Festivals and Holidays
Mustard, Mud, and Music Festival
Local jazz combos perform live at venues throughout Calistoga during this weekend event. It has traditionally been an integral part of the erstwhile Napa Valley International Mustard Festival.
Barrel-Tasting Weekend
Barrel-Tasting Weekend
Heralding the arrival of wine season, wineries and wine-tasting rooms throughout the Russian River and Alexander Valley regions offer a sneak taste of barrel wine that has yet to be bottled.
Napa Valley Wine Festival
In Yountville during May, wineries and restaurants from throughout the region adopt individual schools and combine their talents and products to raise funds.
Napa Valley Wine Auction
Tables set for lunch, Napa Valley Wine Auction
Held at the Meadowood Resort (For further details see The Spa at Meadowood), this event draws the A-list of Wine Country figures. The auction raises millions of dollars for charity. The few general public tickets sell out early.
Napa County Fair and Fireworks
The Calistoga Fairgrounds hosts this four-day event, held the week of July 4. Although its main focus is ostensibly wine, the fair also has animal husbandry exhibits, live music, strolling entertainers, and a July 4 Parade plus fireworks.
- Week of 4 Jul
- www.napacountyfair.org
Music in the Vineyards
This three-week-long celebration of chamber music hosts twilight concerts at some of the finest venues throughout Napa Valley. Acclaimed musicians from North America and Europe interlace their virtuoso performances with witty repartee.
Gravenstein Apple Fair
The town of Sebastopol hosts this fair. Gravenstein apples and apple products, plus arts and crafts, are sold, and children can enjoy hayrides and storytelling. Live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and a petting zoo are other attractions.
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
This epicurean Labor Day Weekend event entails wine-maker lunches, dinner parties, wine–food pairings, and cooking demonstrations. More than 170 wineries present their latest and Reserve wines. The event culminates the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction.
Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival
A fun-filled event during the weekend after Labor Day, this festival celebrates summer with live jazz concerts on the banks of the Russian River. Rent a deck chair or inner tube and laze in the sun while some of the world’s best jazz performers entertain.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Celebrating the wine harvest in the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, this festival draws thousands of visitors for farm animal competitions, rodeo, rides, live music, and more. More than 150 local wineries display their wines. The World Championship Grape Stomp is a highlight.
- Three days Sep–Oct
- www.harvestfair.org
Top 10 Cultural Experiences
St. Helena Public Library
Its Napa Wine Library details wine-making in the valley.
- 1492 Library Ln., St. Helena, 94574
Tuesdays in the Plaza
Free summer concerts are hosted on Tuesday evenings.
- Healdsburg Av. & Plaza St., Healdsburg, 95448
Sonoma County Wine Library
This is a great place to learn about the county’s wine history.
- 139 Piper St., Healdsburg, 95448
Bacchus Glass Studio
Watch master glass blower Frank Cavaz craft unique works of art.
- 21707 8th St. E., Sonoma, 95476
Falcon Crest
Relive the 1980s television soap opera at Spring Mountain Vineyard, the setting for Falcon Crest.
Movie Gallery
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery displays the director’s Oscars.
Infineon Raceway
Motorsports fans are treated to track testing and races daily.
- 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 95476
Napa Valley Opera House
An 1880 Italianate building hosting music performances, as well as theater (For further details see Napa Valley Opera House).
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Performances here span the spectrum from ballet to rock.
- 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, 95403
Chamber Music in Napa Valley
Hosted at wineries and other venues, this winter series features top chamber ensembles.
- 625 Randolph St., Napa, 94559