If you’ve had a royal family-esque hat you’ve always wanted to don, this is your chance. This July, high-brow will meet California cool at the 18th annual Festival Napa Valley. Deemed a prestigious arts and culture festival, there will be dance performances, orchestras, and a lot of wine — a Napa “lifestyle festival,” if you will. And people dress the part; the dress code on the website is “Napa Chic,” which we’ve learned means linen slacks and sundresses by day, and sport coats and sparkles by night.
There are two general ways to approach the festival. There are free daytime concerts –– like the Bouchaine Young Artist Series and The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley’s Blackburn Music Academy — where you can sip some wine on a lawn and relax, and ticketed, one-off events, like the “Grand Cru Classics” champagne tasting class. And for those wanting to spend some dough, opportunities abound among the latter. Entry for the prestigious “Arts for All Gala,” for example, will cost you at least $2,500. Lionel Richie will perform, and there’s a spirited live auction with travel and entertainment experiences — past years have included tickets for the Tony Awards, Broadway shows, and a stay at the Four Seasons Sydney. You’ll watch the bids soar while dining on a meal prepared by chef Elliot Bell, expertly paired with single-vineyard wines from Nickel & Nickel Winery. There’s also the more reasonably priced signature Taste of Napa on July 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at The Meritage Resort’s Grand Reserve lawn. For $75, you can sample from over 70 wineries, breweries and restaurants, with live music and entertainment keeping the atmosphere lively.
The main venues used throughout the 15 days are Charles Krug Winery, CIA at Copia (with its Ecolab Theater and Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater), and Nickel & Nickel Winery. They’re all surrounded by manicured vineyards and Tuscan-style architecture, so whether you stop by a few events over the two weeks or attend them all, you’re in for some decadent and chic summer days.
The Specs
- The event draws a crowd of about 10,000 people over the 15 days of the festival.
- While you’re there, check out other ways to enjoy Napa Valley.
- Several daytime concerts and educational programs are offered free of charge—though reservations are recommended. Otherwise, ticket prices vary:
- Special Event Passes: The Opening Weekend Pass ($5,500) and Passport Pass ($12,000) include access to the prestigious Arts for All Gala featuring Lionel Richie. An individual Gala ticket can also be purchased for $2,500.
- Taste of Napa: This signature event allows you to sample offerings from over 70 wineries, breweries, and restaurants for $75. An upgrade to the Reserve Tasting Salon, an exclusive experience with premium wines in a private setting, starts at $150.
- Patron Pass: This all-inclusive option provides access to all events, premium seating, and other perks. The pass starts at $1,550 and includes access to a Vintner’s Luncheon and an elegant Patron Dinner. Patron Pass tickets go up to $12,000.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Festival Napa Valley?
Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is just 34 miles from the north end of the valley and is serviced solely by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo Airlines. Otherwise, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 51 miles away and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is roughly 58 miles away.
Who can attend?
All are welcome at the festival.
Where should I stay?
You may have guessed it: this is a no-camping festival. The website mentions a lot of hotel options in surrounding towns. Here’s an overview:
- Luxury seekers should set their sights on Yountville. It’s a charming town with opulent hotels like The Meritage Resort and Spa—but be prepared for a hefty price tag, especially during the Festival.
- For convenience and (relative) affordability, Napa has a variety of hotels at different price points, like The Westin Verasa Napa and The Napa River Inn.
- If you crave a quintessential Napa Valley experience, consider St. Helena. This town is low-key in its energy and among the vineyards visitors dream about. There are several local hotels, like Harvest Inn and The Charter Oak, though you might need a bit more planning to get around to different Festival venues—some can be a bit of a drive.
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