Archive for the ‘Napa Valley Events’ Category

Robert Mondavi Winery Concert Series, 2013

Friday, May 17th, 2013

In 1969 the Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra was the first to perform as part of the Robert Mondavi Winery Concert Series. Over 40 years later, the list of musical legends and icons who have also become a part of this Concert Series legacy include Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, and more. The extensive list of amazing contemporary artists is just as outstanding and along with many others features Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Josh Groban, Gavin Degraw, k.d. lang, Shawn Colvin, India.Arie, and Cassandra Wilson.

It’s not uncommon for the schedule of performances to include artists that fans would gladly attend the Concert Series alone for rather than miss an opportunity to enjoy their favorite performers in this unique and beautiful venue.

The upcoming concerts for 2013 include:

Each concert offers a choice between General Admission, Patio Seating, Reserve Seats, and Dinner Seating.

  • General Admission: Guests are welcome to enjoy seating on the lawn by bringing a blanket to lounge on or low lawn chairs
  • Patio Seating: Chairs supplied by the winery on their new patio area
  • Reserve Seats: Low beach chairs supplied by the winery on the lawn area closest to the stage
  • Dinner Seating: The evening for Dinner Seating begins with a standing wine reception in the winery’s cellar followed by a family-style dinner served with Robert Mondavi wines at the edge of the To Kalon Vineyard

With limited parking and carpooling encouraged, this is the perfect evening to contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured car.

Visiting Napa Valley on Memorial Weekend

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

What began as a way to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving our country has evolved into not only a time of remembrance but also a time of celebration. A celebration of the lives of those who are no longer with us, an appreciation of friends and family, and a time to reflect on all of the things we are thankful for.

As a nation, many will be tuning in to the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. Others will be attending local parades. And some will be taking the weekend to treat themselves to something special – like a trip to Napa Valley.

Napa Wine Tours has selected a few special events taking place during Memorial Day weekend that can be enjoyed separately or together for the quintessential Napa Valley experience.

William Hill Estate Winery – RSVP for Sunsets on the Bench
Arrive in Napa Valley on Friday afternoon. After checking into your hotel, head to Oxbow Public Market to pick up pre-ordered boxed lunches from Kitchen Door restaurant. Then stroll to Kara’s Cupcakes, also located at Oxbow Public Market, for a sweet treat. Next, make sure to arrive with plenty of time to purchase a bottle of William Hill Estate wine to enjoy with your picnic dinner during Sunsets on the Bench at William Hill Estate Winery.

William Hill Estate Visiting Napa Valley on Memorial Weekend

William Hill Estate Winery Offers Beautiful Views Overlooking Their Vineyards Gently Lit by the Sunset

Beringer Vineyards – Memorial Day Weekend Passport
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Beringer Vineyards will be hosting this special event which includes live music, an open invitation to a game of bocce ball, and a walk-around tasting paired with small bites. Reservations are recommended.

Beringer photo by Roy N. Visiting Napa Valley on Memorial Weekend

A Glimpse of the Historic and Lush Beringer Vineyards, photo by Roy N.

Andretti Winery – L’Italia in Vigneto Dinner Experience
Make reservations for an outstanding, Italian dinner on Saturday evening at Andretti Winery. Each course in this four course dinner prepared by Il Posto Trattoria Chef Adam Clark is paired with Andretti wines.

Andretti Winery Visiting Napa Valley on Memorial Weekend

Andretti Winery in the Evening

Remember to contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured car to enjoy your visit to Napa Valley carefree. Or contact us to create a special weekend just for you.

Mother’s Day 2013 in Napa Valley

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Looking for something unique for Mother’s Day this year? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for events in Napa Valley that will make Mother’s Day 2013 a special year.

Castello di Amorosa1 Mothers Day 2013 in Napa Valley

A Vineyard at Castello di Amorosa

Napa Valley Wineries
Domaine Carneros
Mother’s Day Tea at Domaine Carneros is offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both times are sold out but there is a waiting list. This popular celebration includes Domaine Chandon sparkling wines, tea service, sweets, tea sandwiches and scones.

Chappellet Winery
Chappellet Winery joins with Silverado Country Club for an unforgettable winemaker dinner on Thursday, May 9th as part of the Silverado’s Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration. Chappellet’s Winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus has partnered with Silverado’s Chef Jeffrey Jake to create an exquisite menu.

Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa hosts a Winemaker’s Luncheon on Friday, May 10th. Winemaker, Brooks Painter, and Associate Winemaker, Peter Velleno, will lead a tour of the vineyards surrounding the castle followed by a relaxing and delicious lunch at Castello di Amorosa’s Il Passito Patio.

Napa Valley Restaurants
Etoile Restaurant

etoile Mothers Day 2013 in Napa Valley

Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon

The Mother’s Day Tasting Menu at Etoile located at Domaine Chandon brilliantly pairs Domaine Chandon exclusive and reserve wines with a deliciously creative menu. Exclusive wines include Chandon Yountville Vintage Brut, 2007. Reserve wines on the menu are Chandon Reserve Blanc de Blancs and Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Rose. The menu also includes still wines – Domaine Chandon, Chardonnay 2010 and Domaine Chandon, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2010.

FARM at Carneros Inn
The family style Mother’s Day Brunch at FARM offers diners an array of outstanding choices such as Maine lobster bisque, Prime New York, Eggs Benedict, Ahi tuna, and a mini dessert trio consisting of lemon angel food cake with lemon curd and raspberries, blueberry macaroon napoleon with creme fraiche and almond, and dark chocolate coffee ganache with lady fingers and mascarpone cream.

La Toque at The Westin Verasa Napa
Once a year, for Mother’s Day, La Toque opens for brunch from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. This multi course experience begins with your choice of a cocktail, coffee, tea, or juice with a basket of warm cinnamon churros. The menu includes unforgettable cuisine including a lobster omelette featuring tender leeks, potato, fontina cheese, and a lobster hollandaise sauce.

lucy restaurant1 300x153 Mothers Day 2013 in Napa Valley

Inside Lucy’s Restaurant & Bar

Lucy’s Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono
Lucy’s uses sustainable, organic, and biodynamic ingredients whenever possible. A few of the Starters for Mother’s Day Brunch are steel cut oats, beet salad, and oysters on the half shell. Main dishes include Croque Madame, duck confit hash, a turkey omelette made with organic eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Glancing over these select options from the list of Main dishes, it’s clear that the diversity of the menu at Lucy’s makes it possible for everyone to order something they will definitely enjoy.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for more ideas and to reserve a beautiful chauffeured car as an added surprise for Mother’s Day in Napa Valley.

Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner 2013

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

The good news for the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association is that almost all of the Event Packages for the Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner are sold out. The good news for those of you who haven’t purchased tickets yet is that there are still 1-Day Pass tickets left for Saturday! The 2013 Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner takes place from April 26th to 28th. The Event Packages offered vary from 1-Day to 3-Day passes.

Friday, April 26
The celebration begins on Friday with a Vintner-hosted dinner at one of four locations with incredible Napa Valley chefs.

Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Cave Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner 2013

Pine Ridge Vineyards Hosts Their Friday Night Dinner in Their Wine Cave

Saturday, April 27

Stags Leap Winery Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner 2013

The View from the Patio at Stags’ Leap Winery


Saturday continues with District-wide Open Houses at 19 Stags Leap District wineries. Each winery offers a unique experience. For example, at Chimney Rock Winery, guests will enjoy special vineyard tours, barrel tasting, tasty bites, and live music. At Pine Ridge Winery, guests can choose between a variety of special tastings including a wine and gourmet food pairing. Visitors to Stags’ Leap Winery are invited to relax and take in the view while savoring Stags’ Leap wines and Cantinetta Tra Vigne pizza (pizza served from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Sunday, April 28

Silverado Vineyards Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner 2013

Outdoor Seating with a View at Silverado Vineyards


The event concludes with Sunday’s Fiesta Brunch at Silverado Vineyards featuring vintners and winemakers from 17 Stags Leap wineries. Brunch also includes a preview of Stags Leap District 2009 Appellation Collection to be released in October, 2013. The menu features local cuisine prepared by Meadowood Napa Valley resort and Sangria made with Stags Leap District wines.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured transportation and enjoy this special event to its fullest!

Napa Valley Opera House Presents Jesse Cook

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

In 1995 I was in Catalina for their 9th Annual Jazz Festival. During the performances, it was announced that a talented musician who had been playing in the bar during intermissions had been invited to perform on the main stage. Whole portions of the audience jumped to their feet while the musician walked on stage. They applauded and cheered for at least 10 minutes before they quieted enough for the musician to begin to play his guitar. Immediately I understood the enthusiastic welcome by the audience – this was a remarkable, undefinable, fusion of flamenco, rumba, jazz, and more. The unforgettable musician was Jesse Cook.

Jesse Cook Napa Valley Opera House Presents Jesse Cook

Jesse Cook Performs at Napa Valley Opera House On Saturday, April 6.

The 27th Annual Catalina Jazz Festival welcomes Jesse Cook this year, in October of 2013 as one the headliners. But for those of us closer to Napa, you can watch him perform at the Napa Valley Opera House this weekend – if there are any tickets left.

Napa Valley Opera House welcomes the engaging, modest, funny, Jesse Cook and his amazing band on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Jesse Cook’s masterful skills on the guitar and as a composer and producer have earned him multiple awards, legions of fans, and a reputation as a leader in musical innovation.

Napa Valley Opera House Napa Valley Opera House Presents Jesse Cook

Outside Napa Valley Opera House

The concert begins at 8 p.m. making it the perfect opportunity for an escape to Napa Valley. Arrive in Napa early and visit a few wineries. For a taste of Napa Valley sparkling, try Domaine Chandon. Visit Silver Oak Cellars for world renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Or make an appointment for a special tour and tasting at Stags’ Leap Winery before enjoying dinner at one of the many outstanding Napa Valley restaurants. We suggest Angele Restaurant & Bar for a French country dinner, Tarla Grill for a Mediterranean meal, Morimoto Restaurant for Japanese cuisine, and ZuZu if you prefer tapas and paella.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured car and we will assist you in creating a memorable visit to Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Arts in April

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

arts in april logo Napa Valley Arts in April

Whether it’s a glass of wine or a piece of art, if it pleases you, you will gaze at it, savor it, appreciate the skill used to create it, and the effects on your senses. Pairing your wine with art might not be as tasty as a pairing with food; but, the effect is magical. Both have the ability to make us feel, remember, think, imagine, & be inspired. And like the many types of art (poetry, paintings, music) there are many types of wine to enrich our lives. Napa Valley Arts in April celebrates the power of art and wine.

WHAT IS NAPA VALLEY ARTS IN APRIL?

Napa Valley Arts in April is a month-long celebration. The first Arts in April was launched in 2011. This year, choose from over 40 events at Napa Valley wineries and galleries. Over half a dozen Napa Valley hotels, resorts, and inns present special offers to celebrate this special month.


A FEW EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM OUTSIDE NAPA WINERIES

A FEW EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM INSIDE NAPA WINERIES

  • Chimney Rock Winery: Chimney Rock Winery presents photography by local artist, Mary Steinbacher. Every day (except for Easter Sunday, when the winery will be closed), visitors may view these incredible works while tasting impeccable Chimney Rock wines. RSVP for the Artist Reception taking place on April 25th.
  • Color of Life by Janet Ekholm Napa Valley Arts in April

    Color of Life, by Janet Ekholm

  • Cornerstone Cellars: View the paintings of guest artist, Janet Ekholm during April and join her April 18 – 20 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. for a personal tour of her gallery at Cornerstone Cellars. Guests on the personal tour receive complimentary tastings and special pricing on Cornerstone Cellars wines featuring labels created with Janet Ekholm’s artwork.
  • Domaine Chandon: Guests are invited to enhance their tasting experiences at Domaine Chandon by taking in a photo exhibit by local photographer Vi Bottaro, plus, works of ceramic art by four local artists (Rhue Julius Bruggeman, Erin Dowling-Michael, Nikki Ballere-Callnan, and William John Callnan), and a screening of select short films from 2012 Napa Valley Film Festival in the winery’s private screening room.

A COUPLE OF SPECIAL LODGING OFFERS FOR NAPA VALLEY ARTS IN APRIL

  • Harvest Inn: The Arts in April package at Harvest Inn includes a Welcome Basket full of local treats including complimentary tasting passes to two Napa Valley wineries with art collections. Guests staying April 11th & 12th are invited to the Inn’s Wine Bar where local artist, Penelope Moore, will create live paintings amid live music. Make sure to explore all of the special offers included in Harvest Inn’s Arts in April package.
  • Bardessono Napa Valley Arts in April

    Bardessono Offers a Special Package for Napa Valley Arts in April

  • Bardessono: The Arts in April offer at Bardessono includes a discount on any of their suites, complimentary admission for two to the Napa Valley Museum, a Yountville Art Walk map, and complimentary dessert at the Bardessono Lucy Restaurant & Bar.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured transportation to any event during your visit to Napa Valley.

Pawsport Napa Valley

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

Last year was the first time Napa Valley wineries and Napa Humane joined forces to create the first, one-of-a-kind tasting event, Pawsport Napa Valley. Guests purchased tickets (proceeds went to Napa Humane) and brought their four-legged friends out for a day to visit participating wineries in Napa Valley. The event was such a success that this year Pawsport Napa Valley, March 22 – 25, 2013 includes 20 Napa Valley wineries plus new “Pawsport Perks” from select Napa Valley restaurants and hotels.

Pawsport Napa Valley 2013 Pawsport Napa Valley

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • stellar Napa Valley wine
  • wine and food pairings
  • dog treats
  • special discounts
  • meet winemakers and winery dogs

 

WINERIES DONATING A PORTION OF SALES TO NAPA HUMANE

B Cellars Pawsport Napa Valley

Outdoor Tasting at B Cellars, One of the Wineries Donating a Percentage of Sales to Napa Humane. Can You Spot the Black Dog Resting in the Shade?

 

GUEST APPEARANCES FROM WINERY DOGS

  • B Cellars – “Kingsley” will be at B Cellars on Saturday, March 23rd
  • Madonna Estate – All three winery pets will be visiting the winery throughout the weekend
  • Peju Family Winery – Four-legged members of the Peju family will be welcoming guests
  • V. Sattui Winery – Meet “Baci”, a Bernese Mountain & Winery Dog

 

A FEW SPECIAL GIFTS FOR GUEST DOGS

    • Clos du Val: a Clos du Val logo tennis ball
    • Grgich Hills Estate: dog treats from Bouchon Bakery, a doggie bandana, and more
Bouchon foie gras biscuits photo by Jun Belen Pawsport Napa Valley

Bouchon Foie Gras Biscuits, photo by Jun Belen

 

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

 

PARTICIPATING DOG FRIENDLY HOTELS

Harvest Inn Love Me Love My Dog package Pawsport Napa Valley

Harvest Inn “Love Me, Love My Dog” Package Includes a Plush Dog Bed & More. Pictured is Harvest Inn’s Resident Pup, Peanut.

Westin Verasa Napa dog friendly hotel Pawsport Napa Valley

Westin Verasa Napa Welcomes Pets with a Heavenly Dog Welcome Pack

Napa Humane expects more than 400 guests for 2013! Proceeds benefit Napa Humane’s Spay/Neuter Clinic where low-cost vaccinations and microchipping clinics are also held. Napa Humane is a nonprofit organization striving to educate, protect, and serve as an advocate for pets since 1972.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for a private chauffeured car for you and your pet.

20th Annual Taste of Yountville

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

A Taste of Yountville 190x300 20th Annual Taste of YountvilleIn Napa County, about 15 minutes north of downtown Napa, the town of Yountville stays busy throughout the year. Visitors (and locals!) enjoy all Yountville has to offer. With over a dozen critically acclaimed restaurants and a collection of award-winning chefs at their helms, Yountville restaurants have earned a collection of Michelin Stars and loyal diners. Add a variety of luxurious accommodations and wineries creating world-class wines and it’s obvious why Yountville is a top destination to visit in Napa Valley Wine Country. One of the best times to visit Yountville is this weekend during the 20th Annual Taste of Yountville.

From Thursday, March 14th to Saturday, March 16th the town comes together to host a variety of special events.

Friday evening, the Yountville Arts Committee presents an artist reception at the Yountville Community Center. Guests will meet over 40 local, celebrated artists with works for display and purchase.

Saturday’s main event is a town-wide block party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and each tasting ticket is only $1. The list of local restaurants and wineries offering tastings includes:

  • Cornerstone Cellars – fine Napa Valley wines created by an award-winning winemaker
  • Freemark Abbey – this historic, century old winery has had the same skilled winemaker since 1985
  • Robert Mondavi Winery – taste a variety of wines from this legendary winery
  • Robert Mondavi Bouchon 20th Annual Taste of Yountville

    A Bottle from Robert Mondavi Winery & a Sample from Bouchon

  • REDD – opened in 2005, Redd holds a Michelin Star
  • Brix Restaurant – opened in 1996, this critcally acclaimed restaurant consistently receives awards for the view and the cuisine
  • Bouchon – opened in 1998 by Thomas Keller, Bouchon also holds a Michelin Starr

Live entertainment will be provided as well as guided tours of the garden at The French Laundry. Along with delicious, local food and wine, local talent will present their arts in categories including photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry, hats, and more. A few of these artists are:

  • Yount Street Glass – The amazing team at Yount Street Glass recycles wine bottles turning them into glass jewelry and accessories.
  • Yount Street Glass 20th Annual Taste of Yountville

    Glass Jewelry & Accessories from Yount Street Glass

  • Winecountry Photography by Michael Ecton – An experienced professional photographer capturing the beauty of Napa Wine Country and more.
  • Kendra Renee Jewelry Design – One artist using master skills to create handmade, unique, wearable art.
  • Kenda Renee Jewelry Design 20th Annual Taste of Yountville

    Kendra Renee Jewelry Design

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private car for this event or for your next visit to Napa Valley.

Calistoga Music Festival: Mustard, Mud, & Music

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

calistoga music festival logo Calistoga Music Festival: Mustard, Mud, & MusicThe city of Calistoga located in Napa County has a well-earned reputation as a place to go for world-class wines, relaxing spa treatments, and rejuvenating hot springs. One thing you might not know about Calistoga is that the city hosts an annual music festival – Mustard, Mud, & Music. This year’s festival on Saturday, March 9th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., brings together a winning combination of local wineries, Wine Country cuisine, and talented musicians.

Calistoga’s Main Street is transformed as guests walk down the appropriately named street for this festive celebration. Taste award-winning wines and sample specially prepared bites while enjoying a diverse selection of live music.

Participating wineries include Bennett Lane Winery, Castello di Amorosa, Frank Family Vineyards, Twomey Cellars, and many more.

Local restaurants will offer special menus for those looking for more than just a taste of fresh, local cuisine.

Musicians will share their talents in a variety of venues including outdoor stages. Local restaurants, galleries and other local businesses will reorganize their spaces to host live performances.

Some of the bands performing include:

Taylor Brown Maxx Cabello Jr1 Calistoga Music Festival: Mustard, Mud, & Music

Taylor Brown & Maxx Cabello Jr.

The list of performers includes a collection of diverse music including flamenco, reggae, music created with the harp, bands dedicated to celebrating hits from the Beatles and classic rock, and more.

TheRebobs2 Calistoga Music Festival: Mustard, Mud, & Music

The Rebobs

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured car and explore Napa County’s Calistoga with a professional, knowledgeable guide.

Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

Visiting Napa Valley? Will you gaze down at the valley from a hot air balloon? Catch a performance at Napa’s Uptown Theatre or Napa Valley Opera House? Definitely treat yourself to a spa treatment. Maybe play golf? You could time your visit during one of the many special events in Napa Valley. Start deciding which outstanding restaurants to dine at. And, of course, explore Napa Valley wineries. Some of our clients vacation in Napa Valley at least once every year – this is a place where you can experience something new each time you visit. If you are ambitious and looking to try to experience as much as you can in one trip, you might want to consider just one or two unique experiences at a couple of Napa Valley wineries instead of an entire day spent only on wine tasting. If so, Napa Wine Tours has some ideas for you.
Napa Valley attractions1 Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley
Wine & Food Pairing Experience at Cakebread Cellars
This experience begins with a short tour of the winery. Guests then begin a seated tasting of four wine and food pairings. The food is prepared by Cakebread resident chefs using fresh, local ingredients from Cakebread’s organic kitchen garden. Cakebread Cellars has been creating award-winning wines for over 39 years.
Cakebread Cellars1 Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley
Vineyard Tour & Tasting at Chappellet Winery
This off-the-beaten-path winery offers impeccable wines and incredible views. Walk through the vineyard, tour the production facility, and learn how this beautiful place serves as the foundation for some beautifully balanced wines.
Chappellett Winery1 Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley
Cave Tour & Barrel Tasting at Del Dotto Vineyards
Enter the candlelit cave and taste approximately 8 wines straight from the barrel. Upon exiting the cave, guests are invited to enjoy cheese and artisan cured meats. The adventure ends with a pairing of Port and chocolate truffles.
Del Dotto2 Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley
Estate Experience at William Hill Estate Winery
Tour the vineyard and the barrel room while learning about the history of William Hill Estate Winery. Taste an exclusive selection of wines then blend your own glass of Meritage.
Wiliam Hill Estate2 Special Tastings & Tours in Napa Valley
With over 400 wineries located in Napa Valley, there are many unique experiences like the ones we’ve outlined here. Contact us for more ideas and to reserve your private chauffeured car while you explore Napa Valley.