LOCATION: NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA • JULY 17th, 2020
For our fifth anniversary, we decided to plan a two-day stay in Napa Valley. We love that wine country is less than two hours away from Palo Alto and while we have been to Sonoma a few times since moving to California, this was the first time we stayed in Napa. We made a reservation at Hotel Yountville, which has been at the top of my list and it definitely lived up to our expectations. I loved their relaxed, farmhouse decor with high vaulted ceilings, and our room had a gorgeous four-post bed with curtains. I already can’t wait to go back!
I did a lot of research before booking our trip to make sure that the hotel we stayed at was following local county COVID-19 regulations and we could visit safely. Hotel Yountville had the option for contactless check-in and you could choose the level of room cleaning and turn-down services depending on your comfort level. Guests were required to wear face masks on premises at all times in the common areas.
We tend to be explorers and love to fill our day with lots of different activities. We choose to take our time on this trip and planned very minimally so we only booked reservations at one winery, Domaine Chandon. All of their wine tastings took place outside and you could also order a picnic to go with your tasting. Since they were by reservation only, all food and wine had to be booked in advance. The grounds were lovely and we were still able to walk around the vineyard. Tours have been paused at the moment, so I will definitely come back in the future. Hopefully next time it will also be with a large group of friends so we can also have a party on the lawn.
We made a reservation at RH Yountville for brunch and I have never seen such gorgeous decor in a restaurant before! You really feel like you’ve been transported to Italy - drinking bellinis under the olive trees, listening to the sound flowing water. Not to mention that the food was excellent and well matched the ambiance of the place. Apparently I’ll be adding ‘a sunroom with olive trees, fountains, and chandeliers’ to my list of must-haves for my future home!
Outfit Details: Caroline Constas Top, Madewell Jeans, Sam Edelman Heels, Cult Gaia Bag
Stopping by Bouchon Bakery for croissants and coffee is a must in Yountville and we loved that it was a short walk from our hotel so we could bring breakfast back to our room. I will caution you that the lines were very long since only they were limiting the number of people who could be inside at any given time, but the breakfast sandwiches and pastries were worth the wait.
We spent a lot of time by the pool, relaxing and cooling off, which felt great in the summer heat. We felt perfectly safe lying poolside as all of the other guests acted respectfully and the hotel restricted the use of every other cabana to allow for social distancing between groups. They also meticulously wiped down each cabana in between uses, including the umbrella poles and the legs of the chairs.
One of the highlights of our trip was our anniversary dinner at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. They have expanded their outdoor seating by setting up tables in their garden. Everything we ordered, from cocktail to dessert was incredible. and D swears it’s the best pork chop he’s ever had! Definitely do not miss their cheddar biscuits!
Outfit Details:
Banana Republic Dress (floral version here), Sam Edelman Heels, Jacquemus Hat, Missoma Necklaces