Diet season? Not for me! I say winter is the perfect time to indulge in Napa Valley’s premier foodie scene, especially in Yountville, California. This charming town boasts five Michelin stars and offers a range of dining experiences, from casual to sublime.
During the winter and early spring months, Wine Country sees fewer crowds, giving you the opportunity to enjoy exclusive experiences not available during peak season. The slower pace also allows chefs to experiment with new flavors, and the air in Yountville is filled with delightful scents—Meyer lemons, rich chocolate, and the unmistakable aroma of fermenting wine.
So, what’s happening in Yountville this winter?
The Art House Short Film Series, running through March at Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery, pairs monthly art house films with flavor-infused, wok-popped-to-order popcorn. Chef Mike has crafted eleven mouth-watering popcorn combinations, including Zinfandel Port with Winter Spice Popcorn (cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and honey), Cabernet Sauvignon with Bacon Smoked Sea Salt Popcorn, and Sauvignon Blanc with Green Onion Garlic Popcorn. It’s a cinematic and culinary experience not to be missed!
At the Vintage Estate, home to the luxurious Villagio Inn and Spa, chefs are harvesting Meyer lemons all winter long, using them to create fresh, house-made batches of luscious lemon curd. This velvety treat makes its debut at afternoon teas, served alongside delicate pastries and in decadent Meyer Lemon Tarts.
Chef Richard Reddington of Redd and Redd-Wood is passionate about fermentation. He hand-ferments winter vegetables from his garden, cures his own meats, and makes three kinds of sausage, including breakfast sausage infused with maple syrup and his signature Italian-style cotechino. It’s a true celebration of flavor and craftsmanship.
Ever wondered how experts can identify aromas like summer blackberry, nutmeg, or even chocolate in a wine’s bouquet? Winemakers at Bell Cellars help train palates by using fresh fruit, herbs, and other delights to represent the flavors and aromas found in wine. After a session here, you’ll savor wine like never before.
Chef Victor Scargle’s Brussels sprout plants at Lucy’s Restaurant are rapidly becoming one of the most tweeted images in Yountville. Heart-healthy and vibrant, Chef Scargle has cultivated a colorful array of cruciferous vegetables in his kitchen garden, including Romanesco, broccoli cheddar cauliflower, and violet broccaflower. But it’s the Brussels sprouts—often overlooked—that visitors are raving about. These mini cabbages have never tasted better after a visit to Lucy.
Looking for a spot to mingle with chefs and local vintners? Head to Pancha’s, Yountville’s only true dive bar. Family-owned and operated for decades, this laid-back spot serves up cheap drinks, pool tables, and an opportunity to rub elbows with the town’s culinary elite. Just walk past the vintage hitching posts out front, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Yountville’s after-hours scene.