posted 08-05-2010 03:56 PM         

Hawkeye - The Festival Del Sole is a week long music festival that typically is every year in July. It just passed for this year (July 16 - July 25) Each night they have classical concerts at various venues throughout Napa Valley. This year performances were at Castello di Amorosa, Lincoln Theater, Napa Valley Opera House. On top of that they have winemaker luncheons and winemaker dinners and other festivities. I've attended three years in a row and am never disappointed. And the music is beautiful. There are some talented artists that are asked to play. Check out some more details on their site - http://www.festivaldelsole.com/nsf-calendar.html. I'll be sure to remind you for next year.

bigsemi - where did you find "plane/hotel/car for under $1000"? Inquiring minds would like to know - MINE! Also, would love to hear what wineries you're visiting on your next visit???

posted 08-03-2010 05:13 AM            

Cabgirl, your wrote, "Hawkeye - You should travel to Napa one of the times during Festival Del Sole. The musicians are amazing and of course, tons of events. I attended a winemaker dinner at the home of Kristen Ashe and had her line of wines. The Cabernet was soooooo good."

Cabgirl, Give me more information, when, where, how much, etc. Sounds like a great time.

Damombo, I know you are planning your September trip. I have started planning for our October trip. We will have daylily friends from California and Kentucky join us for part of the time.

I would like to thank WineCountry.com for hosting this message board. Just wish more people would participate. If you are out there, you don't have to be experts, most of us are not. Join in and get to know us.

posted 08-02-2010 07:46 PM            

Just enjoying my summer.

We head back out to Napa in Sept, then again in Oct (2 different events at V. Sattui). Finding decent rates out of Dallas was a pain. Had to go the package route, so we are not at the ideal hotel, but it is affordable so we can actually buy some wine and enjoy ourselves. $700-800 for 2 plane tickets is just stupid, when I found packages with plane/hotel and car for under $1000. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

I'm getting ready to head back to the classroom in 3 weeks, so I'm enjoying it while I can.

posted 07-30-2010 02:11 PM         

There's a new tasting room in Yountville - Somerston. Wasn't impressed with their wines even though they have a great venue and stay open late. Can't wait till they start serving some sort of food. And maybe they'll let folks bring in their own wines!

Hawkeye - You should travel to Napa one of the times during Festival Del Sole. The musicians are amazing and of course, tons of events. I attended a winemaker dinner at the home of Kristen Ashe and had her line of wines. The Cabernet was soooooo good.

In October...I don't know if there's that much going on in that month but if I see something will keep you posted!

Damombo - There should be a ton of events in September because Harvest will be in full swing. Might be cool to see if you could volunteer at a winery during that time. Be a great experience for the couple that's never been to Napa before... I'll keep my eyes peeled for any wineries offering the experience.