Town History

Early Roots

In the early 1800s, the land that is now Yountville was part of Mexico. In 1836, George C. Yount received an 11,887-acre land grant from the Mexican government. His property stretched across Napa Valley, from present-day Yountville to just south of St. Helena.

Yount was the first permanent Euro-American settler in the area and the first to plant grapes in Napa Valley. He named his land Caymus Rancho, after a local Native American tribe.

Founding of Yountville

By the early 1850s, Yount had laid out a six-block village with a public square, naming it Yountville. Just to the south, Salvador Vallejo received a land grant called Rancho de Napa. Settlers on that land formed a separate community named Sebastopol, with its own post office and town identity.

In 1867, after George Yount’s death, the residents of Sebastopol voted to rename their town Yountville in his honor. The two neighboring communities officially became one.

Growth and Industry

Rail service arrived in 1868 and helped shape Yountville’s development. Around this time, German immigrant Gottlieb Groezinger purchased 20 acres in the center of town. By 1874, he had built a winery, barrel room, and distillery. His stone buildings operated as a winery until 1955 and are now home to V Marketplace, a well-known shopping and dining destination.

A Culinary Destination

Over time, Yountville grew into a world-renowned destination for food, wine, and hospitality. The town is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, along with several other acclaimed dining experiences.

Incorporation and Today

Yountville officially incorporated as a California municipality on February 4, 1965. In 2025, the Town proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary of incorporation. Today, Yountville continues to honor its historic roots while welcoming visitors from around the world.