Napa Valley is a year-round playground of fun, with each month bringing its own unique flavor of excitement. From sun-soaked summer festivals and lively concert series to fall harvest celebrations and gourmet gatherings, there’s never a dull moment in Wine Country.

To help you plan an unforgettable visit, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite annual events happening throughout the region. So, if you’re dreaming up a trip to Napa Valley, why not elevate your getaway by lining it up with one of these annual events?

SPRING/EARLY SUMMER EVENTS

BottleRock

Napa Valley Expo

May 24 – 26, 2024
Cost: $233 to $5,995

Held every year over Memorial Day weekend, BottleRock is the largest music festival in Napa Valley. Thousands of music and wine lovers flock to Wine Country to jam out, feast on delicious food, and sip world-renowned wines. The music line up is typically a healthy mix of genres and artists. From Stevie Nicks’ raspy melodies to Ed Sheeran’s infusion of pop, rock, and folksy tunes, there’s truly something for everyone. If you’re in it for the vin-o alone, some of the participating wineries include Robert Mondavi, Mumm Napa, and Bonita Bonita, just to name a few.

575 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559

Napa Valley Wine Auction

Various Locations

May 31 – June 1, 2024
Cost: Tickets go on sale in March

The Napa Valley Wine Auction is a legendary event that raises millions of dollars and has everyone raising glasses for a good cause: proceeds support Napa Valley’s youth mental health programs. The weekend kicks off with a barrel auction, followed by case auctions the next day. Over 50 different wineries from across Napa auction off specialty wines and unique varietals, drawing in everyone from collectors to restaurant owners. Aside from wine itself, attendees can also bid on Wine Country trips, jewelry, private concerts, and everything in between.

SUMMER EVENTS

Blue Note Jazz Festival / Black Radio Experience

Silverado Resort / Meritage Resort and Spa

Blue Note: July 2025 / Black Radio Experience: August 2024
Cost: Tickets go on sale in March

From popular artists like Mary J. Blige to up-and-coming greats, the Blue Note Jazz Festival is an event dedicated to discovering new music while simultaneously experiencing old favorites. Originating in New York City, Blue Note aims to combine the smooth rhythms of jazz, a convivial community atmosphere, and an inspirational spirit to the small town feel of Napa Valley. While Blue Note is taking a hiatus in 2024 (it will be back in 2025), the Festival’s Black Radio Experience is an excellent alternative. Celebrating the rich tapestry of Black culture and the power of music to transcend boundaries, this fun event—to be held at the Meritage Resort and Spa—is sure to bring all the great music, food, and vibes.

Napa Porch Fest

Fuller Park, Downtown Napa

July 2025
Cost: Free

Napa Porch Fest is a wonderful event dedicated to Napa Valley musicians playing on—you guessed it—front porches in the historic Fuller Park neighborhood of downtown Napa. This fun, family-friendly gathering takes place on the last Sunday in July, paying tribute to the lazy, hazy days of summer. Best of all, Napa Porch Fest is completely free to attend! While the event is on pause this year, be on the lookout for Porchfest’s return in 2025!

560 Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559

Festival Napa Valley

Various Locations

July 6 – 21, 2024
Cost: Daytime concerts are free; evening concerts are $35; patron experiences range from $1,550 to $12,000

Festival Napa Valley is a spectacular 10-day extravaganza of musical arts, held across various locations in Napa Valley. This cultural extravaganza features an array of performances, including opera, orchestral concerts, and ballet. In addition to the musical delights, attendees can savor the Taste of Napa event and the Arts for All Gala, showcasing the immense talent of Napa’s residents. Dozens of wineries participate through vintner’s luncheons and patron dinners, so you know there will be plenty of good food and drink to fuel your experiences. While tickets for the special patron events come with a premium price tag, the proceeds are put to good use, supporting youth arts programs, free community concerts, and scholarships. Did we mention that the Festival Napa Valley concludes with a special guest artist?

Napa Town & Country Fair

Napa Valley Expo

August 8 – 10, 2024
Cost: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, youth, and military; free for children 5 and under. Parking is $10. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online for a $5 discount.

It wouldn’t be summer in the U.S.A without a visit to the county fair, and Napa Valley’s own Town & Country Fair is a quintessential celebration held at the Napa Valley Expo. This annual event embraces all the traditional county fair elements, including a livestock show, agricultural displays, carnival rides, and arts and crafts contests. But, since this is Wine Country after all, the Vintners Wine Lounge adds a sophisticated twist, offering a selection of local wines to complement the festivities. Live music and nightly firework displays complete the Americana vibes.

575 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 253-4900

Music in the Vineyards

Various Napa Valley Wineries

August 2 – 25, 2024
Cost: $85+ per night

Imagine a chorus of string instruments and voices rising from rolling vineyards during golden hour. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? Music in the Vineyards is a highly regarded Chamber music festival that takes place in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country each summer. The festival unfolds in the elegant settings of Napa Valley’s acclaimed wineries, from the picturesque landscapes of Silverado Vineyards to the historic grounds of Charles Krug and Inglenook, among others. Music in the Vineyards is renowned for its focus on nurturing emerging talent and showcasing young musicians. Aside from sultry music and beautiful Napa Valley scenery, tickets also include a wine tasting to enjoy during intermission.

FALL EVENTS

Open Studios Napa Valley

Various Locations

September 21 – 22 & 28 – 29, 2024
Cost: Free

If you’re passionate about art and wine, why not indulge in both at the same time? Open Studios Napa Valley is a complimentary event that shines a spotlight on local artists and art galleries. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a seasoned collector, you can meander through artists’ studios and exhibitions, marveling at the array of creative expressions including paintings, sculptures, glasswork, and more. And if you find a piece that speaks to you, the satisfaction of purchasing directly from the artist adds an extra layer of joy.

Merryvale’s Annual Harvest Party

September 2024
Cost: $95+ per person, $55 per person for Club Members

At this festive annual event at Merryvale, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the harvest season, savoring premium wines and barrel tastings while indulging in mouthwatering BBQ delights. Enjoy carnival-style games between tastings and live music that sets the rhythm for a day to remember in Wine Country.

1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-2225

Napa Film Festival

Various Locations

(Dates and ticket prices not listed yet)

Napa’s own miniature version of Sundance is the Napa Film Festival, which takes place over five days in November and showcases over 100 films. The roster of mostly independent films features some of Hollywood’s best alongside burgeoning stars. Although anyone can attend, celebrity sightings aren’t an unusual occurance, so you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with movie stars, like past attendee John Travolta. Top chefs and wineries also participate in the event, making it a red carpet premiere to remember.

WINTER / OFF-SEASON EVENTS

Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Various Locations

January 2025
Cost: Meals range anywhere from $18 to $75 and up

Napa Valley is a renowned destination for foodies and gourmands alike, and there’s no better time to descend on Wine Country for all things good eating than Napa Valley Restaurant Week. Every January, an array of restaurants, wineries, bars, and even food trucks come together to showcase their culinary prowess, each offering a multi-course meal that’s perfectly paired with Napa Valley wines. The cherry on top? You won’t have to pay up the big bucks, because most of the menus are offered at approachable price points. To ensure you don’t miss out on this gastronomic celebration, be sure to make reservations well in advance, or consider opting for the lunch offerings for a more casual experience.

Napa Valley Truffle Festival

Various Locations

January 2025
Cost: Free admission at the Festival Marketplace, although some events are ticketed

You don’t have to visit Italy to experience truffles at their finest. Napa’s own claim to fungi fame is the Perigord black truffle, and the annual Napa Valley Truffle Festival is dedicated to them. From hunting down these delicacies with truffle-sniffing dogs to the Truffle and Wine Dinner and seminars on growing them yourself, there’s no shortage of gourmand inspiration. And, of course there are plenty of opportunities to pair truffle-covered bites with delicious Napa wines. Throughout the weekend, happenings and tastings are held at the Festival Marketplace in Oxbow Public Market, where you can purchase your very own local truffles. Yum!

Napa Valley Marathon

Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa

March 3rd, 2024
Cost: Free to attend, $55 to $205 to run depending on distance

Why not balance your wine tastings and food explorations by running the Napa Valley Marathon? Known for its breathtaking route along the Silverado Trail, this marathon is often hailed as one of the most scenic in the United States. As you traverse the course, you’ll be treated to views of some of California’s most renowned wineries, with picturesque vineyards and idyllic countryside vistas surrounding you. Exciting events are held on the weekend of the marathon as well, including the annual Pasta Dinner at the Meritage Resort. Whether you decide on the 5K or the full 26.2 miles, reward yourself with a well deserved glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a soak in Calistoga’s hot springs.

Calistoga to Napa

Delicious food, local wine, and some of the biggest names in music together for one long weekend in Napa Valley? Yes, please! Get excited, because the uber-popular BottleRock Napa Valley festival returns May 24 – 26, 2024 to kick off summer in style, bringing amazing live music, good food, and plenty of fun together for one epic three-day festival. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Tickets go fast

Naturally, anything that combines live music with high quality food, craft beer, and incredible wine in the middle of Wine Country will draw crowds. And when it happens to take place over Memorial Day weekend in Napa Valley, you can bet that tickets sell out quickly. We suggest dropping what you’re doing (after reading this, of course) to purchase your tickets ASAP, as three-day general admission tickets have already sold out for this year’s event. (Then set a calendar reminder to check the BottleRock website later this year to see when tickets go on sale for 2025).

Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll want to have a plan (in advance) for getting to and from the event, as missing your favorite band because you’re stranded would be a major bummer. BottleRock buses operate daily from San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, Sonoma, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, and Santa Rosa. Locally, Napa Valley’s VINE Transit offers free rides and extended, late-night service all weekend, including regional express service to BART. If traveling from outside the Bay Area, you could arrive by Amtrak train or by airplane, as the Charles M. Schultz – Sonoma County Airport is right smack in the middle of Wine Country. If you do plan on driving, though, it’s wise to bring your friends with you to reduce the number of cars on the road and in parking lots. Carpooling to BottleRock is way more fun, anyways.

All-day street parking will be available in downtown Napa, and at the event there will be General Admission parking available for purchase, plus VIP parking, as well. Just note that there is no overnight parking in the BottleRock lots, so plan accordingly.

Music, music, and more music

Yes, there’s great scenery. And yes, there’s great food and drink. But let’s be honest… BottleRock is about the music. On Friday, May 24, Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Bebe Rexha, and many more will perform, while Saturday finds Pearl Jam, My Morning Jacket, T-Pain, and Kali Uchis all taking the stage, to name just a few. On Sunday, May 26, enjoy the sounds of Ed Sheeran, Queens of the Stone Age, Norah Jones, Cannons, Stephen Marley… the list goes on. Check out the full line-up here.

Spirited Libations

This festival does take place in Napa Valley, so it’s to be expected that the wine offerings will be top-notch. Whether reaching for a crisp sauvignon blanc from Acumen, a bubbly delight from Mumm, or an acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon from Duckhorn, the staff of BottleRock sommeliers and wine experts will be there to make sure your glass is always full. Not a wine drinker? There will be plenty of cold and refreshing craft beer on hand, as well as craft cocktails and yes, coffee, for those who favor a jolt of caffeine over booze.

Culinary Dreamin’

With a culinary program to match the vibrant food scene in Napa Valley, BottleRock over delivers when it comes to festival food. Expect a who’s who of Napa eateries (like La Toque, Morimoto, and Compline) dishing up gourmet selections, while over at the Culinary Stage, renowned chefs and musical performers will team up for mouthwatering entertainment.

Rest and rejuvenate… at a music festival?

You read that right—in between all that standing and dancing, you can partake in foot and body massages, mini facials, and even hydration therapies at BottleRock. We promise, taking a moment to pamper yourself will make your BottleRock experience even that much more amazing.

A Sustainable Festival

Did you know that BottleRock is stiving to be one of the most sustainable festivals around? Some of their sustainability efforts include increasing compost, decreasing landfill waste by recycling cans and glass, offering refillable water stations and reusable wine glasses, and eliminating all single use plastic at the event. Cheers to that!

Wine and music collide at JaM Cellars, a one-of-a-kind, music-themed tasting room in downtown Napa. While this part of town used to have a reputation for being a little bit sleepy, JaM Cellars is breathing new life into Napa’s nightlife with their JaMSessions, an ongoing series of intimate, wine-fueled concerts that keep the party going long after dinner.

JaM Cellars is the brainchild of music lovers John and Michele Truchard, the “J” and “M” in JaM. As second-generation Napa Valley vintners, the Truchards have had a long history in crafting fine wines, but with JaM Cellars, they wanted to do something different by introducing super-approachable and affordable every-day wines to the market. These wines are made to be enjoyed with friends in a not-so-serious setting, so John and Michele designed a fun and unconventional tasting space, the JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio, located on downtown Napa’s First Street.

The Setting

While JaM Cellars is a cool wine tasting spot during the day, it morphs into an incredibly cozy events venue with live music in the evenings, Thursday through Saturday. Napa Valley has a handful of larger concert venues, like the Uptown Theatre or the Napa Valley Opera House which houses both Blue Note Napa and the JaM Cellars Ballroom, but for the opportunity to comfortably lounge mere feet from the band, JaMSessions feel like a private show. You’ll want to reserve a spot and arrive early to snag the best view in the house, a collection of leather couches and chairs set up like a living room right by the stage, with Persian rugs and tables cleverly shaped like guitar picks. There’s also a handful of booths for groups and a few stools at the bar. Many guests simply choose to stand — it certainly makes dancing easier — but either way, there’s never the feeling of the space being overcrowded like a traditional concert.

JaM Cellars stays open much later (10pm Sunday – Wednesday and midnight Thursday – Saturday) than its downtown Napa counterparts and music is on theme everywhere you look. A private tasting room doubles as a fully-equipped recording studio, where the winery hosts virtual JaMHappyHours Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4pm and there’s also a state-of-the-art sound system, disco ball, an impressive vinyl collection, and vintage Rolling Stone magazine art plastered all over the walls, bringing you back in time to some of your favorite musicians in their heyday.

The Music

A mere $10 cover charge will get you in to enjoy their JaMSessions, which welcome a variety of acts both local and from further afield. The night I attended featured a JaM Cellars regular, the Eric Wiley Trio, a Funk/Reggae band with a Jazz flair. The songs were all covers of old classics — like the Steve Miller Band’s Space Cowboy, Get Up Stand Up by Bob Marley, and The Eagles’ Hotel California — and almost everyone in the room was either dancing or singing along (or both). At times, I could close my eyes and imagine myself on a tropical island, piña colada in hand.

These events take place on most Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, but check JaM Cellars Facebook page or website for listings. Live music on Thursdays is from 8pm-10pm while on Fridays and Saturdays the music runs from 9pm-11pm. With JaM Cellars’ connection to BottleRock Napa Valley (they are a five-time Presenting Sponsor) there’s a chance you’ll catch artists that also play the music festival (like Sam Johnson, Chris Pierce, and Mondo Cozmo). Other acts include nationally-acclaimed, touring artists (like Witherward), while others are based right in Napa Valley (including Full Chizel and JourneyDay). Book online via Tock to secure your spot.

The Wine

The wine is flowing all night long from the bar, available for purchase by the glass, flight, or bottle. You may know JaM Cellars for their popular Californian wines priced at under $20: the classic Butter Chardonnay, their signature JaM Cabernet, bubbles in the form of Toast Sparkling, and Sugar Sweet White, a Moscato. But don’t pass up the chance to try their Napa Valley releases exclusive to the JaM Cellars wine and music studio. Sip these side-by-side with their Californian counterparts for a fun taste test, or try the Napa Valley-only JaM Cellars Sauvignon Blanc and JaM Cellars Pinot Noir. There really is a wine here for everyone! Reservations are highly recommended through ExploreTock.com/JaMCellars. See you there!

Hollywood invades Wine Country for five action-packed days during the 9th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF), November 13-17, 2019.

This year’s festival features a plethora of new independent films and plays host to top filmmakers, actors, and other industry execs. Meanwhile, Napa Valley does what it does best, serving up world-class food and wine from over 100 participating wineries and 50 participating restaurants and chefs, to round out the ultimate Wine Country experience.

– BUY YOUR PASSES –

The Films

The 2019 NVFF lineup features such stars as Billy Crystal, Anna Camp, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Mena Massoud, Ben Platt, Ben Schwartz, and Tika Sumpter.

The independent films are organized into the categories of Narrative Features and Documentary Features, with 16 films vying for the title of Best Feature in each core competition category. The directors of the films in NVFF’s core competition categories will also participate in the festival’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented by Meadowood Napa Valley. The residency includes masterclasses and breakout sessions with industry leaders, as well as networking opportunities at special events throughout the festival. It’s not only an opportunity to enjoy many of these films’ world premieres, but a chance to preview films that could be in the running for a Golden Globe or Academy Awards nomination! In the past, the NVFF has screened award winners like Silver Linings Playbook, Wild, and Lion.

Screenings are held at venues throughout Napa Valley, like the Archer Hotel in Napa, Lincoln Theatre in Yountville, and Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena.

You’ll also get the chance to chat with the filmmakers after each showing during Q&A sessions.

You can learn more about the NVFF’s films here.

Wine, Food and Entertainment

Forgive us for stating the obvious, but you can’t have a festival in Wine Country without copious amounts of wine, and it’s promised to be flowing throughout the NVFF. Wine will be available for purchase at some screenings, but one of the best opportunities to get a total taste of Napa is to take a wine tasting break during the Wine Intermissions, where 10+ boutique wineries will pour their best wines in between film screenings at the Festival Hubs, located in Napa and St. Helena.

Most passes also include full access to culinary demonstrations where daily cooking demos and exclusive wines are offered, leaving you with plenty of kitchen inspo for when you return home.

The Parties

Want to get a selfie with a celebrity? These parties and special events are your best shot at mingling with Hollywood’s A-listers and often feature surprise performances from top musicians.

The Vintner’s Circle Dinners, hosted at premier Napa Valley wineries, will be where winemakers, filmmakers, and celebrities sit down to an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. Only those with a VIP Patron Pass can snag a seat, though.

Other don’t-miss events include the Opening Night Party, Celebrity Tributes, and the Festival Gala, which are all sure to impress.

The Perfect Pass Cheat Sheet

From the Flex Pass offering five film screenings to a full-blown Patron Circle VIP festival pass, there are ticketing options for every budget, schedule, and level of interest. Use this cheat sheet to find the perfect fit for you. Note: all of these passes give you access to film screenings and wine intermissions.

If you want to see all the films, plus party with all of the filmmakers and celebs: The Pass Plus ($575 – 695), gives you priority access in line to screenings throughout the festival and gets you into some of the week’s big events and parties, like the Opening Night Party and Festival Gala.

If you don’t plan on working all week and want to see as many films as possible: The traditional Festival Pass ($225 – 295) gives you unlimited film screenings, afternoon wine tastings, and access to culinary demonstrations.

If you’re not much of a planner and/or can’t predict your crazy schedule: The Flex Pass ($125) is good for five screenings throughout the festival (any days, any times). It also includes afternoon wine tastings.

If you want the VIP treatment: The VIP Patron Circle ($2,500 – $25,000), much of which is tax deductible, gets you a year-round membership with exclusive access to filmmakers, actors, vintners, and more. Enjoy perks like VIP reserved seating during screenings, invites to special events, and a personalized NVFF experience.

– BUY YOUR PASSES –

If You Go

Where to Stay

Book a room at the Napa River Inn, where you’ll have views of the Napa River and be within walking distance to many of the NVFF downtown Napa venues. Have a little too much fun the night before? Order breakfast to your room from downstairs bakery Sweetie Pies.

St. Helena’s romantic Wine Country Inn is a good resting spot in between screenings and events Upvalley. With breakfast served al fresco overlooking five acres of sprawling vineyards and gardens, this luxurious bed and breakfast is the definition of country chic. Be sure to use promo code WCM when booking to enjoy an artisan cheese plate, a discounted room, and late check-out.

What to Do

If you happen to have any free time around all of the screenings, wine tastings, and parties – don’t forget to get some shut eye too – use it to discover some of Napa Valley’s newer establishments. In downtown Napa, check The Village at Vista Collina, a full-bodied resort that offers eight boutique wineries and a brewery all in one location, or visit the newly renovated Louis M. Martini Winery for a tasting.

Want to work off all that fun you’re going to have? Rent a bike from Napa Valley Bike Tours and take an early morning ride down the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which stretches 19 miles, all the way to Yountville.

Typically, when people think of Napa, they think of the picturesque landscape — sprawling estates with rolling hills, orderly vines of every varietal, the morning sun burning off the gray mist that blankets the valley.

There is much to love about that heavenly slice of Wine Country. But recently, I stopped through downtown Napa to visit JaM Cellars, which offers an unexpected taste of Napa Valley. Centrally located on First Street, next door to Andaz Napa and sister brand John Anthony Vineyards, it’s also a stone’s throw away from local restaurants such as Eiko’s Sushi, Grace’s Table, and Charlie Palmer Steak in the ultra-chic Archer Hotel.

Upon stepping through JaM Cellars’ doors, it was immediately apparent that this was not like any other Wine Country tasting room that I’d been to. Like all Napa and Sonoma tasting rooms, JaM was well proportioned and thoughtfully decorated. Unexpectedly though, this tasting room had walls that were papered with old Rolling Stones covers, a live band setup, an incredible vinyl collection, Eames lounge chairs, and an honest-to-goodness recording studio in the back.

It may sound gimmicky at first blush, like a Hard Rock Cafe of Wine Country, but it wasn’t — the people I met there were as excited about music and community as they were about wine. The result of the décor and the easy personalities I encountered at JaM Cellars all contributed to the relaxed, intimate, and (perhaps most importantly) non-intimidating vibe in which to try wine — an unexpected experience in Napa Valley.

Anyone who’s been wine tasting knows, the conversations that happen are often about flavor profiles, vineyards, barrels, and the aging process. While there’s something to be said for understanding what you’re drinking, sometimes I just want to hang out and drink great wine, and get to know the people pouring on a human level in addition to learning about the wine. With JaM, the focus is on creating a refreshing environment where people can enjoy their wines while surrounded by their friends, whether that is in a lounge-like setting with an acoustic rock show going on, or during a progressive pop synth show with dancing under the sparkling disco ball.

Owen Ridings, the wine and music studio manager at JaM Cellars, was on site to greet me when I arrived early on Sunday. Dressed in jeans, a dark cardigan, Chuck Taylors, and black-framed specs, he seemed less like a traditional Napa Valley wine manager and more like an indie bookshop owner or the singer-slash-guitarist of a band (the latter of which turned out to actually be true).

But still, he did know a lot about wine. We reclined on couches around a glass coffee table, with a perfect view out the airy front windows of downtown Napa. Ridings took out their hugely-popular Butter Chardonnay and did a side-by-side pour of two appellations — one chardonnay made from a range of California growers’ grapes and the other from exclusively Napa Valley grapes, which is only available at their Wine and Music Studio.

In between our conversations about their record collection, podcasts, and the accessibility of wine, I learned to taste the difference. The education was dispensed in such a way that I remembered words like ‘rich’ and ‘creamy’ and was completely comfortable admitting — in an environment so laid-back — that I couldn’t detect the hints of baked lemon or vanilla.

As we tasted and chatted, Ridings went on to share more about the story behind the wine. I learned that wines produced exclusively from Napa Valley vineyards vary from year to year. Napa Valley exists in a unique microclimate, and fluctuations in that microclimate affect that season’s crops. And since wine designated from a certain Napa Valley appellation means that wine is exclusively grown, harvested, aged, and bottled in Napa Valley, the sum of all those microclimate changes are compounded in that end product — the bottle of wine. The result can sometimes be devastating when Napa Valley suffers unseasonable weather or a natural disaster, but when things go well, as they do more often than not, wines produced in Napa Valley can be more vibrant and aromatic than those from elsewhere in California.

Not all vintners can source from some of the best growers in Napa Valley, but the team behind JaM Cellars has a long history here in Wine Country. The owners, husband-and-wife team John and Michele Truchard (the ‘J’ and ‘M’ of JaM Cellars), are second-generation Napa Valley vintners. With the success of their high-end John Anthony Vineyards already under their belt, John wanted to create great wine for the everyday drinker. I was surprised to learn that the JaM label was created during the recession in the aughts, but I shouldn’t have been — people always want quality, affordable wine. John relies on his long-standing relationships with growers to control the entire vertical process of winemaking, creating a quality wine at a reasonable price, then distributes through popular markets and grocery stores. (I’ve since found JaM’s handy WineFinder on their website, JaMCellars.com, that shows you everywhere you can find their wines around the country).

We moved onto the California Candy Dry Rosé. Named for its eye-candy appeal, this wine is as pretty as it is delicious — perfectly crisp and clean on a warm spring morning in Wine Country. Next, Ridings poured the Napa and California JaM Cabernets while I asked him about the studio itself. What’s it like to work in this space? A part shop, part live music venue where the owners have consciously moved away from what can sometimes be the sterile grandeur of tasting rooms of yore.

He details anecdotes of his favorite memories: guests who geek out over the vinyl collection, the reaction from the crowd when the giant disco ball is turned on, sourcing local talent for intimate shows during one of their JaMSessions, and bringing the community together with late night events (there’s not usually much open in Wine Country after dinnertime, but JaM Cellars is open until 10pm most nights and until midnight on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings).

In short, his favorite moments are the ones that are about the people and their stories; that everyone happens to be enjoying great wine is the cherry on top. Those moments come in the tastings at JaM Cellars, but also on a larger scale at festivals such as BottleRock Napa Valley, among others. As the presenting sponsor of BottleRock, they host the JaMPad, which features intimate shows and DJ dance parties between sets. Their special California Candy Frosé was a hit last year in the toasty Napa Valley sunshine, so here’s to hoping they’ll bring that back. For a brand that has dispensed with the pretension and stuffiness, and embraced all the fun and bringing-togetherness aspects, a frozen rosé isn’t blasphemous — it’s irreverent, welcoming, and fun, just like tasting at JaM Cellars, and just like how creating a memory around delicious wine should be.