Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BOUCHON
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The history of Yountville is offered in some detail under The French Laundry. Named after George
Calvert Yount, who was the first white settler in the area, Yountville has a very storied past.
Yount not only started the grape-growing industry of the Napa Valley right here in the town
named for him, but also has an unusual connection to the history of the Old West. Yount is credited
with having a part in the rescue of the well-known Donner Party. With the group moving slowly
through the mountains in their quest to enter California, one of the leaders, James Frazier Reed, left
the main group with a small party to seek a shortcut. The other leaders, brothers George and Jacob
Donner, took the rest of the party on a different route, became stranded in the mountains, and were
eventually missed at the destination.
Reed did not know what route they had taken but a vivid dream by Yount revealed many pre-
cise details. Yount convinced everyone that he knew where the Donner Party was stranded. Reed
gathered some supplies and set out with a rescue party to the site described by Yount in his dreams.
They found the Donner Party exactly where Yount said they would be. Despite the treacherous
winter weather, 48 of the original 87 men, women, and children in that wagon train survived.
Bouchon is a French word that describes a particular style of cafe from the province of Lyon.
The restaurant Bouchon opened in 1998 in a historic Wells Fargo stagecoach stop built in the late
1800s. Located in downtown Yountville, Bouchon offers authentic French bistro fare. The restau-
rant's interior features a unique mosaic floor, burgundy velvet banquettes, antique light fixtures,
and an expansive hand-painted mural by the noted French artist Paulin Paris. If you have never seen
a French zinc bar, you must visit Bouchon just for the opportunity to admire one.
Summer months in Yountville are perfect for a great French meal or just an appetizer and
cocktail on the outdoor patio.
Bouchon
6534 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
(707) 944-8037
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