It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday with Napa Valley food and wine, Napa Wine Tours has a few ideas for you. Napa Valley Wineries Open Easter Sunday With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has discovered a list of approximately 50 wineries that will be open on Easter Sunday. Castello di Amorosa This landmark, Napa Valley winery will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for tours and tastings. Call ahead to make your reservation to enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure in the castle while tasting their Italian-style wines. Chimney Rock Winery Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines await at Chimney Rock’s beautiful estate. Other wines to sample include Cabernet Franc, Fume Blanc, Rose of Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Gris. The talents of Winemaker and General Manager Elizabeth Vianna and her team results in wines that truly reflect the Stags Leap District where Chimney Rock’s grapes are grown. Visit from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Del Dotto Vineyards Both of Del Dotto’s locations in St. Helena and Napa will be open on Easter Sunday also from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reserve your spots for an adventure that includes tasting Del Dotto wines straight from the barrel and enjoying sips paired with charcuterie and chocolate. Domaine Carneros Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday, Domaine Carneros offers public and private tours and tastings. Enjoy table service and choose bites to pair with Domaine Carneros sparkling wines and Pinot Noir from their extensive menu. William Hill Estate Winery This
It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday…
Old Stone Age peoples were creating art by sculpting forms, decorating objects, and painting on cave walls. Art is a part of who we are. The symbols used in art are just as important to communication as letters and numbers. Art is a shared experience. A sharing of thoughts, feelings, opinions, and events. Napa Valley celebrates different art mediums, as well as the art of winemaking, next month during the 2014 Napa Valley Arts in April. The events scheduled during this special month in Napa Valley are numerous and include conversations with artists, artist receptions, art shows, art workshops, special winery tours incorporating art and special wine and food pairings, artist lectures, artist led tours, a Chalk Festival, and a sneak peek from the Napa Valley Film Festival. Spotlighted art forms include paintings, sculptures, glass, photography, performance art, pottery, and more. With the incredible amount of special events happening, it’s best to start planning now for which ones you’d like to attend. Here are a few ideas to get started. Perspective Napa Valley Join members of the Napa Valley Vintners and photographer, Sam Aslanian for an artistic evening in true Napa Valley style. Guests will receive a signed copy of the book “Perspective Napa Valley” which showcases all things Napa in fine art photographs taken by Sam Aslanian. The evening also includes Napa Valley wine tastings and a photography show. BASH at Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena Celebrate the arts of Napa Valley food and wine with an evening of pairings created by Greystone student chef teams, and local St. Helena restaurants, caterers, and food purveyors. Guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite pairing of the evening. Cirque de Raymond at Raymond Vineyards For one day, on April 19th, visitors to Raymond Vineyards are invited
Old Stone Age peoples were creating art by sculpting forms, decorating objects, and painting on cave walls. Art is a part of who we are. The symbols used in art are just as important to communication as letters and numbers. Art is a shared experience. A sharing of thoughts, feelings, opinions, and events. Napa Valley…
Napa Valley is an exciting place to be! This Wine Country community features special events throughout the year making Napa an ideal place to visit anytime. Here are a few upcoming events whether you prefer your Napa Valley wine paired with lobster, pasta, or works of art. Crustaceans & Cab This sumptuous feast at Bourassa Vineyards invites guests to dine on lobster, prawns, hot links, potatoes, artichokes, corn, and sourdough bread. And since this is Napa Valley, there will be plenty of barrel samples to sip from Bourassa Vineyards 2013 crush wines along with other current releases of Bourassa’s handcrafted, small lot wines. Join the celebration on February 22nd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rutherford Hill Winery Pasta Festa Rutherford Hill Winery, owned by the Terlato family, invites guests for an Italian Pasta Party on March 8th. Guests will partake in a family-style dinner in Rutherford Hill Winery’s candlelit wine cave. Dinner features dishes created with recipes from the Terlato family, estate olive oil, and newly released Rutherford Hill wines. The festive ambiance of the evening also includes lively music performed by a talented accordion player. Napa Valley Museum Gala Do not miss an incredible evening hosted by Westin Verasa Napa and Chef Ken Frank on Saturday, March 8th. The festivities begin with a Reception with the Masters where guests will enjoy Napa Valley sparkling wine served with hors d’oeuvres, bid on silent auction items, and peruse the works on display by artists such as Mark Chagall, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. The evening continues with a three course dinner paired with Napa Valley wines followed by a live auction. Proceeds benefit Napa Valley Museum’s educational programs. Make sure to RSVP by February 28th.
Napa Valley is an exciting place to be! This Wine Country community features special events throughout the year making Napa an ideal place to visit anytime. Here are a few upcoming events whether you prefer your Napa Valley wine paired with lobster, pasta, or works of art. Crustaceans & Cab This sumptuous feast at Bourassa…
Still trying to decide what to do for Valentine’s Day? Napa Wine Tours has more ideas for you for celebrating this special day in Napa Valley. Wine Tasting for Beginners They say the best way to learn how to do something is to do it yourself. This is especially true when it comes to learning how to taste wine. Two outstanding Napa Valley Wineries offer informative and fun experiences for beginning wine tasters. A knowledgeable host will guide you through a tasting of Napa Valley wines that will change the way you drink wine and awaken your senses. Robert Mondavi Winery’s Wine Tasting Basics and HALL St. Helena’s Wine Tasting 101 are offered daily at 10 a.m. by appointment. Wine, Curried Chocolate, Poetry, & Dinner with a Winemaker Visit Goosecross Cellars on Friday, February 14th anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for their Valentine’s Day Party. Specially selected Goosecross Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon will be paired with curried chocolates. St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery will be celebrating the holiday on Friday, February 14th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Bottled Poetry. Visitors will be enchanted, delighted and amazed by St. Supery wines and their special guest, Silvi Alcivar. Alcivar is a poet/artist and owner of The Poetry Store. Guests will be invited to sit with Alcivar for a unique, personal poem created in three minutes or less. Join Beringer Vineyards Assistant Winemaker, Roger Harrison, as he hosts a special Valentine’s Day Dinner on Saturday, February 15th. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired perfectly with Beringer Vineyards wines while the live sounds of the harp gently play in the candlelit room of the Hudson House. Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private, chauffeured Napa Valley transportation for the ultimate
Still trying to decide what to do for Valentine’s Day? Napa Wine Tours has more ideas for you for celebrating this special day in Napa Valley. Wine Tasting for Beginners They say the best way to learn how to do something is to do it yourself. This is especially true when it comes to learning…
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways throughout the year. Here is a list of special events offered only during the Valentine’s Day holiday. Grgich Hills Estate Wine & Chocolate Festival Guests are invited to reserve a special tasting of limited production Grgich Hills Estate wines and a library Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon paired with chocolate sweets from Napa’s Le Belge Chocolatier. The festival takes place each day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 14th - February 16th. Valentine’s Day Swing Dance Celebration at Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater This event offers three options for guests on Friday, February 14th. General Admission provides a ticket to the dance in the Grand Foyer. VIP Reserved offers admission to the dance plus a private table with a bottle of sparkling wine. VIP Dinner includes dinner and dessert prepared by Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, a private table, a bottle of sparkling wine, and admission to the dance. Highlights from Chef Pawlcyn’s Valentine’s Dinner menu include chocolate-chili braised short ribs and double chocolate cake for dessert. Live music performed by The Martini Brothers Band. Castello di Amorosa Royal Hearts Gala Walk the red carpet and be greeted by with a glass of sparkling wine. Enjoy chocolates and hors d’oevres at the VIP reception but save room for the four-course dinner paired with Castello di Amorosa wines. Entertainment provided by Opera Amore. Make your reservations now for this incredible gala taking place on Valentine’s Day. Domaine Carneros Share the Love Valentine’s Dinner &
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways…
Napa Valley is inspired by the Holiday Season. Storefronts, wineries, and city streets, sparkle with a variety of lights and showcase local creativity using red and green holiday decorations. Whether visiting the Napa Valley or whether you live locally, the holidays offer a reminder to thankfully enjoy the bounty of Napa. What better way than to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal at one of Napa’s incredible restaurants. Napa Valley Restaurants Open Christmas Eve Only Angele Restaurant & Bar This French Country restaurant recently celebrated its 11th anniversary. Impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, and innovative cocktails make Angele a local favorite and must-see for visitors. Visit on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bistro Don Giovanni For 20 years dinners looking for traditional and creative Italian dishes continue to rely upon Bistro Don Giovanni. Featuring Italian wines, welcoming hospitality, and an attentive staff, dinners leave with a full stomach and a warm heart. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bottega Restaurant Chef Michael Chiarello and his Bottega Restaurant in Napa Valley both remain recipients of numerous awards and critical acclaim. A visit to Bottega is truly a special treat to celebrate the holidays. The menu showcases local ingredients used to reflect dishes from regions throughout Italy. Open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Bouchon Bistro Chef Thomas Keller’s talented team succeeds in providing guests with a French bistro experience. Seasonal dishes are skillfully complemented by local wines. Opening at 11:00 am. and closing early at 10:15 p.m on Christmas Eve. Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen One of Chef Cindy Pawlcyn’s three Napa Valley restaurants, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen combines charming ambiance with a diverse menu. This is a place to relax, slow down, and savor each bite of whichever winning dish
Napa Valley is inspired by the Holiday Season. Storefronts, wineries, and city streets, sparkle with a variety of lights and showcase local creativity using red and green holiday decorations. Whether visiting the Napa Valley or whether you live locally, the holidays offer a reminder to thankfully enjoy the bounty of Napa. What better way than…
The end of this month marks the beginning of the Holiday Season in Napa Valley. Napa Wine Tours is thrilled to present the following list of holiday celebrations. Attend one or attend them all and embrace the joy of this time of year. Downtown Napa Christmas Tree Lighting This annual event on November 27th begins at 6:00 p.m. in Veterans Park with the sounds of harmonic voices from a Barbershop Quartet. There will be plenty of cookies and hot chocolate to enjoy and more holiday themed entertainment from local youth groups. Napa Valley Mayor, Jill Techel, will do the honors of lighting the Christmas tree. Last year’s 29’ Christmas tree was decorated with over 1,000 ornaments and over 2,500 Christmas tree lights. Yountville Festival of Lights Now in its 25th year, this holiday festival brightens Yountville’s Washington Street with thousands of small, glimmering, energy efficient lights on November 29th. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m, local restaurants and wineries will be offering tasty bites and tastings of exquisite wines. The list of local restaurants and wineries includes Redd Wood, Bouchon Bakery, Etoile, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, and many more. Visitors of all ages to this family friendly event will delight in carriage rides, holiday entertainment, and a visit with Santa Claus. CalFire will be accepting toy donations on behalf of Napa County Toy Drive and a silent auction will raise funds for local children’s programs. After the lights come on at 5:30 p.m., local business on Washington Street will be open later than regular business hours to allow time for holiday shopping. Admission is free. Wine and food tasting tickets will be available for $1 each. Robert Mondavi Winery Third Annual Tree Lighting & Celebration Due to the success of the past two years, this celebration is back
The end of this month marks the beginning of the Holiday Season in Napa Valley. Napa Wine Tours is thrilled to present the following list of holiday celebrations. Attend one or attend them all and embrace the joy of this time of year. Downtown Napa Christmas Tree Lighting This annual event on November 27th begins…
In the illustrious Napa Valley, under the watchful eye of the sun, Napa Valley Festival del Sole returns for the eighth time. This event combines outstanding artistic performances by talented professionals and performances by talented youth with the wine, cuisine, and hospitality that has made Napa Valley popular worldwide. From July 12 to July 21, 2013 ticket holders are invited to over 60 events including concerts, art exhibits, exclusive winery events, and more. Festival del Sole hosts over 8,000 visitors each year. The long list of incredible performers includes: Sarah Chang - Award-winning, critically acclaimed violinist recognized as one of the world’s greatest talents. One of two performances featuring her unbelievable skill and passion on the violin is sold out. George Daugherty - This Emmy Award-winning national and international conductor will lead the Russian National Orchestra in a performance featuring ballet principal dancers and soloists from American Ballet, Ballet San Jose, and San Francisco Ballet. Audra McDonald - Ticket holders who purchased tickets as soon as they were available were quick to make the First Night Gala presented at Castello di Amorosa featuring Audra McDonald a sold out event. So far, during her incredible career, she has earned two Grammy Awards and five Tony Awards. This year’s Special Programs include the Bouchaine Young Artists Series which presents young musicians in free concerts at Jarvis Conservatory in downtown Napa, and more. The Wellness Series invites Dr. David B. Agus back after his sold out presentation last year. This year, Dr. Agus, a leading cancer doctor, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author, will present a Wellness Conversation on how to live a long and vigorous life. Another Wellness Conversation, “Cabernet & Chocolate,” presented by Dr. Melina Jampolis, discusses the power of food to prevent and and treat disease. Along with individual
In the illustrious Napa Valley, under the watchful eye of the sun, Napa Valley Festival del Sole returns for the eighth time. This event combines outstanding artistic performances by talented professionals and performances by talented youth with the wine, cuisine, and hospitality that has made Napa Valley popular worldwide. From July 12 to July 21,…
There is plenty of world class wine to taste in Napa Valley and local restaurants make sure to present outstanding cuisine to accompany Napa’s exquisite wines. This year, eight Napa Valley restaurants received Michelin stars for 2013 and 15 Napa Valley restaurants were featured on the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants. A visit to Napa Valley is a feast for your tastebuds. Not only can you experience the pleasure of dining in one of Napa Valley’s restaurants, you can also learn how to cook a special dish from top chefs. Silverado Cooking School Join Owner/Chef Malcolm De Sieyes for an incredible Winemaker Dinner Featuring Aaron Pott on July 19. 2013. Experience first-hand how to prepare a four course dinner paired perfectly with winemaker Aaron Pott’s wines. By the time winemaker Aaron Pott was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Food & Wine Magazine in 2012, his international career at prestigious wineries had distinguished him as a premier winemaker with a long list of wines that had earned 90 points and more from the highly regarded Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. NapaStyle NapaStyle presents A Sicilian Supper - A Collection of Recipes and Palombi Family Stories with Chef Athena Palombi. Learn to use fresh ingredients and Chef Palombi’s recipes to prepare Involtini di Melanzane, Nonna Mafalda’s Marinara Sauce, and Sarde con Capperi Gremolata. Reserve your spot for this special adventure that takes place on July 31, 2013. As a blogger and TV personality, Chef Palombi has been featured on Food Network’s “Chef Wanted,” and magazines including the award-winning 57 Degrees Magazine. Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena Experience creating desserts at this premier, culinary college on August 10, 2013. This class, Seasons in the Wine Country: The Desserts, promises a sweet adventure and lists lemon-glazed pound cake with
There is plenty of world class wine to taste in Napa Valley and local restaurants make sure to present outstanding cuisine to accompany Napa’s exquisite wines. This year, eight Napa Valley restaurants received Michelin stars for 2013 and 15 Napa Valley restaurants were featured on the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants. A…
Thinking of celebrating Father’s Day in Napa Valley on June 16th? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for you. V Marketplace 23rd Annual Father’s Day Invitational Auto Show, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free to this spectacular show presenting a collection of over 100 automobiles demonstrating the variety of models created over a 90 year span of time. Visitors will view champion models, local favorites, and custom creations. Local non-profits will offer food and beverages available for purchase. Gourmet Napa Walking Tour, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Make your reservations now for this one mile tour beginning at Oxbow Public Market. Explore historic downtown Napa while enjoying samples of Napa Valley cuisine, wine, & beer. The tour ends with a sampling of wine infused chocolates, brittle, and ice cream from local chocolatiers. Taste of Beringer Tour at Beringer Vineyards, choose from 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. This special experience is offered at different times of the day making it possible to schedule a time most convenient for you. The adventure begins with an exploration of the Old Stone Winery and wine-aging tunnels followed by a visit to their demonstration vineyard. From there, you’ll be escorted to the Rhine House Mansion for a seated tasting paired with small bites. Blend Your Own Merlot at Rutherford Hill Winery, Saturday June 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Celebrate a day early by choosing this special experience that includes touring Rutherford Hill Winery, tasting a few of their wines, and learning how to create your own Merlot. The blending class takes place in Rutherford Hill’s candle-lit wine cave and includes a .375ml bottle of the Merlot you create yourself. Uptown Theatre in Napa Take a look at the Upcoming Events at Uptown Theatre Napa and surprise
Thinking of celebrating Father’s Day in Napa Valley on June 16th? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for you. V Marketplace 23rd Annual Father’s Day Invitational Auto Show, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free to this spectacular show presenting a collection of over 100 automobiles demonstrating the variety of models…