Rail stop to wine hub: Historic Yountville Depot reborn as The Yount Room
The historic train depot building on Yountville’s Washington Street has seen more than a century of change, from rail stop to bar, restaurant, boutique and tasting room. Now one of Yountville’s oldest and most recognizable structures has entered a new phase as The Yount Room, a welcoming wine collective.
The goal of The Yount Room is connection, bringing together wines, winemakers, locals, visitors and creative types.
“We’re really trying to create something for everyone at the table, whether that’s wine lovers, people exploring non-alcoholic options or locals stopping in for a glass,” said Matt Mills, managing partner of Cornerstone Cellars and director of The Yount Room. “
A historic place
The building was constructed in the late 1800s as a train depot, which was later used as the town’s first post office, Mills said, noting that it was also the first building in Yountville to have electricity. In the decades that followed, the building housed a bar and restaurant, retail spaces and several tasting rooms.
“The building is one of the oldest still standing in town,” Mills said, crediting the Carbone family, longtime Napa residents and the property owners, for taking great care of and preserving it.
From single winery to wine collective
The Yount Room evolved from Cornerstone Cellars, which relocated to the space about four years ago after operating tasting rooms nearby at the intersection of Washington and Mulberry streets, as well as in Napa.
As wineries lost tasting spaces following events such as the 2020 Glass Fire, the idea emerged to create a shared venue where multiple wines could be shared. Several wineries are serving their wines in the Yount Room. The core group, nicknamed “the three Cs,” is Cornerstone Cellars, Cain Vineyard & Winery and Conn Creek. Others include Tilth, Hibou, Status Quo, Sinnet, Scott Paul and Yount Ridge.
Wine flights ranging from $20 to $50 include varietal flights, winery-specific tastings and a collective flight that showcases multiple producers.
“Our most popular is the Collective Flight, because it touches upon five different winemakers right now,” Mills said, “So, it’s a great way for people to try other brands.”
Guests can also purchase small cheese and charcuterie boards, designed to complement the wine flights.
A growing demand for non-alcoholic options
One of the most interesting and already popular elements of the Yount Room is a non-alcoholic tasting flight. To be legally classified non-alcoholic, these wines must contain less than 0.5% alcohol. Some are 0.00%, allowing a wider audience to participate in winetasting.
“We were having people come in week after week asking for non-alcoholic options,” Mills said. “So, we leaned into it.” The program, branded No & Co., offers flights that mirror a traditional tasting experience.
Supporting neighbors and the trade
The Yount Room also participates in Napa Neighbors, offering county residents and hospitality workers two complimentary tastings and 10 percent off bottle purchases.
“Our programming is really designed to support locals and trade,” Mills said. “We wanted a place people could drop in without having to book a formal seated appointment.” A new wine club membership program offers event and benefits geared toward local guests.
Local artisans, rotating exhibits and the Yountville brand
Beyond wine, The Yount Room also showcases works of local artists and craftspeople, available for purchase.
Current offerings include jewelry by Napa designer April Martin and works by ceramic artist Nikki Ballere, whose pieces have been used at The French Laundry and other high-end restaurants.
Photography by Yountville resident Vi Bottaro lines the walls as part of a rotating exhibition program.
“It’s important for us to support local artisans,” Mills said.
Another popular addition has been Yountville-branded merchandise, created in partnership with the town of Yountville after visitors repeatedly asked where they could buy souvenirs. Many of the items are branded with the historic Yountville Train Depot sign.
“There wasn’t really anywhere to find Yountville merchandise; now people can take home something that reflects their visit,” Mills said.
A space designed for flexibility and connection
According to Mills, The Yount Room is intended to be different, with an emphasis on flexibility and the ability to welcome guests who want a full tasting, a quick glass of wine or simply a place to gather.
With longer daylight hours and springtime near, a refreshed courtyard patio is now open behind the depot, adding outdoor seating and the shade of bright yellow umbrellas visible from Washington Street.
The Yount Room is at 6505 Washington St. While appointments are not mandatory, reservations can be made. For more information call (707) 945-0388 or visit TheYountRoom.com.
