grilled Strawberry Toast with mascarpone cheese and smoked almonds, or something healthier, like the Superfood Bowl with quinoa, beets, and veggies--and don't miss the homemade biscuits on the side!
For a little shopping, you'll want to check out Kelly's Filling Station and Wine Shop, perfect for souvenirs to take home to loved ones or to hang on to for yourself! Kelly's sells wine as well as ice cream and other treats, and is family friendly, so you can bring the whole gang.
To kick off your wine-tasting for the day, try the Girard Winery tasting room, where history guides a subtle, nuanced approach to winemaking. Experience classic Napa Valley varietals from the winery's extensive portfolio, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, as well as other deep reds like Zinfandel and Malbec. The Yountville tasting room offers two different flights to suit your palate and preferences: the Daily Tasting for an overview of the winery's style, or the Artistry Experience for a deeper dive.
For lunch, a local favorite—and well-kept secret—is the excellent R + D Kitchen. The lunch menu offers both traditional as well as experimental fare, from the Honor Burger to fresh sushi rolls, the "Macho Salad," and a daily featured sandwich. You might find yourself returning later in the day for the excellent bar and wine list, or simply sticking around to relax in the restaurant's Adirondack chairs on the stone patio, where fire pits keep you warm after the sun sets.
Settle into your afternoon with another tasting, this time at Handwritten Wines. The winery relies on intimacy and a hands-on approach to every aspect of winemaking. This is a great stop for red-wine lovers, with a number of Cabernet Sauvignon selections, though the winery is also known for their excellent Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Pop into the Handwritten Wines cottage in Yountville to taste these wines, but keep in mind that appointments are required.
Before dinner, consider taking in a little art at the gallery at Jessup Cellars. Gallery Curator and resident artist Cynthia Carey carefully selects and supports the artists that exhibit at Jessup. She welcomes a variety of mediums, including painting, works on paper, and sculpture. You can learn more about featured artists here, and of course, you might have time to squeeze in one more wine tasting while you take in the art!
End your day over a laid-back dinner at Redd Wood, where brick-oven pizza and house-made pasta complement an excellent local wine list. The dinner menu offers something for every palate, including unique items like the Brussels Sprouts Salad with burrata and apples and the Cauliflower Pizza. Add a little luxury like a farm egg over any pizza, or indulge in the Ribeye with fingerling potatoes. Don't miss the Cannoli or house-made ice cream!
Whatever you choose in NoYo – North Yountville - we at SENZA Hotel are sure you'll enjoy your day in Napa Valley's newest hotspot. We look forward to your stay with us!
A Directory to the Businesses Above:
Southside Café 6752 Washington St Yountville, CA 94599 (707) 947-7120