And So This Is Summer!

Summer has arrived in Napa Valley! Along with it, pollen starts to fly as these tiny particles are released from the trees and grasses, bringing along the sneezes, sinusitis, and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. I guess that’s just because no good can be made up of only positives, right?

With summer in town, we have the lazy sun setting only after 7pm. A cool breeze bathes the beautiful warm days, providing perfect weather for a delicious and relaxing picnic by the vineyards. The grapes in Napa Valley are rapidly growing, the leaves are adding a bright and fresh tone of green to the vineyards, and the roses are blooming. Together, a perfect blend of colors is being orchestrated into the scenery.

For the ladies, wearing that cute summer dress becomes a fashion must. And for the guys, time to bring out the shorts and tan those legs! Multi-tasking also becomes inevitable: relaxing by the pool, hiking or going for a bike ride while catching up with friends and getting a nice suntan. Tough summer, huh? Even the morning work commute becomes an enjoyable daydreaming journey at the sight of a landing balloon! Yes, dear friend from out of town, a visit to Napa Valley is definitely due! 

There are a lot of exciting events coming up that we would like to share with you, so make sure you try to attend them for the good times!

Event: Chefs Market
Date: Thursday, May 21st
Time: 5 - 9pm
Location: 1310 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559
Cost: Free
Description: To celebrate the beginning of this season of love, Amelia Ceja will be hosting the opening of the 15th Annual Chefs Market where she will be preparing Grilled Oysters with Tomatillo Salsa and Lime and pairing the recipe with their wonderful wines from Ceja Vineyards. Chefs Market is an ongoing event, held every Thursday from 5-9pm from May 21st through July 30th, featuring chefs demonstrations, certified farmers market, stages with musical entertainment, activities for kids, and plenty of food, beer, and of course, wine!

Event: Salsa Saturdays
Date: Saturday, May 23rd
Time: Class - 7:30pm – 8:30pm; Dance Party continues to 10pm
Location: Ceja Vineyards Downtown Salon – 1248 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
Cost: Free
Description: Indulge in the sexiest Latin dance around at Ceja Vineyards Wine Tasting Salon and Lounge located in Downtown Napa. Don’t know how to Salsa??? Take part in the beginners class at 7:30pm then get ready to dance the night away! Class taught by Ariel Ceja. No partner necessary. Ongoing event – every Saturday night.

Event: 4th Annual Carneros Heritage Fest
Date: Saturday, May 30th
Time: noon - 4pm
Cost: $75 per person (click here for tickets); children under 12 (accompanied by parents) are free 
Location: The Donum Estate, 24520 Ramal Road, Sonoma, CA 95476
Description: Hosted by the Carneros Wine Alliance, the Fest is one of the nation’s only family-friendly wine and food festivals. Proceeds of the Fest benefit the Carneros Land Stewardship Foundation dedicated to the conservation and preservation of habitat and wetlands in the San Pablo Bay adjacent to the Carneros region.

Highlights of the 4th Annual Carneros Heritage Fest include:

• Carneros Premium and Ultra-Premium wines paired with a Carneros-style Lamb BBQ under the direction of Brandon Guenther, chef/owner of Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen and Saloon, Valley Ford, Sonoma County, CA
• Napa v. Sonoma ThrowDown! Featuring emerging chefs pitted against each other in a lamb cook-off with Carneros wine pairings
• Sheepherding, Falconry, Music, Entertainment, Vineyard Tours
• Environmental and sustainable agriculture, wildlife and ecology exhibits, featuring beekeepers, reptiles, worms, insects and a showcase of “BabyDoll” miniature sheep
• Special activities for families include a hay maze and kite-flying in the renowned Carneros wind
• Artisan cheese, olive oil and honey producers
• World famous Carneros grape growers showcasing how a great vine becomes a great wine including a special exhibit on growing grapes from seedlings

And since the new season’s just begun, there’s a lot more coming in June! Stay tuned and looking forward to seeing you in Napa. 

Salud!