November is one of our favorite times in the Napa Valley wine country. We love the colors and crispness in the air. November is much less crowded (Thanksgiving Weekend excepted) and it’s a lot easier to navigate the Valley. The same goes for December, but this year might be different with El Niño coming into play. Here is a bit of Napa Valley Fall news to help you plan your autumn excursions to the Napa Valley.
Napa Valley Fall News
2015 Napa Valley Film Festival
The opening night film for the 2015 Napa Valley Film Festival will be the world premiere of “Somm: Into the Bottle.” Jason Wise’s follow-up to 2013’s acclaimed “Somm” looks into the lives of some of the world’s most accomplished sommeliers and winemakers. The five-day Napa Valley Film Festival will screen 125 new independent films and host 150 wineries and 30 chefs, along with the actors and filmmakers. The festival takes place November 11 to 15. Complete festival events and additional information is at the 2015 Napa Valley Film Festival Website.
27th Annual Festival of Lights
The Friday after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, but it is anything but “dark” in the town of Yountville. On this day, the people of Yountville kick off the holiday season by transforming their town into a magical winter wonderland, using thousands of tiny twinkling lights. Yountville’s Festival of Lights invites friends, families, neighbors and visitors to come to the heart of one of the world’s most popular destinations to kick off the holiday season. The event takes place Friday, November 27, 2-6 pm. The Tasting bracelet includes: Access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion only; free entertainment during Festival of Lights; and, a tasting glass. $25 (adults 21 and over); $15 (Non-drinkers and ages 12 and over); Free (12 and under).
Sixth Winter in the Wineries Passport Series
The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau has announced the dates of its sixth Winter in the Wineries Passport Series, beginning Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, and ending on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Passports will be available for purchase online Nov. 2 at VisitCalistoga.com or by calling 707-942-6333. The passport price of $50 includes wine tastings at 15 Calistoga wineries in the Calistoga AVA, including the amazing Castello di Amorosa and the historic Chateau Montelena. The Passport also includes discounts on lodging and shopping in the Calistoga area. The Winter in the Wineries Passport Series is valued at an estimated $300 and considered the best value of tasting in Napa Valley.
Karen MacNeils’s Wine Bible 2nd Edition
Napa Valley’s own Karen MacNeil has released a 2nd edition of her fabulous Wine Bible. This famous wine reference book has completely been revised with new chapters and topics. It is one of those books to keep with you whenever you travel to the wine country or when having a glass of wine at home. The Wine Bible should be on every wine lover’s bookshelf.