We are well into spring, and now it is time to open the windows, breathe the fresh air, get out of the house and DO something! There are many opportunities this month that require all of the senses. Touch, taste, watch, smell and listen to all that’s happening around us.
Additionally, Arts in April is happening throughout the month, valley-wide, with offerings every week. This month I have chosen a film premiere, a female film fest, a fun run, a whisky tasting, the opening of the farmers market, an arts festival and a charitable online wine auction. There is literally something for everyone. Whatever you choose to do, be a local supporter, participant, spectator or volunteer. Here are my top “only in Napa Valley” opportunities for April!
Introducing Springboard Festival Napa Valley
Wednesday, April 4 - Sunday, April 8
As part of the Arts Council Napa Valley “Arts in April,” Festival Napa Valley will present Springboard, a new series featuring groundbreaking artists, educational programs, a film premiere, and the popular Sun Run. Singer Wé McDonald (discovered on The Voice) and the popular fourth annual 5K/10K Sun Run race are included. FestivalNapaValley.org/Springboard/
Tartan Day Whiskey Tasting
Saturday, April 7
The Napa Valley Museum is encouraging locals to gather their clan and head to the museum to celebrate Tartan Day! An array of Scottish Whisky will be available to taste under the tutelage of James Forbes, creator of the Dramophone Whisky and patron of Scotland’s popular Lonach Highland Gathering & Games. Taste five great whiskies, experience food pairings and enjoy admission to the current exhibit “France is a Feast: the Photographic Journey of Paul & Julia Child.” NapaValleyMuseum.org.
Film Premiere: André -
The Voice of Wine
Saturday, April 7
André Tchelistcheff, the “Dean of American Winemaking,” is remembered as one of the most remarkable vintners of the twentieth century, and a man who had an enormous impact on the wine industry in the Napa Valley. “André - The Voice of Wine” is a story that takes the audience from Russia through Europe to America, exploring the story of this legendary winemaker. General admission and VIP tickets are available. VIP (includes meet & greet with the director, Mark Tchelistcheff and a wine tasting featuring wines influenced by André Tchelistcheff, including Beaulieu Vineyard, Grgich Hills, and Staglin). LincolnTheater.com
Emergence Festival
FRIDAY, APRIL 13 - SUNDAY, APRIL 15
Rich with interesting art, the Napa Valley College Theater Arts ends the 2017 – 2018 season with the Emergence Festival. In conjunction with Arts in April, this is an annual celebration of new work by Napa Valley College students, faculty and staff that provides opportunities for writers and performers to premiere their new plays, dance pieces and other means of performative expression. NapaValleyTheater.org
LUNAFEST Napa Valley
Friday, April 20
The 8th annual Lunafest Napa Valley will again be hosted by Soroptimist St. Helena Sunrise to benefit Napa Emergency Women’s Services and Girls on the Run Napa & Solano. Established in 2000 by LUNA, makers of the Luna Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, this traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. Arrive early, as attendees can imbibe in wine and small bites before the nine films that are all made by, for and about women. 100 percent of all net proceeds will benefit the two charities.
SIStHelenaSunrise.org
ACCESS 707: Online Wine Auction
Thursday, April 26 – Monday, April 30
With unique ties to the wine capital of the world, Justin-Siena High School presents an online auction featuring many of the most sought-after wines of the 707 area code. Spanning both the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, cult wines and consistently produces award-winning vintages. In addition to exceptional wines, ACCESS 707 offers exclusive wine country vacations and dining experiences. Join the ACCESS 707 launch party, Cocktails in the Clark, Thursday, April 26, 2018. Appetizers and signature cocktails will be served from 5:30-7:00 pm in Justin-Siena’s Dan Clark Gym, 4026 Maher Street, Napa. Tickets are $50 per person. Register online at Justin-Siena.org or contact Tiffany Wing, 707.255.0950 ext. 646. The ACCESS 707 auction opens Thursday, April 26 and closes Monday, April 30, 2018.