Spring is almost here, and with summer just around the corner it can only mean one thing: the Stark Insider calendar is filling up with a tonne of can’t miss food and wine events across the Napa Valley.
All of them — so far — feature familiar faces (CabFest and Flavor! Napa Valley, and Bottega Gran Fondo), and at least one that has been renamed (Festival Napa Valley).
Have your gold sharpies ready, here’s the high level need to know, with further details and videos below to get you into the mood.
CabFest Napa Valley, March 4 – 6, 2016
Flavor! Napa Valley, March 16-20
Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Gran Fondo, April 22 – 24 (because… we ride to eat!)
Festival Napa Valley, July 15-24
Also, as we previously mentioned, Yountville Live (from the folks who bring us Live in the Vineyard each year) is just around the corner featuring the Goo Goo Dolls, and runs March 31 – April 3.
Stay tuned to Stark Insider for on-going coverage of All Things West Coast. We hope you too are having the time of your life.
See and Do Napa Valley
CabFest Napa Valley
March 4 – 6, 2016
“CabFest Napa Valley is a three day celebration of world class Cabernet Sauvignon paired with culinary offerings from the top chefs in Napa Valley. The festival kicks off on the Lincoln Theater mainstage with a Mat Kearney concert on Friday, March 4, followed by an exclusive “Cigars and Guitars” afterparty. The wine tasting begins at 11am on Saturday in the Grand Foyer of the Lincoln Theater, where patrons will be able to sample product and interact with representatives from over 100 wineries. The weekend is full of unique events including interactive symposiums lead by Wine Bible author Karen MacNeil, boutique tastings from small batch Cab producers and elegant VIP parties featuring special musical guests.”
Musician Mat Kearney Headlines CabFest 2016
Watch the Napa Interview with Stark Insider’s Loni Stark:
Flavor! Napa Valley
March 16 – 20, 2016
“Flavor! Napa Valley: farm-to-table cuisine, world-class wines and culinary star talent. Guests will delight in events ranging from local and celebrity chef demonstrations to intimate winemaker workshops along with Grand Tastings and exclusive experiences that bring out the best flavors of Napa Valley. It’s the perfect time of year for five days of culinary indulgence, and to wine and dine with Napa Valley’s legendary talent.”
Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Gran Fondo
April 22 – 24, 2016
Bottega Gran Fondo (founded by Chef Michael Chiarello) is “the first of its kind destination cycling event where world-class culinary leaders share the stage with world-class cyclists and celebrities who all will be part of the peloton.”
Festival Napa Valley
July 15 – 24, 2016
(formerly called Festival del Sole)
“Festival Napa Valley, one of America’s premiere summer destination events, presents its Eleventh Season, July 15-24, 2016. The ten-day fete features exclusive engagements by preeminent classical, opera, jazz and dance artists paired with intimate food and wine affairs hosted by the region’s top vintners. Through its free programming and arts education initiatives, the festival seeks to bring the transformative power of the arts to all.”
Caution! The usual Stark Insider rules apply: try not to drink or shower using the spit bucket. Other than that, be yourself — go wild.
With Loni Stark in the Napa Valley.
