Even though the winters may be mild in Napa Valley, summertime still brings with it the promise of long, warm days, as well as an unending roster of events to help you enjoy every second of the season. Scenery, music, food and, of course, wine abound at the region’s most anticipated events occurring in early summer.
May 6, 2017
Peju Province Winery: Wine and Culinary Exploration: All That Sparkles
8466 St Helena Hwy
Rutherford, CA 94573
A glass of cooling bubbly makes the perfect complement to the warming weather at this, the latest afternoon of small bites and seasonal varietals put together by Executive Chef Alex Espinoza of Peju Province Winery. Featured this time are their sparkling wines like Brut and Rose usually reserved for Peju’s ‘Bubbles Club’ members.
Insider tip: If Peju’s gourmet bites only whet your appetite for more, head a half-mile over to Rutherford Grill, known for their display kitchen and American entrees like campfire rib-eye with blue cheese and vinaigrette.
Pizza Pairings
May 6, 2017
Markham Vineyards: Pizza in the Piazza
2812 St Helena Hwy
St Helena, CA 94574
Markham Vineyards’ historic stone cellar hosts this grown-up pizza party featuring live music in addition to the complimentary food and drink. The artisanal pies come courtesy of St. Helena’s Italian eatery Tre Posti, while Markham provides pairings with their latest winery releases of Syrah, Pinot Noir and more.
Insider tip: Get out of the cellar to explore Markham’s onsite art gallery, currently featuring collections that pay tribute to psychedelia and Southern blues music.
Pet-Friendly Tastings
Source: Clos Pegase
May 18 – 21, 2017
Pawsport Napa Valley
Various locations
Napa Humane hosts a pet-friendly weekend of wine tastings provided by more than a dozen local wineries, each one providing their own VIP experience with many of them including complimentary dog treats. Bring your dog along for the day and enjoy a glass of wine knowing the proceeds will be going to help other furry best friends like yours.
Insider tip: This is the time to stock up on bottles, as most participating wineries are offering up to 20% discounts on purchases for Pawsport holders.
Wine Country Concerts
May 26-28, 2017
Bottlerock Napa Valley
The Valley’s biggest musical event this year features a lineup of artists as renowned as they are diverse in style, including Maroon 5, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, The Roots and Modest Mouse. While the music may be the main draw, visitors also have their pick of food and drink options offered by more than 30 local wineries and 28 local restaurants.
Insider tip: Each ticket allows guests to bring up to two children under the age of 6 with them for free, making it easy for families to attend, while the “Little Rockers” program ensures children are reconnected with their parents if separated.
Wine for a Cause
June 1 – 4, 2017
Auction Napa Valley
Various locations
Auction Napa Valley is a four-day weekend of opulence whose proceeds go to benefit charities—specifically to a group of 25 local nonprofits focused on education and community health. It’s free for registered guests to attend the opening vintner-hosted dinner at this, the world’s most celebrated charity wine event, but it costs considerably more to experience other weekend highlights like other curated meals, the barrel auction, and the live auction celebration hosted at the Meadowood resort.
Insider tip: The Friday night barrel auction gives guests the opportunity not only to sample wine directly from the barrel before bidding, but also to explore the caves and outdoor pavilions of Francis Ford Coppola’s Inglenook estate.
Jazz and Popped Champagne
June 7th -11th, 2017
Napa Valley Jazz Getaway
Various locations
The food almost threatens to eclipse the jazz at the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, the region’s invigorating yet laidback celebration of that most American of music genres, where the meals are prepared by Michelin Star award-winning chefs and served with complimentary wine pairings. The musical offerings include three performances by jazz instrumentalist and returning host Brian Culberson, who will also be making appearances alongside other groups and solo artists throughout the four-day weekend.
Insider tip: Platinum and Gold Access tickets permit entry to the four after-parties that end each night of performances at the Westin, each of which also includes a Cigar Party hosted by musician Cecil Ramirez.
A Viticultural Celebration
Photo credit: Charles Krug Winery via Facebook
June 17, 2017
Charles Krug: Taste of Howell Mountain
2800 Main St
St Helena, CA 94574
Spend this Saturday afternoon celebrating the rich harvest of the Howell Mountain AVA at the Charles Krug Winery in the heart of the region. Forty-five area wineries are expected at the 22nd annual event, where guests can indulge in outdoor wine tastings and food pairings while enjoying live music from blues band The Hummingbirdz before sitting down for dessert and a live auction.
Insider tip: Sample plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon, which has become this AVA’s signature varietal in recent years.
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