Posts tagged with "Napa Valley"

The Vines – Wine Club for Billionaires

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As the world continues to adapt to the pandemic, many people are looking for new travel memberships and elite experiences to indulge in–luckily the answer for these individuals is two simple words: The Vines. The Vines is an exclusive explorer’s club and the first worldwide community dedicated to winemaking. Members have the opportunity to travel to the world’s most coveted wine regions and learn the art of winemaking with master practitioners, and even create their unique blends. However, memberships for The Vines are by invitation only.

For background, in 2005, Michael Evans founded the luxury resort and private vineyard, The Vines of Mendoza, in Argentina. After many years of running the successful resort and having visitors from around the world, Michael decided to develop a sister project: a membership-only program with one goal, get people to know the world by making wine. Michael launched The Vines membership club in early 2020 and it has now evolved globally. The club has outposts and partners in seven regions around the world, including Champagne, Mendoza, Montalcino, Napa Valley, Priorat, The Mosel, and Willamette Valley, and they continue to expand beyond.

In addition to traveling the world, members of The Vines are sent cases of wine throughout the year and are offered access to curated events centered around wine, food, culture and adventure. Over the course of the next five years, The Vines plans to offer winemaking in 12 different regions, as well as expand beyond winemaking, offering members a series of pop-ups like making Sake in Japan and Mezcal in Mexico.

The initiation fees are $100,000 and annual dues are $1,500- $3,000 per quarter. Winemaking costs per barrel range from $7,000 to $37,000 based on site. The initial application questionnaire can be found HERE.

My Wine Moment Photo Giveaway

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HALL, WALT and BACA Wines, a set of family-owned wineries based in both Napa and Sonoma counties, has launched its first ever My Wine Moment Giveaway, ahead of the much anticipated holiday season. The Photo Giveaway, which is open for entry October 1 through November 24, 2021, will award one participant with the ultimate Napa Valley retreat package.

Prospective entrants are invited to share an image enjoying wine as part of a special moment. The lucky winner and a guest will receive a four-day, three-night accommodations package in Napa Valley, roundtrip airfare, and private ground transportation. Additionally, the winner and a guest will visit all five HALL, WALT and BACA luxury Tasting Room locations for a series of private food and wine experiences, with private transportation being provided to and from each. The winners will also receive a $500 Visa Gift Card for a selection of HALL, WALT and BACA wines. Additionally, multiple ‘Honorable Mention’ special wine moments photographs will be selected.

“Wine has been a part of so many special moments throughout the course of my life –birthdays, graduations, countless holiday gatherings, as well as simple moments like an evening stroll through the vineyard with Craig” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “We know others have these moments too and we love hearing about them. I hope this Giveaway will encourage you to share the joy of your own special wine moments.”

The My Wine Moment Giveaway is free to enter, and entries are being accepted October 1 through November 24. There are two ways to enter. Participants may submit a photo and comment on the HALL, WALT, or BACA websites at My Wine Moment or by posting a picture on Instagram using the hashtag #MyWineMoment and one of the brand hashtags; #HALLWines, #WALTWines or #BACAWines. The winner will be selected Monday, November 29. To review the official giveaway rules, please see the Terms & Conditions. Entrants must be 21 and over to be eligible.

For more information on the prize packages and to enter, please see the My Wine Moment Giveaway Submission page.

About Hall Family Wines

HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. HALL Family Wines collectively owns five wine country tasting rooms including HALL St. Helena, HALL Rutherford, WALT Sonoma, WALT Oxbow, and WALT | BACA Healdsburg. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Vice President of Winemaking Megan Gunderson Paredes, sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast including twelve Estate vineyards– Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, Beller, Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux, Rainin, Dellar-Freidkin, Cook, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high–tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 700 ratings of 90 points or above from the industry’s top critics, including four 100-point scores.

HALL Wines in Napa Valley Heads to Guana Island (BVI)

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Guana Island, the award-winning resort in the British Virgin Islands, is collaborating with renowned California wine brand, HALL Wines, to offer a three-day Wine Program from January 12 – 14, 2022. The program will bring some of HALL’s most celebrated vintages as well as its Director of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, to Guana for a dynamic program for travelers and food- and wine-lovers alike.

The HALL team will work closely with Guana’s Executive Chef to prepare a program celebrating the flavors of the California wines alongside the island’s natural bounty. Director of Winemaking for HALL Wines, Megan Gunderson, will work with the culinary team to create special menu pairings inspired by the flavors of Guana. She will also personally pour wines from across the HALL Family Wine brands portfolio including HALL, WALT and BACA Wines, and be available to chat with guests about the brand’s extensive West Coast vineyards, and the winemaking process.

The Guana culinary team will be creating new menus for the program, pulling as many ingredients as possible from the island’s orchard, including fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and microgreens. The four-acre orchard has been recently expanded to include three new greenhouses and is home to tropical fruits such as breadfruit, soursop, and papaya as well as more exotic items such as lemongrass and pomegranate. Guana guests also enjoy fresh fish from the surrounding waters, including grouper, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.

The three-day program will kick off with a Beach BBQ pairing Caribbean-inspired flavors with WALT Wines, known for single vineyard Pinot Noirs, complemented by live music from a local band. The following day, Gunderson and Guana General Manager Jason du Plessis will host a formal al fresco dinner, offering tastes of some of the most celebrated bottles from the HALL wine collection, including the bold Cabernets for which they are known. Gunderson will be on-hand to personally discuss each vintage, guiding guests through an educational and flavorful evening. The program will conclude the following day, with a guided tour of the orchard and an invitation to try some lesser-known vintages, matching HALL Wines with just-picked produce and tropical fruits that are only found in the Caribbean.

HALL and WALT Wines offered during the immersive experience will be available to order throughout the program. As with all visits to Guana, meals and activities prepared as part of the wine program will be included in the cost of a room. Rates at Guana start at $890 per night.

ABOUT GUANA ISLAND

One of the few private islands in its part of the world, Guana remains the most unspoiled jewel of the British Virgin Islands. Our 850 acres, seven beaches, mountains, gardens, organic orchard, dozens of hiking trails, and even our flock of flamingos are the exclusive domain of a handful of guests for the duration of their stay. In this setting, where the sparkling Caribbean meets the vast Atlantic, you’ll find first-class dining, accommodations, and service in a tradition of low-key luxury perfected through nearly a century of family stewardship. For more information or reservations, visit the Guana website or call (800) 544-8262.

ABOUT HALL FAMILY WINES

HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast and includes eleven Estate vineyards– Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, T Bar T Ranch, Atlas Peak, Rainin, Dellar-Freidkin, Cook, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 600 ratings of 90 points or above from the industries top critics, including five 100-point scores from the industry’s most notable wine critics. Visit Hall Wines, Walt Wines and Baca Wines for more information, or call 707-967-2626.

ADAMVS Winery Welcomes Alberto Bianchi as Winemaker

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Bianchi Will Steward the Estate Vineyard and Winery Towards Vintners’ Old-World

Vision to be a Grand Cru of Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain

Denise Adams, co-owner of ADAMVS, a profound and geologically diverse Estate vineyard resting atop the legendary Howell Mountain, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alberto Bianchi as Winemaker. The Adams are also proprietor/vintners of Château Fonplégade, a Grand Cru Classé Château and vineyard in St. Émilion, Bordeaux.

Bianchi was selected by ADAMVS owners, Denise and Stephen Adams, following an extensive, months-long search for a winemaker who would not only steward ADAMVS wines in the cellar, but rear them from the moment of their inception in the vineyard, working closely alongside Consulting Winemaker, Philippe Melka.

“During our extensive recruitment process for a new winemaker, we knew this special individual would have to share our passion for purity, balance, and a near-obsessive approach to careful and responsible farming,” said Denise Adams. “We knew he or she would have to speak our language; one of total commitment to wines of integrity, place, purpose and emotion. Alberto Bianchi was a perfect match for our philosophy and vision.”

Raised in Milan, Italy, Bianchi’s passion for the vine and wine began at the age of seven, while helping his grandfather craft Barbera wine in his cellar, wine that the family enjoyed throughout the year. It is not just the act of winemaking that has always been of interest to Bianchi, it’s also the “romantic and heroic” nature of viticulture in extreme sites that has ignited the passion and commitment to wine that drives him today. He believes that the vineyard is the heartbeat of a winery.

“I’m greatly honored to join the ADAMVS team. The first time I visited the property I felt an instant connection,” said Bianchi. “Wine is a synonym for culture: it is the pure expression of the land, the soil, the climate and the people. It’s with great pleasure that I start this amazing journey on Howell Mountain.”

Bianchi holds a bachelor’s degree in Winemaking and Viticulture from the University of Milan and a double master’s degree in Winemaking and Viticulture from the University of Turin and the University of Lisbon. After completing his studies, Bianchi travelled extensively throughout Italy, France, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, experiencing a variety of cultures and characters and winemaking techniques with the different grape varieties, and honing his craft.

In 2012, Bianchi was selected for LVMH’s Estates & Wines Early Career Winemakers program, where three up-and-coming winemakers are sent to three countries for three years of intensive training and development. He began in Argentina, as Assistant Winemaker at Terrazas de los Andes, followed by a year at Newton Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Napa, before his final rotation at Cloudy Bay in New Zealand, where winemaker, Tim Heath, became a mentor. “He taught me the importance of being respectful of the wine you have in front of you,” Bianchi said.

Upon completion of this three-year program, Bianchi returned to Newton in 2016 as Head of Winemaking. Today, Bianchi possesses the same boyish wonder that he felt as a child assisting his grandparents in Italy. His quest is to translate the beauty, nature and elements of ADAMVS’ profound and geologically diverse site into elegant wines that will evolve through time.

ADAMVS offers private tastings and experiences by advance appointment to allocation list members. For more information, and to join the waitlist, please visit the official website.

California Wines × Down to Earth

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California Wines Livestream & Video Series Celebrates Down to Earth Month in April

Facebook Live & Instagram Events Share Tips on Enjoying Sustainably Grown & Produced Wines

For “Down to Earth Month” in April, California Wines is celebrating the state’s global leadership in sustainable winegrowing with a series of fun and informative virtual events and videos on Facebook Live and Instagram. Throughout April, the free livestream events and videos will present a variety of discussions, cooking demonstrations, and virtual wine tastings focused on sustainability.

Hosts for the Facebook Live events include Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp, Food Network personality and founder of Salt & Wind Travel.

Videos shared on the California Wines Instagram channel will demonstrate recipes, how to pair and enjoy California wines, and what makes a wine sustainable. Programs will feature food and beverage influencers, including Meg van der Kruik of This Mess Is Ours, Jerry James Stone of the Jerry James Stone blog, Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread, and Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life.

To view details on all Down to Earth Month events, visit California Wine’s website.

Facebook Live: Thursdays, 10 am PST

Livestream hosts Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind taste and discuss sustainably grown and produced California wines. Event replays will be available on the site for later viewing.

April 1 – What Is Sustainable Wine?
It’s time to clear up the confusion around what defines sustainability! Participants will learn what sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices are and get the inside story on California’s sustainable certification programs, including the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) program.

April 8 – What Are Biodynamic and Organic Wines, and How Are They Sustainable?
Explore the differences between organic and biodynamic practices and learn how they fit into the sustainability equation.

April 15 – Why Is There a Chicken in the Vineyard?
Chickens, sheep, and goats don’t just look adorable in California vineyards—each has an important job to do. Learn how animals are helping California vintners in their sustainable farming efforts.

April 22 – How to Look for Sustainable Wines
Finding sustainable wines is easy—if you know what to look for. Participants will learn about the sustainable certifications, logos, and terms to look for on wine labels.

April 29 – How California Is a Leader in Sustainable Wines & Sustainable Farming
California is not only a world leader in sustainable winemaking and winegrowing practices, but producers also embrace sustainability in dairy and other agricultural areas. Learn about California’s innovative farming practices and how the state leads in sustainable wine and food.

IGTV Videos: Tuesdays 10 am PST

Every Tuesday in April, videos from well-known food and beverage influencers will be shared on the California Wines Instagram channel, each demonstrating a recipe inspired by the Wine Country Table cookbook paired with sustainably made wines from California. Recipes and information about sustainability will be shared on each influencer’s website and social media platforms.

April 6 – Meg van der Kruik of This Mess Is Ours

April 13: – Jerry James Stone of the Jerry James Stone blog

April 20 – Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread

April 27 – Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life

Fieldwork Brewing Company Expands Napa Valley Location

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An ambassador for craft beer in Berkeley, California, Fieldwork Brewing Company expands its Napa Valley location with a new outdoor beer garden and increased indoor taproom capacity at the Oxbow Public Market Annex (1046 McKinstry Street, Napa) in spring 2021. Fieldwork Brewing opened its taproom at Oxbow Public Market in 2016, which will remain open until the Grand Opening of their new locale. At the adjacent Annex, Fieldwork builds out its indoor footprint to 1,450 square feet with an additional 900 square feet outside for the European-style beer garden. The new Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at Oxbow Public Market Annex overlooks the Napa River and Oxbow Commons green space, and is located next to The Fatted Calf and Model Bakery.

“We are excited to have this expanded indoor / outdoor space to present a Fieldwork environment that is more akin to our other larger Bay Area locations,” said Barry Braden, CEO and Co-Founder of Fieldwork Brewing Company. “Our goal is always to provide the best hospitality, a casual environment, and seasonal beers — as fresh as possible and directly from the source.”

Steve Carlin, Founder and Managing Partner of Oxbow Public Market stated, “Barry and Alex always produce a terrific product and fun atmosphere. We expect their new space to be lively, comfortable, and a major part of Oxbow Public Market for years to come.”

Brewing well over 500 unique beers since opening its West Berkeley brewery in February 2015, Fieldwork brews with as much a sense of purpose as a sense of place as they honor Northern California’s magnificent outdoor landscapes with an array of idiosyncratic beers. The esteemed brewing team led by Head Brewer and Co-Founder Alex Tweet focuses on innovation for its ever-evolving roster of highly aromatic and well-balanced beers. Based on seasonality and consistent quality, Fieldwork forges its own path brewing beers they simply love to drink.

Walking into Fieldwork Brewing locations is never the same experience twice with their ambitious brewing program featuring signature IPAs, Double IPAs, lagers, pale ales, sours, stouts, etc. Bay Area regulars and out of town visitors can always rely on enjoying an onslaught of beer varieties with the tasting menu in constant rotation. Some beers reappear and others never repeat.

The Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at Oxbow Public Market Annex will feature upwards of 18 beers on the menu, and will present live music and other A&E programming.

For more information regarding Fieldwork Brewing Company, please visit fieldworkbrewing.com and instagram.com/fieldworkbrewingco.

ABOUT FIELDWORK BREWING COMPANY

Established in 2015, Fieldwork Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Berkeley, CA brewing for the regional Northern California marketplace. Available at their West Berkeley, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Monterey, San Ramon, and Corte Madera taprooms/beer gardens, Fieldwork beers are also on draft at the finest local craft beer focused restaurants and bars. Fieldwork is the 10th fastest growing private company on San Francisco Business Times’ “100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area” for 2018, and Inc. magazine ranked Fieldwork at No. 604 on its 2019 Inc. 5000 list of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies.”

Fieldwork’s downtown Napa location expands to the Oxbow Public Market Annex in spring 2021, and the midtown Sacramento taproom is in The Handle District. In summer 2017, Fieldwork opened beer gardens in San Mateo and Monterey. The Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at City Center Bishop Ranch (San Ramon) opened in 2018, and The Fieldwork Taproom at Town Center Corte Madera opened in 2020. Fieldwork’s latest releases can be enjoyed by sampler flight, beer by the glass, and filled “to go” in growlers and crowler cans. Special Release cans are available onsite and for delivery while supplies last at each location.

Fieldwork proudly supports select regional non-profits through the release of benefit beers such as Koalaty Time Double IPA, March On Hoppy & Strong, Crayon Box Double IPA, 924 Double IPA, Oakland Pride IPA, Golden Rule Double IPA, and Fetch Pale Ale.

ABOUT OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET

Oxbow Public Market, located in the historic Oxbow District of downtown Napa, has become the local resource for great food and wine in the Napa Valley. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms. For more information, please call 707-226-6529, or visit www.oxbowpublicmarket.com.

Wine Tasting Continues

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As indoor dining and wine tasting shut down in Napa & Sonoma Counties, we just wanted to remind you that outdoor wine tasting continues at Benovia Winery and Inglenook, and outdoor dining continues at Brix Napa Valley. All three destinations are just minutes from private airports.

BENOVIA WINERY

Benovia Winery remains open for outdoor wine tasting with “Pinot & Pairings on the Patio.” Benovia Winery is a fun, family-owned, limited-production winery in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley that produces some of the region’s most exclusive, coveted, sustainably-farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The health and safety of Benovia’s co-workers, guests and the community is their first priority, and visitors can relax knowing that behind the scenes the Benovia team is sticking to the strict guidelines set forth by the CDC and local health officials.

Guests who want to enjoy wine among the vines will be surrounded by Benovia’s sustainably-farmed Martaella vineyard. What could be better than tasting wine right at the source? The spacious deck on the back of Benovia’s Ranch House is a perfect setting for visitors seeking privacy and a comfortable distance from other parties, while they enjoy a tasting served with thoughtfully-chosen pairings.

Guest Expectations of Benovia Winery:

Reservations are required and the number of tastings accepted each day will be limited. Prompt arrival is essential.

A greeter will be waiting for guests outside the tasting room.Visitors will be guided to their tables where their own personal pens and tasting sheets will be waiting for them.

Benovia asks that all guests please wear masks when they arrive and any time they leave their table.

There are restrooms in each tasting area that are cleaned frequently and hand sanitizer is available throughout the patio and tasting areas.

Contactless payment is provided at the end of the tasting.

There’s a substantial cushion between each tasting appointment so the Benovia team can give the tasting room and all high-touch areas a comprehensive cleaning, in step with guidelines from the CDC and local health officials.

Make a Reservation at Benovia Winery

Follow Benovia Winery: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

BRIX NAPA VALLEY

We are happy to share that outdoor dining continues at Brix Napa Valley. Guests can relax on the spacious patio at Brix and in the garden & citrus grove overlooking the stunning vineyard, with a breathtaking view of the Mayacamas. Brix is also offering a robust selection of carry-out dishes and wines-by-the-bottle-to-go from their vast cellar. For couples who have had to cancel elaborate weddings, they can book more intimate ceremonies in the garden at Brix for the bride, groom and four special guests.

Guest Expectations of Brix Napa Valley:

Brix is serving their famous Sunday Brunch à la carte.

Unfortunately, Brix cannot welcome guests to sit at the bar.

There are motion-activated hand sanitizers throughout the estate.

Both reservations and walk-in guests are welcome, but Brix cannot seat parties larger than 6.

Guests have to wear masks when they arrive, and any time they leave their table to walk through the restaurant or garden.

Guests have to remain six feet away from other parties the whole time they’re at Brix.

Make a Reservation at Brix Napa Valley

Follow Brix Napa Valley: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

INGLENOOK

Inglenook was founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley’s finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.

Inglenook is best-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and its premier wine, Rubicon. Rubicon’s blend varies each vintage but is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. Inglenook also makes a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, and a complex white blend called Blancaneaux, made up of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. All of the wines are estate-produced from Inglenook’s organically-farmed vineyard. Overall, the estate is 1,680 contiguous acres, and 235 acres are planted to vineyards.

The Inglenook estate has undergone several name changes over the years. In 1879, Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum purchased the Inglenook farm. The first vintage was released in 1882 under the name “Inglenook.” In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, purchased 1,560 acres of the Inglenook estate, including the Niebaum mansion. They were looking for a country home where they could raise their family. In the French tradition, they joined their name with Niebaum’s and the property became the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. In 2011, the Coppolas acquired the iconic Inglenook trademark and announced that henceforth the celebrated estate would be known by its historic original name, Inglenook.

Francis Ford Coppola took on the task of reuniting Inglenook with its prestigious past and has patiently reassembled the jewels of the crown. Today, the Coppola family honors Inglenook’s rich heritage by building on its legacy of innovation and forward thinking and producing internationally critically-acclaimed wines.

The gracious Inglenook team is donning white gloves and masks to protect guests and offer the impeccable, warm service for which Inglenook is known. Imagine tasting on a sunny day alongside Inglenook’s iconic fountain in the winery’s open, breezy courtyard – or savoring a private luncheon, crafted by Chef Alex who draws upon the bounty of the organically-farmed estate and culinary garden to create memorable coursed meals that pair perfectly with Inglenook’s wines.

Guest Expectations of Inglenook:

Inglenook continues to host guests with white glove service in the estate’s spacious courtyard and on its picturesque terrace.

Tasting appointments are by reservation only, with a limited number of guests allowed on the estate.

Visitors are welcomed through the gate with convenient contactless entry and parking spaces have been thoughtfully organized so that guests can remain a respectful distance from each other as they get in and out of their cars.

Behind the scenes, guests can be assured that the Inglenook team has thoroughly cleaned all high-touch surfaces hourly.

Make a Reservation at Inglenook

(or reserve by calling 707-968-1161 or by emailing reservations@inglenook.com)

Follow Inglenook: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Festival Napa Valley

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Festival Napa Valley, California Wine Country’s flagship music festival, is pleased to announce “One Night, Many Voices,” a free, global, virtual concert featuring original performances by some of today’s most renowned artists. The star-studded lineup includes violinist Joshua Bell with soprano Larisa Martínez, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, soprano Nadine Sierra, tenor Michael Fabiano, and the sensational Young People’s Chorus of New York City. The concert will culminate with a swinging jazz performance headlined by Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán and his band, direct from Havana.

“We are thrilled to bring together some Festival favorites for a special night to celebrate the healing
power of music,” said Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “We hope this concert
will provide connection, hope, and inspiration to music lovers everywhere.” To add to the evening, Festival Napa Valley is partnering with local Napa restaurants to produce curated to-go menus, as well as their Partner Wineries to provide special offers on select bottles. Revenue from purchases will go directly to the restaurants and wineries. For more information and to RSVP to the one-night-only event on Saturday, July 25, 2020, please visit HERE:

About Festival Napa Valley:

Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region and make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year. Festival Napa Valley’s 15th Anniversary Season will take place on July 16-25, 2021.

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

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When Festival Napa Valley, California Wine Country’s flagship music festival, made the decision to postpone its 15th Anniversary Season to 2021, its artists refused to be silenced. Led by two alumni of the Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy – conductor Zach Salsburg-Frank and violinist Sienna Peck – 126 past and present Festival Napa Valley musicians joined forces to create an extraordinary virtual performance of the famous “Va, pensiero” chorus from the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi.

“Although we will not have a summer season this year, our pioneering spirit is alive and well and we are creating innovative ways to continue to bring music to our audiences,” said Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley.

The innovations include the Festival Napa Valley Remote Ensemble, made up of: instrumentalists and singers from 26 states, 8 countries, and 5 continents representing two dozen orchestras, ensembles, opera companies and music conservatories such as the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, and many more.
“Va, pensiero was a perfect choice of music, a moving hymn that has served as a rallying song of hope and resilience for people around the world,” said Charles Letourneau, the Festival’s Vice President and Director of Artistic Planning.

Each musician recorded their part on a smartphone while following the virtual conductor. The group was synchronized into one glorious collective performance. It was dedicated to the essential workers whose heroic efforts safeguard the health and safety of our communities. The performance can be seen on Festival Napa Valley’s YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/jHV9wLvNYxA

Added Letourneau: “Our technical engineer Wei Wang created a visually and musically stunning virtual performance that proves digital art can be as moving as a live performance in these extraordinary times.”

Festival Napa Valley’s 15th Anniversary Season will take place July 16-25, 2021.

About Festival Napa Valley:

Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region and make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic Napa Valley venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year.

Festival Napa Valley

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Festival Napa Valley Announces Its 15th Anniversary Season

Featuring Jennifer Hudson, Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez, Roberto Bolle, the Young People’s Chorus of NYC with Thomas Hampson, and the World Premiere of Gordon Getty’s Opera Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Festival Napa Valley, recognized for transforming California Wine Country into a cultural destination, announces its 2020 summer season, July 17– 26. The Festival’s 15th anniversary will be commemorated with more than 40 concerts and events in an inspiring season of reflection, celebration and enthusiasm for the years to come.

Now in its 15th year, Festival Napa Valley offers a rich range of programs—from symphonic concerts, opera, film, and dance, to chamber music and jazz.

In addition to presenting the finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley is committed to supporting underserved members of the community by providing free tickets to students, veterans and seniors. The Festival’s extensive educational program includes master classes for local college students; Arts for All camps, which serve more than 1600 Boys & Girls Club youth ages 6-18; and a tuition-free music academy for 60 pre-professional musicians from around the world.

“This anniversary season is dedicated to recognizing and honoring all of the outstanding artists, chefs, vintners and partners that make this Festival so special,” says Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “We are equal parts inspired and reflective, and both of these feelings have found expression in the programming for our 15th Anniversary Season. We are excited to create a little magic for our audience and supporters this summer.”

Festival Napa Valley 2020 Highlights:

International opera star Thomas Hampson kicks off the 15th season at Castello di Amorosa with his bountiful Song of America: Beyond Liberty. Hampson will be joined by acclaimed pianist Lara Downes, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and a chamber ensemble in this concert pairing music, poetry, rhetoric, and history.

Grammy and Academy-award winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson headlines Wine Country’s biggest arts charity event, the Arts for All Gala at HALL Napa Valley.

The Festival presents the world premiere of Goodbye, Mr. Chips, the highly anticipated opera by acclaimed composer Gordon Getty.

High-energy cover band Brickhouse headlines Taste of Napa, Festival Napa Valley’s signature celebration of food, wine, and music, at Vista Collina.

Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell and radiant soprano Larisa Martínez perform music inspired by Bell’s chart-topping CD, Voice of the Violin at Charles Krug Winery. To commemorate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Bell and his two distinguished colleagues, pianist Jeremy Denk and cellist Steven Isserlis, perform Beethoven’s masterpiece “Triple Concerto” with Festival Orchestra Napa, under the baton of Joel Revzen.

Brilliant American violinist Chad Hoopes performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Blackburn Academy Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Carlo Ponti at Far Niente, accompanied by poetry written by Napa County high school students on the theme The Four Seasons of Napa Valley.

Renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs a private recital at Darioush.

Maestro Joel Revzen and Festival Orchestra Napa bring Disney’s seminal film, Fantasia, to life while the film plays on the big screen.

Opera Under the Stars at Meadowood Napa Valley features Festival favorites soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Michael Fabiano performing arias and duets with Festival Orchestra Napa, led by the eminent conductor James Conlon.

Ballet superstar Roberto Bolle brings his celebrated show, Roberto Bolle and Friends, to Napa for the annual Dance Gala.

Festival Live! Chamber Series returns with 12 free concerts at locations throughout Napa Valley.

The popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series showcases the next generation of classical music artists.

The Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra shines in an admission-free Monday at the Symphony concert featuring works by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Karen LeFrak at Lincoln Theater.

Single concert tickets starting at $39 are now on sale. For an elevated Festival Napa Valley experience, Patron Passes including access to exclusive lunches, dinners and lounges are also available. To view the full schedule and to purchase passes, visit http://www.FestivalNapaValley.org.

About Festival Napa Valley:

Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region. The Festival’s central mission is to make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic Napa Valley venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year. Festival Napa Valley 2020 takes place July 17 – 26. To learn more, visit http://www.festivalnapavalley.org.