Flavor! Napa Valley 2012

October '12

My Weekend Love Affair With Napa

September '12

Road Trip to Solvang: Wine and Happy Hour

August '12

July'12

June '12

LA Wine Fest 2012

Flavor! Napa Valley - 2012

by Maren Swanson

The first time I ever visited Napa, California was 2 years ago. The trip was short, but definitely worth it. I had explored the usual suspects of wineries between Sonoma and Napa, dined at one the most amazing French bistros, and I was hooked. With life's hectic schedule, random obstacles and a multitude of excuses later, I realized that I hadn't taken a proper vacation this year. So once I found out that I had a chance do press coverage for Flavor! Napa Valley in November, I was ALL about it.

Flavor! Napa Valley is a celebration of food, wine and fun that takes place November 14th-18th to benefit The Culinary Institute of America. Celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, grandiose dinners and wine tastings are just a sampler of things to come in the following weeks. Well-known chefs, such as Michael Chiarello, Scott Conant, Masaharu Morimoto, The Forgione Brothers and Thomas Keller are just some of the names representing the events at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

And if those names aren't reason enough to get your mouth watering, then turn your attention the amazing list of wineries participating this year. Labels include: Cakebread Cellars, Caymus Vineyards, Chandon, Chateau Montelena, Chimney Rock, Clos du Val, Duckhorn Vineyards, Far Niente, Miner Family Winery, Opus One, Pahlmeyer, Ribissow, Shafer, Silver Oak, Silverado Vineyards, Stags Leap Cellars, ZD Wines and many other delicious participants.

So are you asking yourself why you haven't purchased your tickets and booked your accommodations yet? Normally that would be me, but this year I come prepared! As the Flavor! Napa Valley nears, some of the events are beginning to sell out, but be rest assured there is still time to purchase tickets for other options. I will be attending and recommending the event The Appellation Trail, where you will encounter over 100 wineries and taste treats from more than two-dozen of Napa Valley's best restaurants.

I also just found out that Napa has happy hours. Double trouble. Wow, I have my work cut out for me on this trip, but I can assure you of one thing at least - I'm going to have the time of my life. Cheers!

For more information on where to purchase tickets, visit: http://flavornapavalley.com