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BBQ & Beer Battle in Napa Valley

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

BBQ Battle logo BBQ & Beer Battle in Napa Valley

In the past, Napa Wine Tours has turned the spotlight on Napa Valley wineries benefiting the community through a variety of fundraisers for a variety of Napa Valley non profits. Today we shine the spotlight on the combined efforts of the Napa Valley professional community to contribute to a non profit committed to providing musical resources for Napa Valley schools.

The 4th Annual Napa Valley BBQ & Beer Battle takes place at Napa Valley Marriott on Sunday June 30, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This special afternoon fundraiser benefits the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Music Connection Program – a program that has enriched the lives of Napa Valley students for over a decade.

What to Expect

  • Special Host and Emcee
    This afternoon of fun will be hosted by Brian Whitmer, Executive Chef of VINeleven Restaurant & Bar
  • Delicious BBQ
    Two outstanding chefs return to grill delicious barbecued pork ribs, brisket, and chicken to compete for your vote. Pat Burke is the reigning champion with first place trophies from each BBQ & Beer Battle to date! He has earned barbecuing awards across the country in national competitions. The challenger is critically acclaimed Chef Stephen Barber of Farmstead restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch. Chef Whitmore and his VINeleven team will present tasty sides.
Pat Burke Brian Whitmer Stephen Barber BBQ & Beer Battle in Napa Valley

Pat Burke, Brian Whitmer, & Stephen Barber from 2012′s Battle

  • Napa Valley Wine & Bay Area Beer
    Taste craft beers from 10 Bay Area breweries competing for the best pairing for the day’s BBQ. Vote for your favorite then enjoy up to three glasses of your favorite beer or Napa Valley wine provided by the event’s Wine Sponsor, Judd’s Hill Winery.
    • Judds Hill Winery1 BBQ & Beer Battle in Napa Valley

    Judd’s Hill Winery, Winery Sponsor for this Special Event

  • Live Music
    The music for the afternoon includes Jazz musician Alan U’Ren, also the Napa Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Year.
  • Silent & Live Auctions
    The variety of Silent Auction items range from Napa Valley wine and wine tastings to entire Napa Valley packages. The Live Auction features a BBQ dinner for 12 prepared by Pat Burke and Chef Barber paired with Judd’s Hill wines.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private, chauffeured transportation to this and any other event in Napa Valley.

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Celebrating 4th of July, 2013 in Napa Valley

Thursday, June 6th, 2013

July, 1776 was an exciting time for the Thirteen Colonies. History documents in a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, that future generations would celebrate the separation of the colonies from Great Britain “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations…forever more.”

Americans have continued the traditional celebration. Our celebrations still include parades and “illuminations.” Barbecues and picnics have replaced bonfires. Carnivals and fairs spring up across the nation. And festive decorations appear in American homes and businesses.

For those considering a long weekend in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours recommends joining in on these celebrations.

Napa County Fair and Fireworks in Calistoga

calistoga parade2 Celebrating 4th of July, 2013 in Napa Valley

A Memory from the Parade in Calistoga

Downtown Calistoga located north of Napa Valley hosts a day of fun on Thursday, July 4th. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Visitors are invited to continue the celebration at the fairgrounds for games and later, fireworks.

Louis M. Martini 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Reserve your tickets for this annual family event also scheduled for Thursday, July 4th. From 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests will enjoy live entertainment, Napa Valley cuisine paired with Louis M. Martini wines, and an incredible fireworks show.

color guard Celebrating 4th of July, 2013 in Napa Valley

Color Guard at Sunrise Rotary’s Napa 4th of July Parade

Napa 4th of July Parade
The Sunrise Rotary’s dedicated Parade Committee presents their Napa 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Napa. This year’s theme is Napa Celebrates Americana.

This holiday is the perfect time to visit some of Napa Valley’s historic wineries.

Looking for accommodations? Stay in one of Napa Valley’s historic hotels including Napa River Inn and Silverado Resort & Spa.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private, chauffeured transportation during this special holiday or anytime throughout the year.

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18th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Howell Mountain Cup 18th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain

Napa Valley is a special place, and not just for the obvious reasons like the world-renowned wine and outstanding cuisine. Napa Valley is a special place because of the people. If you’ve been following Napa Wine Tours blog, you’ve seen the events hosted by winery, vintner, and grower associations dedicated to raising funds for the betterment of the Napa Valley community. We’d like to share another one of these events with you.

The 18th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain presented by the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association has selected a theme for 2013 in honor of the America’s Cup in San Francisco – Howell Mountian Cup, Wine Tasting Regatta. On Saturday, June 15th, ticket holders are invited to the historic Charles Krug Winery for an afternoon of wine, food, and incredible silent and live auctions benefiting the Howell Mountain Education Foundation.

Beginning at 12 p.m. enjoy a walk-around tasting on the Great Lawn featuring Howell Mountain wines perfectly paired with gourmet food prepared by Winery Chefs. The Great Lawn is beautifully shaded by ancient oak trees and feels more like a great park. At 3 p.m. guests are invited into the Carriage House for more outstanding pairings and the excitement of the live auctions. The event ends at 5 p.m.

Some of the delicious dishes include:

  • Ribs slow cooked in a smoker, fried then gently tossed in a special sauce that pairs perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Macaroni and Cheese savory “Cupcakes” made with Tillamook Cheddar, goat cheese, and Parmesan cheese
  • Braised Beef Brisket Sliders prepared with Anchor Steam beer
  • Blue Cheese and pecan short bread cookies made with Point Reyes Blue Cheese
CharlesKrugCarriageHouse1 18th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain

The Carriage House at Charles Krug Winery

Over 40 wineries will be participating this year including:

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Father’s Day in Napa Valley

Friday, May 24th, 2013

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.
V Marketplace2 Fathers Day in Napa Valley

V Marketplace

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.
Rhine House Mansion Fathers Day in Napa Valley

Rhine House Mansion at Beringer Vineyards

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 your Father with tickets. Future performances include Beatles tribute band The Fab Four, Cheap Trick, Mary Chapin Carpenter with Marc Cohn, Lily Tomlin, and many more.

Uptown Theatre interior Fathers Day in Napa Valley

You could also contact Napa Wine Tours and let us plan the day for you. We’ll make sure your Father enjoys an unforgettable Father’s Day celebration in one of our private chauffeured cars.

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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.

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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.

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Planning a Wine Tour in Napa Valley

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Whether you’ve visited Napa Valley several times, or are thinking of visiting for the first time, planning a trip to Napa Valley is exciting. Napa Wine Tours has a few ideas to assist in planning your wine tour itinerary.

Napa Valley welcome sign Planning a Wine Tour in Napa Valley

Tips for Planning a Wine Tour in Napa Valley

  • Visit the Napa Valley Vintners website to explore the over 400 wineries in Napa Valley. Napa Valley Vintners makes it easy for you to search for wineries in various categories such as wineries that are open to the public or by appointment only, dog-friendly wineries, family friendly wineries, and more.
  • Once you’ve decided on a wish list, call the wineries to make sure they will not be closed for a special event. Confirm correct pricing based on the number of people in your group and how long you should plan for your visit.
  • From San Francisco
    Napa Wine Tours will pick up your private group in San Francisco at a location most convenient for you at no additional charge. Depending on the exact locations in San Francisco and Napa, the vehicle type, and the time of day, it could take about an hour to an hour and a half to arrive in Napa Valley.
Castello di Amorosa Planning a Wine Tour in Napa Valley

Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa

  • From Sonoma County
    If your accommodations are in Sonoma County cities such as Santa Rosa or Healdsburg, Napa Wine Tours will still be able to provide your chauffeured transportation without additional charges for a pick up and/or drop off in Sonoma County. The average time from Sonoma County to Napa Valley is about an hour.
  • From Napa Valley
    Napa Valley encompasses a large area with accommodations in cities including Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville. The Napa Valley Vintners website provides a search of wineries by city so that you can plan your visit in one specific area or throughout Napa Valley.
Stags Leap Winery Planning a Wine Tour in Napa Valley

A Beautiful Vineyard View at Stags’ Leap Winery in Napa Valley

  • The final step in planning your visit to Napa Valley is to contact Napa Wine Tours to reserve your private, professional chauffeured car. We also offer the option of allowing one of our Wine Tour Specialists to plan your day for you and create a unique experience customized to your wine preferences.

Visit Napa Valley and experience why this area of Northern California Wine Country is known across the globe for superior wines.

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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.

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St. Clement Vineyards: A Must-See Winery in Napa Valley

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Here at Napa Wine Tours our clients depend on us for recommendations for must-see wineries in Napa Valley. One of the wineries we suggest is St. Clement Vineyards.

St Clement Victorian house1 St. Clement Vineyards: A Must See Winery in Napa Valley

The St. Clement Vineyards Victorian House was built in 1878


St. Clement Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Napa Valley’s city of St. Helena beautifully perched on a hilltop. Make sure to wear your walking shoes – the walk from the parking lot is a bit steep but well worth the effort for the birds-eye view.

    Guests have many options for tastings.

  • Tasting at the Tasting Bar: Call ahead or walk-in to sample St. Clement wines at their tasting bar located inside their Victorian house which was built in 1878.
  • Hilltop Terrace Tasting: Reserve a table outdoors on the terrace for a guided, seated tasting while taking in the incredible view of Napa Valley and Howell Mountain.
  • Private Tasting: Make an appointment for a private tasting for a private group of up to 8 people with a Wine Educator.

The experienced, skilled, and incredibly talented winemaker behind the award-winning wines at St. Clement Vineyards is Danielle Cyrot who has been creating St. Clement Vineyards wines since 2005.

St Clement view Howell Mtn St. Clement Vineyards: A Must See Winery in Napa Valley

The View from the Terrace at St. Clement Vineyards

The winning combination of superb wines, a beautiful location, and welcoming hospitality creates an unforgettable visit to St. Clement.

St Clement inside seating St. Clement Vineyards: A Must See Winery in Napa Valley

A Sunny Spot Inside St. Clement Vineyards’ Victorian House Near the Tasting Bar

From May 5 to September 1, 2013, visitors will enjoy the St. Clement Summer Music Series every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on certain dates, until 5 p.m. Guest musicians include solo Flamenco guitarist Tommy Hill, solo Classical guitarist Tom Duarte, solo Blues guitarist Joe Popenoe, and solo Jazz/Blues/Funk guitarist Nate Lopez.

Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private, chauffeured car during your visit to Napa Valley.

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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!

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