Napa Valley Events

Sorry, France. We know Cabernet Sauvignon came from Bordeaux, but the grape really does give its best as it ripens fully, here in the longer sunshine days of Napa Valley.

Winemakers tell us Cabernet Sauvignon has a complex flavor that dramatically reflects the space it was grown in. It can change even in different sections of the same vineyard.

You can taste this for yourself at Girard Winery’s sneak preview of three 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons from different growing areas.

Watch a short video clip of winemaker Zach Long discussing the characteristics of each here:
• 2007 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2007 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2007 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2007 Mountain Series Cabernet Sauvignon Sneak Release Party happens on Saturday, February 6th, at Noon-5 PM. Tickets including gourmet snacks are $25 (complimentary to Wine Club members).

The Girard Winery Tasting Room, 6795 Washington Street in Yountville, is about 18 miles from our hotel. Click here for directions.

Who was the lucky soul who first realized that a rich, flavorful wine goes perfectly with dark chocolate? We don’t know, but centuries later doctors tell us that chocolate has anti-oxidant properties.

ZD Wines figures it’s good health all the way by combining chocolate with red wine, well known as a fighter of heart disease. The winery releases its 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon this month, in a “Chocolate and Cabernet” special event.

ZD Wines is also a pioneer in organic growing practices in the Valley - all of its bottlings are certified organic. The release event features its fruity, aromatic Cabernet, and chocolate EVERYWHERE - chocolate bars, chocolate fountains, even chocolate-dipped bottles of wine.

The event is on Saturday, January 30th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Tickets are $25 per person ($20 for First-Taste members). Get tickets here, more information at the ZD Wines web site.

ZD Wines is located in Rutherford on the beautiful Silverado Trail, about 25 miles from our hotel. Click here for directions.

When you’re 130 years old you get to celebrate in any way you want. If you’re the Napa Valley Opera House you offer a performance by internationally acclaimed soprano Ruth Ann Swenson. And of course you follow it with a party.

Accompanied by Whitney Crist on piano, Ms. Swenson will honor the tradition of Luisa Tatrazzini, the world-famous Italian soprano who graced the Opera House stage in the early 1900’s.

The party in the Café Theatre will offer festivities, dessert, sparkling wine and a display of rarely seen historic photos and memorabilia.

The celebration is January 30 at 7 PM. It’s $75 for the performance only, $130 to include the party. Remember the Opera House has been selling-out crowds since January, 1880, and click here to book your tickets and for more information.

The Napa Valley Opera House is at 1030 Main Street in Napa. It’s just 9 miles from our hotel, click here for directions.

People who don’t live in the Napa Valley think it’s the middle of winter. We know differently, because while the grapevines are resting, the vineyards come alive with wild mustard in bloom.

The scenery is spectacular and the season begins - it’s Mustard Festival time!

It’s talked about all over the world, and a magnet for winter refugees from around the globe seeking to banish the winter blahs. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival signifies three months of bustle, cheerfulness and festivity.

And who better than the world-class chefs of the Culinary Institute of America to stage the Grand Opening Gala of the season? It’s Mustard Magic, when theater, food, wine and art all mingle with music and the everyday magic of the Valley.

It’s a sumptuous event filling all three stories of CIA’s magic castle at Greystone, one of Napa Valley’s most historic and majestic properties.

Mustard Magic happens on January 30th at 7 PM. Tickets are $125 for advance booking here, $150 at the door. More information is available at the official Mustard Festival web site.

CIA at Greystone is at 2555 Main Street in St. Helena, less than 30 miles from our hotel. Click here for directions from our hotel.