Yountville: Napa Valley

All your images of alfresco fine-dining amid sun-drenched Napa vineyards reside in the town of Yountville. More rural and gentrified than Napa, the town's quaint country vibe has a definite touch of worldly poshness, and, well, it deserves to. The tiny town of Yountville is world-known among foodies as one of the best dining destinations in California, and indeed the nation. California cuisine reigns supreme in Yountville's upscale restaurants, where, as you'd expect, wines are expertly paired to create out-of-this-world parties for your palate. The most famous of these epicurean hotbeds is Michelin-three-starred French Laundry, where reservations take months to secure. Other heavy hitters include sister restaurant Ad Hoc, Bouchon and Bottega Napa Valley.

Of course, viniculture is an equally deeply rooted aspect of Yountville culture. As is true in most of Napa Valley, 'Cab is King' in the Yountville AVA. Expect Cabernet Sauvignons with deep concentration and diamond-hard tannins that will age for decades when tasting at one of the town's twenty-some wineries. Popular wineries include Bell Wine Cellars, Girard Winery, and sparkling-wine master Domaine Chandon.
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