Taste of Napa: A Comprehensive Guide

Napa Valley, renowned for its exquisite wines and culinary delights, hosts an annual event that brings together the region’s finest offerings. On 15 July 2023, the latest edition of The Taste of Napa festival will once again celebrate the region’s bounties and showcase the best-in-class wines from around the globe. This guide will provide an in-depth festival overview, including the activities, programmes, and recommendations to maximise your experience.

Location and Atmosphere

The Taste of Napa festival takes place on the central piazza of The Meritage Resort, nestled among acres of sun-soaked vineyards. The Meritage Resort embodies the relaxed elegance and warm hospitality of Napa Valley. The picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for indulging in exceptional food, wine, and music.

Food and Wine Offerings

At the Taste of Napa festival, guests can savour the flavours from more than 70 wineries, breweries, craft beverage producers, restaurants, and culinary artisans. The event features diverse offerings, including the renowned Wines of Catalonia. Upon entry, guests receive a Taste of Napa passport booklet, which allows them to sample the fare and collect stamps throughout the event. By collecting stamps, guests also have the opportunity to enter to win prizes, including international travel experiences.

In addition to the public tastings, the festival offers an exclusive experience in the Reserve Tasting Salon. This salon provides access to premium wine tastings and special treats in a private setting, allowing attendees to indulge in a more intimate and elevated wine-tasting experience.

Music and Entertainment

The Taste of Napa festival offers a delightful blend of musical performances to complement the culinary experience. Renowned jazz pianist and dean of the University of Miami Frost School of Music, Shelly Berg, leads the Frost All-Stars in a lively programme of classical, jazz, and contemporary hits. In addition, rising star Christina Maxwell will grace the stage with a captivating performance of beloved Broadway classics. These talented musicians add a touch of sophistication and joy to the festival, creating the perfect ambience for a summer afternoon in Napa Valley.

Play and Fun Activities

For those looking to engage in playful activities, the Kaiser Permanente Play Court at Taste of Napa is the place to be. Grab your friends and join in the life-size fun and games on the court. To add excitement, snap a picture and post it to your Instagram story while you’re there. Remember to tag @‌napafest, #TasteofNapa, and #kpnapasolano for a chance to win exciting prizes. The festival encourages attendees to have fun, live well, and thrive.

Programmes and Accessibility

Festival Napa Valley, the organiser of Taste of Napa, is committed to making the arts accessible to all. Thanks to the generous support of its patrons, the festival has developed a rich ensemble of programmes that support young artists, arts education, and live performances. These programmes, available both in-person and virtually, aim to engage and inspire attendees of all ages.

Wine Tasting

The Taste of Napa experience wouldn’t be complete without indulging in wine tasting. It’s important to remember that wine tasting should be enjoyed, so don’t overthink it—have fun and drink what you like. However, if you want to taste wine like a seasoned professional, here are some steps to follow:

1. LOOK: Observe the colour and clarity of the wine in your glass. Note its intensity, hue, and any variations.
2. SWIRL: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas; this helps to aerate the wine and allows you to capture its full range of scents.
3. SNIFF: Take a moment to inhale the aromas of the wine. Notice the different notes, such as fruit, flowers, spices, or earthiness.
4. SIP: Take a small sip and let the wine roll over your tongue. Allow its flavours to coat your palate and notice its taste profile—fruity, oaky, acidic, or sweet.
5. ENJOY: Take your time to savour the complexities and nuances of the wine. Note the length of the finish and how the flavours evolve as you continue to taste.

What to Wear

The recommended attire when attending Festival Napa Valley events is “Napa Chic” casual elegance. For men, summer-weight slacks worn with a collared shirt are appropriate. For evening events, it is common for men to wear a sport coat. As for women, it is advisable to bring a wrap or sweater for outdoor concerts and dinners, as the weather can be warm during the day and cool at night. Practical shoes are recommended as events often occur in outdoor settings, and some locations may require walking on grass, gravel paths, or uneven terrain.

Where to Stay

Napa Valley is renowned for its luxurious and diverse lodging options. Whether you’re looking for a five-star resort or a cosy bed-and-breakfast, the region has something to suit every taste. Here are some of the fine hotels and resorts that sponsor Festival Napa Valley and offer exceptional accommodations:

1. Alila Napa Valley: Nestled next to the legendary Beringer Estate Winery, Alila Napa Valley offers a prime location for experiencing the best of California’s celebrated wine region. With its beautiful countryside and epicurean lifestyle, this resort provides a perfect base for exploring the area.
2. Andaz Napa: Located in downtown Napa, Andaz Napa provides a boutique hotel experience within walking distance of iconic destinations such as the Napa Valley Wine Train and Oxbow Public Market. Immerse yourself in world-class dining and artistic programmes happening right at your doorstep.
3. Archer Hotel Napa: This luxury boutique hotel in downtown Napa captures the essence of the city’s renaissance. Surrounded by vibrant shopping, dining at First Street Napa, and live music venues, Archer Hotel offers a unique and unforgettable stay.
4. Auberge du Soleil: Auberge du Soleil is a secluded hillside retreat that has captivated guests for over 30 years. The resort’s bright, rich interiors, reminiscent of a private Côte d’Azur retreat, provide the perfect setting to indulge in the joys of escape, privacy, and a beautiful place to share.
5. Bardessono: Bardessono is California’s only LEED Platinum-certified hotel, embodying contemporary luxury and the simplified elegance of wine country living. With private in-room spa services and a downtown Yountville location, it offers a unique and eco-friendly experience.
6. Cambria Napa Valley: Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Cambria Napa Valley welcomes guests with warm, comfortable accommodations and locally inspired eats. It’s the ideal setting to relax and unwind after exploring the best vineyards in the region.
7. Carneros Resort & Spa: On 28 acres surrounded by rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort & Spa offers a revitalising escape. This authentic Napa Valley resort features cottage-style accommodations, private alfresco showers, seasonally inspired dining, and panoramic countryside views.
8. Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa: Enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired, resort-like setting of the Embassy Suites Napa Valley hotel. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, this idyllic retreat features stylish accommodations, beautiful grounds with palm trees and rose gardens, and close proximity to wineries and dining.
9. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley: Set in the historic town of Calistoga, Four Seasons Resort and Residences is nestled among picturesque forests, mountains, and vineyards. This newly opened wine country resort offers innovative cuisine, holistic spa rituals, and personalised service in a breathtaking vineyard setting.
10. Grand Reserve at The Meritage: Nestled in the rolling hills of Napa, the Grand Reserve offers a new way to discover Wine Country. With Tuscan-style décor, a tasting village, an artisanal market, and a community lawn, this resort provides an exceptional Napa experience.

These are just a few of the exceptional accommodations available in Napa Valley. Each provides unique charm and amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay during the Taste of Napa festival.

Napa Valley Wineries

No visit to Napa Valley would be complete without exploring its world-class wineries. With hundreds of wineries to choose from, each offering its unique style, setting, and history, planning your wine-tasting excursion can be overwhelming. However, there is an experience and price point for everyone.

Napa Valley offers a wide range of wineries to explore, and nearly 95% of them are family-owned and operated. As a result, you’ll often find a welcoming and intimate atmosphere where every spot feels like home. So, whether you’re interested in intimate tastings, behind-the-scenes wine cellars and cave tours, or expansive outdoor spaces, Napa Valley has something to offer.

The Taste of Napa festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to savour exceptional food, wine, and music in the heart of Napa Valley. With its diverse culinary offerings, renowned wineries, and enchanting musical performances, the festival truly celebrates the region’s rich heritage and artistic endeavours.

For a complete itinerary, including flights, accommodation transfers, and tickets, contact your Personal Assistant or our award-winning and industry-leading lifestyle management team, and create unforgettable memories at the Taste of Napa festival.