Festival Napa Valley Announces 2018 Lineup

The Bay Area is experiencing a cold spell this week, so it’s hard to imagine the gorgeous climate of wine country during the summer. However, the lineup for Festival Napa Valley will bring visions of balmy evenings vineyard-side to mind. The 13th season of the musical extravaganza takes place July 20-29, 2018 at various locations throughout the valley. Headliners include 10-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval, world-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell, opera sensation Michael Fabiano, and broadway legend Lea Salonga. The entire season will be dedicated to the first responders who saved lives and helped fight the devastating fires that ravished the valley last October.

“With the introduction of three new concert series and a summer music camp, Festival Napa Valley 2018 is the most dynamic season we have presented to date,” Richard Walker, the president and CEO of the event said in a statement. “The range of music styles, venues and price options makes it possible for everyone to enjoy Festival Napa Valley.” The opening night event, which takes place at Meadowood on July 20, features a performance with soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Bryan Hymel.

Photo Credit: ©Erik Tomasson

Local music students will perform in a series of 12 free chamber concerts, July 18 and 19. The Grupo Company Segundo, which was founded by members of the Buena Vista Social Club, will perform at Trefethen Family Vineyards’ 50th anniversary celebration on July 21.  The San Francisco Ballet will delight in a dance gala on July 27 at Lincoln Theater in Yountville.

In between the musical festivities are countless wine-centric lunches, dinners, and parties. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, and Trinchero Family Estates are a few of the wineries that will host culinary events. Hall Winery is putting on an arts charity gala and live auction on July 22 with the proceeds benefiting arts educational programs in the Napa County and the festival’s tuition free-Blackburn Music Academy.

Photo Credit: Paul E. Richardson

Luxury hotels are even taking part in the fun with the Carneros Resort and Spa and the Silverado Resort and Spa throwing patron-related happenings. The season finale, a charming afternoon event with a private concert by Morgan James, is being hosted by Robin and Michelle Baggett at their winery Alpha Omega.

Tickets for all of the Festival Napa Valley events and performances are now on sale.