Total Trail Miles: 13.0
The Yountville AVA surrounds the town that bears the name of a man responsible for planting Napa Valley's first vineyard (1836) - George Calvert Yount. This cooler climate region is composed of mostly gravely soils and ideal for producing firmly tannic, supple wine expressing rich berry fruit flavors.
Vineyards: 18
Total Area: 8,324 acres
Planted Area: 1,008 acres
Percent Planted: 12.1 %
Start the trail up on a hill just west of town at Keever Vineyards. This small family winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux blend from six acres on the rocky, cool western slopes of the valley. Keever serves their hand crafted wine inside the winery or out on a patio that offers spectacular views of Napa's west facing Vaca Range. Winemaker Celia Welch does an exceptional job with Keever's cool climate reds.
Work your way down the hill and make a right on Solano (if it's the weekend or high season, make a left and cross over to Washington via California under the freeway) until you reach Hoffman. Cross Highway 29 to Washington Street and make a left, Bell Cellars the first driveway on the right. Bell is medium size winery producing multiple varietals sourced from Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills. Anthony Bell studied grape clones while working as a assistant wine maker at Beaulieu and showcases his knowledge with Bell Cellars Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon. Taste inside the tank room or enjoy a glass while playing Bocce on the grounds.
Continue north on Washington Avenue toward Yountville and stay on Washington until you reach the Hope & Grace tasting room in the middle of town. This winery is the project of a long time consulting wine maker who initiated the brand by making Pinot Noir from a highly regarded Carmel Valley vineyard. Named after the owners daughter's, Hope and Grace is known for producing small lots of different varietals sourced from vineyards throughout California (including a rare Malbec). The tasting room houses fine antiques and modern art so take some time with your visit.
Final stop, Goosecross Cellars on the eastern side of the appellation. Continue north on Washington to Madison and the Yountville Crossroad until you reach State Lane about one and one half miles down, Goosecross is on the left half way down the road. Goosecross makes twelve different varietals from multiple vineyard sources and pours wine inside their barrel room. The tasting/barrel room experience at Goosecross is 'happy casual'- bordering festive and always fun!
Dine at Redd in Yountville. (707) 944-2222
Bell Cellars | Yountville AVA
