Napa Valley Festival Del Sole: A Celebration of the Art of Life

Californians, aren’t we lucky?  Gorgeous vineyards of the Napa Valley serve as the unforgettable backdrop for the upcoming Napa Valley Festival Del Sole.

This internationally acclaimed celebration of rich culture, music, theatre, food and wine returns to celebrate its eighth season from July 12-21, 2013.

A feast for all of the senses, this 10-day celebration offers more than 60 custom-curated programs and star-studded performances. The festival features a compelling line-up of cultural, culinary, wine and wellness experiences that offer rare insider access to Napa Valley’s most authentic settings.

From a Great Gatsby-esque gala at Meadowood Napa Valley to the rejuvenating Yoga in the Vineyards, there is no festival in the world that one will find such diversity.

Guests may also choose from a variety of events at venues including a private art gallery and a fairytale castle, performances by Audra McDonald and other luminaries, young artist concerts introducing the stars of tomorrow, and the Taste of Napa showcase featuring 50 top wineries and artisanal food purveyors.

2013 Napa Valley Festival del Sole Highlights Will Include:

Opening gala at the 13^th-century Tuscan-inspired Castello di Amorosa featuring the incomparable Audra McDonald, one of today’s brightest theatrical stars and winner of five Tony awards.

An exhilarating installment of The 24 Hour Plays series: A-list actors rehearse and perform a series of one-act plays in just 24 hours.  This year’s list includes Star Jones, best known for her role as a co-host on the View and current Today Show contributor; Calista Flockhart of Ally McBeal, J Golden Globe, People’s Choice & Emmy winner; Chazz Palminteri, film star and director who has played major roles in The Usual Suspects; Christopher Meloni, star of Law & Order: SVU; and Jim O’Heir, currently starring on NBC hit show Parks & Recreation.

A weeklong tribute to the 140^th birthday of legendary Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov who stands as an icon of romanticism in Russian classical music – with programming including a partial restoration of his long-lost 1939 ballet, Paganini, brought to life for the festival, an exclusive exhibit at Napa Valley Museum featuring materials uncovered during the ballet’s restoration, and a 140^th Anniversary Concert and Dinner at Opus One.

Performances by the Russian National Orchestra, returning to Napa with the festival’s biggest symphony orchestra to date.

The Festival Gala at the landmark Meadowood Napa Valley featuring gourmet cuisine from the resort’s award-winning culinary team, a croquet match, special musical performances, and a live auction supporting local arts education programs.

Sun-dappled vintner’s luncheons and enchanting VIP dinners each day at Napa Valley hotspots including Spring Mountain Vineyard, Quintessa, The Napa Valley Reserve, Darioush, Alpha Omega Winery and The Hess Collection.

An intimate dinner and performance featuring celebrated mezzo-soprano Federica von Stade.

Single concert tickets start at $39 while the popular Allegro Pass offers exceptional value by extending a VIP-style experience across a tailored collection of events for $249. The VIP Pass delivers even more insider access along with concierge service and preferred seating starting from $650 for an Evening Pass to $7,500 for a 10-day Festival Passport.

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