A Picture Perfect Time to Be Had at The Napa Valley Film Festival
Stephanie Hernandez
Napa Valley Film Festival preview
Star studded films, good food, and even better wine: The Napa Valley Film Festival is truly the recipe for an amazing weekend. Over 12 beautiful venues scattered throughout the Napa Valley will open their doors to over 300 visiting filmmakers and celebrities. This will be one of the best festivals to attend if you enjoy mingling with artists in a laid back atmosphere. The profits from the weekend go to providing year-round film outreach and storytelling education programs to the local community; so no need to feel guilty about all the wine that will be flowing.
The NVFF is only in its fourth year, but is already becoming a destination for film and food lovers alike. This year NVFF will feature 125 films, 50 chefs, and 150 wineries, truly making this the ultimate food, wine, and film experience. Guest can expect to enjoy dozens of interactive film panels, food and wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations from some of the best chefs California has to offer. The festival on Thursday night puts on a stunning Gala full of glitz and glamour for all attendees and artists that are not to be missed! Along with weekend celebrity tributes and winners circle parties, there will be no shortage of fun.
DO:
On the off chance you can tear yourself away from a screening or chat with the director of the next big independent drama, Napa definitely provides you with more than enough to do. Dine in an award-winning restaurant, take a stroll through one of the many art galleries, or take a dip in the valley’s famous hot springs; whatever your fancy, Napa has the answer. We suggest carving out a few hours each day outside of the festival to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga make up the Napa Valley and will be acting as host villages during the festival. Start your exploring by taking a stroll through St. Helena. This quaint town’s relaxed and hip vibe will help set the tone for your entire stay. Its downtown area is full of great boutique shopping, dining, and is especially known for its luxurious spas; making it the perfect place to truly experience the real local Napa culture.
Looking for something more upscale? You will fall head over heels for Yountville. This upscale town has been deemed the culinary capitol of the Napa Valley. Home to some of the worlds most celebrated chefs; Yountville truly lays the best of the best at your feet, making it a foodie’s paradise.
Calistoga, is the farthest north and offers the most breathtaking views of the valley available. Many of Napa’s legendary wineries, call Calistoga home, perhaps the most legendary being theChateau Montelena Winery. The winery is famed for winning the white wine selection at the Judgment of Paris competition. The Montelena chardonnay, in a blind tasting, was awarded the highest prize by the 11 French judges.
Looking for the perfect wine crawl? Look no further than the Silverado Trail. This 29 mile stretch acts as Napa’s very own yellow brick road, leading you to amazing locations, views, and wines. No ruby slippers needed. The Quintessa Winery is a must see on the trail, with over 200 acres of land and accolades too long to list, this gorgeous property will leave you speechless, but with your mouth full of beautifully crafted wine.
Craving breathtaking views? Try Howell Mountain. The elevation allows for sweeping views of the entire Napa Valley, the perfect place to take a deep breath before the excitement and bustle of the festival. While you’re still on the mountain, don’t miss your opportunity to take some expert winery tours. The most notable being those offered by Robert Craig. Take a few hours, and allow yourself to visit Robert’s three main properties. The experience is laid back but informative. It is perfect if you are new to the world of wine and want to become better versed in the subject and artistry. Take the drive a bit further and arrive at CADE. This modern, organic and green practice oriented winery is nothing if not new school and elevates not just the taste of wine but also the practice of making it. CADE is truly the place to be if you’re interested in the future of the wine industry.
EAT:
Bottega
The darling of Yountville, this restaurant is operated by famed Chef and Food Network host Chef Chiarello. The Bottega features bold Italian cooking with a refined twist. Try the much loved polenta under glass with caramelized wild mushrooms and balsamic game sauce, if you’re feeling adventurous. Open late, and a slightly more relaxed ambiance, Bottega is the perfect spot to unwind after a long night of screenings.
Redd
The new kid on the block has everything to offer. Redd, combines head Chef Reddington’s passion for blending Asian, European and Mexican cuisine with his need to serve his dishes in a contemporary yet unpretentious space. Feel as though you’ve tried it all? Longing for some seriously creative dishes? Let Redd take you on a culinary journey that’s more about the ride than the destination.
French Laundry
The quintessential dining experience in Napa Valley. French Laundry is quite possibly the most respected dining institution on the west coast. This restaurant consistently holds its weight amongst top dining destinations, not just nationally but worldwide. It is the crown jewel of Yountville dining. Do yourself a favor, walk into French Laundry, try the nine-course chef’s tasting menu and experience exactly what its like to enjoy a perfectly executed meal. You will remember this for the rest of your life.
STAY:
Milikan Creek
Set alongside the beautiful Napa River, the Millikan Creek Inn offers cozy accommodations in idealistic surroundings. The rooms give off the feeling of staying in your friend’s warm summer cottage. It is perfect for those travelers who want to leave the hustle and bustle of the festival and come back to relax. With events like the nightly magic hour; a sunset wine and cheese reception, you might find yourself staying in for the night.
Bardessono
This is a stunning hotel nestled inside Yountville and it may be the most loved hotel in Napa. Known for its fantastic staff, endless list of amenities and personally tailored experiences for guests, there is no better place to stay if you truly want to get a feel for everything Napa has to offer. The famed outdoor showers are just as good as the hotel restaurant, Lucy. Their passion for local production and sourcing means you will always have seasonal and fresh food on your plate!
Solage
This Calistoga gem has an extremely modern look and feel and is built to impress. Conveniently located along the Silverado Trail, the resort hotel knows exactly how to take care of its guests. Solage provides endless opportunities to unwind in spacious accommodations and at their award winning on-site spa. If a hot stone massage isn’t your thing, the Michelin Star Rated Solbar is there for your enjoyment. This lounge gives classic California soul foods an inventive twist, and is the place to be when you are in need of a quick bite and an expertly paired wine.
North Block Hotel
A modern hotel with a charming boutique look, North Block instantly feels like home. Located in Yountville, North Block is just steps away from great dining and tasting rooms, not to mention the current home of Chef Reddington’s newest culinary venture, Redd Wood. The hotel’s old world charm makes for an unpretentious escape. Casual comfort and sophistication come together to bring you an extremely memorable experience.
DRINK:
Chappellet
Stunning views and wonderfully informative and interactive tastings, is what makes Chappellet so special. This classic Napa experience is for all of those who arrive in the valley to seek what can be found here. After a tour, you will feel like a wine expert yourself and is the perfect winery to begin your education.
Domaine Chandon
Who wants ordinary when you can have extraordinary?! Chandon offers an over the top and entertaining tasting experience. Home of the critically acclaimed Etoile restaurant, feel free to spend all day wandering this huge property and indulging in gourmet French cuisine. Enjoy lunch in the middle of actual vineyards and get a true sense of what it’s like to be surrounded by acres of beauty.
Orin Swift
Established in 1998, this new kid is rebellious, modern, unique and leaves you oh so satisfied. An Entertainment Voice team favorite, Orin Swift is a winery rooted in tradition but invested in the future. Constantly innovating and creating new bold flavors, anyone in search of a tasting adventure should stop by. Think you’ve tried it all, we invite you to visit Orin Swift and rethink what you think you know about wine.Take those unused vacation days and use them to stimulate your mind, body and palette in the Napa Valley. The trip up north will be time well spent.
The Napa Valley Film Festival runs Nov.12 through Nov. 16. Passes are still available on the Festival website.