New Things to See and Do:
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art presents Be Not Still: Living in Uncertain Times (part 2) through Dec. 30, 2018. The exhibit features commissioned projects by four Bay Area artists, each responding to the social and political climate through a topic of their choice. In Gallery One Lexa Walsh explores the topic of assembly through her guest-curated presentation of works from di Rosa’s rich collection of contemporary Northern California art and in Gallery Two, Victor Cartagena, Ranu Mukherjee, and Lava Thomas address immigration, societal health, and solidarity through large-scale installations. For the first time in the organization’s history, guests may visit without a prior reservation and visit the galleries independently during open hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors 17 and younger receive free admission.
Website: www.dirosaart.org
PR contact: Stephanie King, stephanie@dirosaart.org
The Culinary Institute of America at Copia will unveil the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum on Aug. 2, 2018, which will feature more than 4,000 artifacts of specialty cookware, bread baking and culinary tools, appliances, and tableware.
Website:www.ciaatcopia.com
PR contact: Anne Girvin, anne.girvin@culinary.edu
The Napa Valley Museum in Yountville presents both “Herrero: Origins of an Original,” which celebrates the work of the iconic Napa Valley artist on the ten-year anniversary of the last retrospective of his work; as well as “Randy Strong – Glass Master,” a unique collection of the artist’s legendary 45-year career in the historic American Art Glass movement. Visitors may view Strong’s work from early groundbreaking glass techniques to his present one-of-a-kind veiled sculptures. Many sculptural works will be available for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the museum’s arts and education programs. Both exhibits run through Aug. 19, 2018.
Through Sept. 16, 2018 the museum presents "50 Years of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve." This interactive exhibit, with bilingual (English and Spanish) components, informs and educates museum visitors about the History of the Agricultural Preserve including its key players, why and how it was initiated, the major challenges and successes of the last 50 years, and a view into its future priorities and anticipated challenges.
The museum also now features a permanent exhibition case, as well as rotating exhibits, to celebrate the history of the California Veterans Home and showcase the treasures housed there, including mementos, uniforms, medals and letters from home. Associated events presented by, and for, veterans will educate visitors, locals, students, and Veterans Home residents.
Website: https://napavalleymuseum.org
PR contact: Laura Rafaty, laura@napavalleymuseum.org
Charles Krug Winery and the Napa Valley Film Festival have collaborated to present Charles Krug Sunset Cinema, featuring two festival favorites to screen during the winery’s first ever film series. These special selections will be screened on the estate’s picturesque Great Lawn. Attendees will enjoy Charles Krug's estate wine and culinary offerings before each screening, and once the sun sets, view each film outdoors under the stars. Films include Amanda and Jack Go Glamping on Aug. 9 and Life in Color on Sept. 13, 2018.
Website: www.charleskrug.com/visit/events/sunset-cinema-series-2018
PR contact: Andrew Garsetti, agarsetti@colangelopr.com or Juliana Colangelo, jcolangelo@colangelopr.com
Lede Family Wines showcases a visual concert of Grace Slick’s artwork in the winery’s Backstage Tasting Lounge. Slick’s art communicates the same type of high energy found in her music from the late 1960’s. Pieces range from raw and energetic to warm and intimate, and the portraits of her rock contemporaries contain a certain mystique that comes from Slick’s personal relationship with these iconic individuals. The Backstage Lounge tasting experience is open Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are required.
Website: www.ledefamilywines.com
PR contact: AnnaBelle Walter, awalter@ledefamilywines.com
Paper Napan Walkabouts is a new tour company that specializes in guided walking tours that highlight hidden gems in downtown Napa, including the only walking tour of Napa Valley’s emerging Rail Arts District (RAD). During the tour, guests will see murals from globally renowned street artists and visit three downtown tasting rooms to sample wines and beer from small batch productions, accompanied by light snacks. Tours are half price through July 2018 with the promotional code CHEERS at checkout on the website.
Website: https://papernapan.com
PR contact: Kimberly McGinness, k.mcginness@papernapan.com
Wombat Charter Tours now offers small-boat sunset tours and cruises of the lower Napa River and the surrounding southern wetlands of the Napa-Sonoma Marsh Wildlife Preserve, as well as guided fishing charter excursions complete with gear and expert guidance.
Website: www.wombat-charters.fishing
PR Contact: Bob Fisher, bobfisher@sportfishworld.com
Bespoke Collection in downtown Napa offers two new, unique experiences. A Vintage Flight with the Flock features 40 minutes of private flight time in a 1939 Douglas DC-3 with views of Napa and Sonoma valley, the San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline. The flight can accommodate up to 10 guests and includes vintage bottles of Blackbird Vineyard wines. Flights depart and return from the Napa Airport. Private charters from partner airports and private tours are available as well. The Yacht Tour and Tasting on the Napa River includes a privately chartered yacht, touring from Carneros to downtown Napa, with the full portfolio of Blackbird Vineyards wines and lunch. This tour is offered for groups up to twelve guests for a three-hour seafaring excursion.
Website: https://riverhouse.bespokecollection.com
PR contact: Miranda Petersen, mp@bespokecollection.com
New Shopping Experiences:
The Mad Mod Shop in Calistoga offers a curated collection of retro-inspired designs and vintage fashion. The new boutique also features a timeless collection of pin-up inspired dresses, skirts, tops, swimwear, and accessories.
Website: www.madmodshop.com
PR contact: Andrea deTrinidad, shop@madmodshop.com
Pendleton recently opened at Napa Premium Outlets, offering a wide selection of modern classic clothing as well as Native American-inspired jacquard blankets from America's premier weaver, Pendleton Woolen Mills. The Pendleton Outlet store offers special savings on jacquard blankets, fashion bedding, luxury throws, gifts and accessories.
Website: www.pendleton-usa.com
PR contact: Traci Gee, TGee@simon.com
Shoppe Twelve opened along the Napa Riverfront on Main St. in downtown Napa in May 2018. The pop-up boutique, located in the former Cake Place location, features “wine-country” inspired women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes.
Website: www.shoppetwelve.com
PR contact: sarah@sarahlanestudios.com
New Wine Tasting Experiences:
Napa
The Hess Collection’s Vineyard Excursions begins with a guided ATV vineyard ride through the historic Mont La Salle vineyard, exploring a range of Napa Green sustainable practices. Guests will learn different trellising practices, spacing and viticulture approaches to mountain farming, followed by a three-course lunch incorporating items from the winery’s culinary gardens, or an estate wine presentation paired with Artisan cheeses served with seasonal fruits and nuts, complemented by current release Mount Veeder wines. Offered through Fall.
Website: www.hesscollection.com/visit-us/exclusive-experiences
PR contact: Cesar Ramirez, cramirez@hesscollection.com
Signorello Estate has opened a temporary tasting space and introduced a new Estate Experience at the Silverado Trail estate property. The experience begins with a vineyard tour and an overview of Signorello Estate’s history. Following the tour, guests are welcomed into the Estate Room for semi-private tastings for up to eight guests which feature four wines paired with small bites. Reservations for the Estate Room are only accepted over the phone, and prior reservations are required. For reservations, please call 707.255.5990.
Website:www.signorelloestate.com
PR contact: Charlotte Milan, charlotte@cmilancomm.com
K. LAZ is now open at the CIA at Copia, offering appointment-only tastings of highly coveted wines procured by proprietor Kerrin Laz, former wine director of Dean & DeLuca. The tastings are held in the tasting salon at Copia and may be paired with food upon request.
Website: www.ciaatcopia.com/experiences/#k-laz-wine-collection
PR contact: Anne Girvin, anne.girvin@culinary.edu
The Cellarius Kitchen Experience at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars showcases dishes that complement and contrast the unique flavors and aromas of the wine by winery Chef Travis Westrope. This experience is offered Monday through Thursday from noon to 2:30 p.m. through December 2018. Advance reservations required.
Website: www.cask23.com
PR contact: Jennifer Scott, Jennifer.j.scott@smwe.com
The Ashes & Diamonds Vintage Experience immerses guests in the mid-century history and ethos that inspired Ashes & Diamonds. During the two-hour experience, guests are led through the winemaking process from grape to bottle, which includes a walking tour of the vineyards and production facility, followed by a private vintage tasting alongside the current release of Ashes & Diamonds wines, paired with a locally-sourced multi-course meal.
Website:www.ashesdiamonds.com
PR contact: Carlisle Williams, carlisle@ashesdiamonds.com
The Village Tasting Rooms at Vista Collina Resort bring eight hand-selected boutique wines and microbrews, each with its own unique style and history, under one roof. Featured tasting rooms include Trinitas Cellars, Foley Food & Wine Society, Gen7 Wines, The Wine Foundry, Napa Smith Brewery, Cornerstone Cellars, Jayson by Pahlmeyer, Mi Sueno Winery and Luna Vineyards. Food pairings by Chef Vincent Lesage are also available.
Website: www.villagenapavalley.com
PR contact: Audrey Neidenbach, audrey@jpublicrelations.com
Trefethen Family Vineyards offers a new Anniversary Tasting which focusses on aged offerings, including three vintages of Chardonnay and three vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon. Upon arrival, guests are escorted through gardens to the Villa, the former family residence, and seated in the dining room, where they are led through the wine flight. The Anniversary Tasting is semi-private, with a maximum of 10 guests, and is offered daily at 10:30 a.m. Advance reservations are required.
Website: www.trefethen.com
PR contact: Charlotte Milan, charlotte@cmilancomm.com
Rutherford
Through the summer, Rutherford Hill Winery offers a selection of wines by the bottle to enjoy while lounging in the picnic grove, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening 5 to 8 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or may purchase a cheese and charcuterie plate prepared by Dean & Deluca. Reservations required for groups of eight or more.
Website: www.rutherfordhill.com
PR contact: Ben Rotnicki, rotnickib@twg.com
St. Helena
The Whitehall Lane Winery Estate Vineyard Tour & Tasting offers views of the Mayacamas Mountain Range and Rutherford Appellation AVA on a guided tour through the 25-acre estate vineyard. Guests will see first-hand the different cycles of the estate vines, how a grape cluster grows on the vines, and the process it goes through to become wine. The experience concludes with a tour in the estate Barrel Room where guests learn about the aging process, the final stage before bottling.
Website: www.whitehalllane.com
PR contact: Katie Leonardini, greatwine@whitehalllane.com
HALL and WALT Wines have launched a new California Zinfandel brand, BACA Wines, led by winemaker Alison Frichtl Hollister. The new BACA Lounge at HALL St. Helena offers a flight of four BACA wines or select bottle service, as well as lawn games including oversized Jenga and Cornhole, and a Trivia Wheel to test wine knowledge. The lounge is open throughout Summer 2018, Friday through Sunday only.
Website: www.bacawines.com/visit
PR contact: Lisa Covey, lcovey@hallwines.com
Conn Creek Winery offers a seasonal Garden Tasting in the winery’s outdoor garden patio, which includes a selection of wines from Conn Creek’s Napa Valley Collection and the AVA Cabernet Sauvignon series. Garden tastings are available Fridays through Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and feature live music every Sunday through July.
Website: www.conncreek.com
PR contact: Christina Starr, Christina.Starr@smwe.com
Parallel Wines in St. Helena is offering three new, elevated tasting experiences at its home at Brasswood. The Après Pairing and Lunch Pairing are both guided wine tastings of award-winning Phillipe Melka wines, featuring current releases with a special pour from the winery’s Library Collection, paired with small bites and cheeses from the Brasswood Bakery for the Après Pairing, and a variety of small dishes from the Brasswood restaurant for the Lunch Pairing. A third new tasting includes a Vertical Experience of award-winning Phillipe Melka Library Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations are required.
Website: http://www.parallelwi
PR contact: Adrienne D. Capps, adrienne@parallelwines.
Calistoga
Fairwinds Estate Winery offers two unique tasting options. The Paint & Sip Party includes an afternoon of wine and painting on the grapevine terrace overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Art of Wine Tasting & Flower Arrangement teaches guests the art of wine tasting and flower arranging inside the wine cave July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. Each class includes a flight of three wines, light snacks, and a handmade floral centerpiece or painting to take home.
Website: www.fairwindsestatewinery.com
PR contact: Terry Lehenbauer, terry@fairwindsestatewinery.com
Amici Cellars offers a new Grapes to Glass harvest experience featuring an opportunity to explore Napa’s historic vineyards while tasting site-specific wines. The half-day immersion experience features tours and tastings from Napa’s Beckstoffer Heritage Missouri Hopper and To Kalon Vineyards, as well as a visit to Amici Cellars’ Calistoga winery where lunch is paired with estate wines.
Website: www.amicicellars.com
PR contact: Keely Garibaldi, keelygaribaldi@gmail.com
Tamber Bey Vineyards offers a chance to get up close and personal with the crush crew at the Crush Crew BBQ’s with Vintner Barry Waitte and Winemaker Andy Jones manning the grill. Guests will unwind with the team after their long day of processing the day’s grape harvest, enjoy summer barbeque fare, and a selection of Tamber Bey wines. This educational and entertaining get-together will launch with the first pick of the season and will be scheduled weekly or biweekly throughout harvest, depending on the winery’s pick schedule.
Website: www.tamberbey.com
PR contact: jennifer@tamberbey.com
New Dining Experiences:
The Culinary Institute of America at Copia now offers a variety of culinary offerings at the new CIA at Copia food hall. Guests may select from wood-fired pizzas, dim sum, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie as well as wine, beer, and ciders from the new beverage bars.
Website: www.ciaatcopia.com/dining-at-cia-copia-restaurants
PR contact: Anne Girvin, anne.girvin@culinary.edu
The Ackerman Heritage House, a restored 1888 Queen Anne Victorian home in downtown Napa, serves traditional English tea, complete with antique china, silver, and linens. French Laundry-trained pastry chef Jennifer Smith of Batter & Bliss creates pastries, cakes, and savory tea sandwiches served with a selection of teas. Offered one Sunday of each month (check website for dates) or by private bookings for group events. Ackerman Family Vineyards and Lloyd Cellars wines are also available.
Website: www.ackermanfamilyvineyards.com
PR contact: Gwen McGill, gwen@gwenmcgill.com
New Wellness Experiences:
Carneros Resort has completed a $3.5 million renovation of its 5,919 square-foot spa, which includes a new spa entrance, guest reception and retail space, an expanded relaxation area, as well as newly-designed treatment rooms and suites. The Spa’s new architectural elements, finishes and fixtures exemplify a sophisticated farmhouse design. With nine indoor treatment rooms, including a new couple’s suite and a studio suite, the reimagined spa menu incorporates detoxifying ingredients and innovative spa technology. New treatments include the Body Botany massage which integrates a choice of natural ingredients with corresponding benefits, the Tune Me Up tri-sensory experience in an anti-gravity chair, and more.
Website: www.carnerosresort.com
PR Contact: Danielle Logan Rienas, dlogan@wagstaffworldwide.com
The Spa at Solage has introduced a 30-minute Cannabidiol (CBD) arm and face mask service that may be added to treatments. Guests may also select a CBD scrub or opt to have CBD massage oils added to any massage. The spa also features a CBD infused cocktail. CBD has been credited to help with insomnia, pain relief, anxiety, and eczema, among other things.
Website: https://solage.aubergeresorts.com/spa/
PR contact: Elaine San Jose, esanjose@murphyobrien.com
New Lodging & Lodging Amenities:
The Francis House in Calistoga opens on Aug. 31, 2018. Initially a family home for prominent local merchant, James H. Francis, The Francis House is a landmark building steeped in history and prestige. Built in 1886, The Francis House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been carefully restored, rehabilitated and redesigned as an exclusive five-room luxury inn.
Website: https://thefrancishouse.com
PR contact: Monty Sander, monty@fullerandsander.com
The Bungalows, which opened in Calistoga in May 2018, offers three modern craftsman homes that feature high ceilings and spacious living, dining, and kitchen areas that allow guests to lounge and relax.
Website: www.thebungalowsatcalistoga.com
PR contact: Henry Panah, hpanahgroup@gmail.com
The 55-room boutique Napa Valley Lodge unveiled a new lobby which reflects an eclectic Italian country interior, featuring artwork from local artists to complement the Tuscan design and location of the Yountville hideaway.
Website: www.napavalleylodge.com
PR contact: Megan Hofileña, megan@candrpr.com
