Festival Napa Valley is known for organizing magnificent celebrations, and this year proved to be right on point again.
Amidst the enchanting ambience of Alpha Omega Winery, I enjoyed the festival’s grand finale lunch. Guests were seated at elegantly set long tables nestled under grand French oak trees that offered immense shade in the heat. I took in the beauty of my surroundings – water cascading into the sky from the central grand fountain and well kept grape vines looking healthy and happy!
Nestled in the heart of Rutherford, Alpha Omega holds its charm in the hospitality it extends to its visitors, courtesy of owners Robin and Michelle Baggett. Their warmth and heartfelt approach towards appreciating life led this lunch to feel remarkably authentic. We were even treated to Robin introducing his Palomino horse to the many tables gathered for the event.
The first course was a symphony of flavors, featuring grilled frog hollow peach and heirloom tomatoes paired with fresh burrata, Genovese basil, balsamic pearls, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic syrup. This heavenly dish was paired with the Chardonnay Toyon Vineyard, Carneros Napa Valley 2020, creating a culinary harmony that paired well with Summer.
The main course was a festival in its own right, featuring Heritage St. Louis Style Pork Ribs and Robin’s almost famous King City pink beans. There was also cedar plank salmon with a mahogany glaze that offered a harmonious blend of rich, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors. It was accompanied by the following delightful sides:
- Fusilli col bucco roasted purple cauliflower
- Arugula spinach strawberry salad
- Roasted cauliflower topped with hazelnut pesto and shaved manchego cheese
The following rich, full-bodied wines accompanied the main lunch course:
- Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2028
- ERA Napa Valley 2019
As we indulged in this epicurean extravaganza, we were serenaded by the genre-defying supergroup Time for Three. As part of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Vocal Arts Series, their performance encompassed original compositions and ingenious mashups from the Beatles to Britney Spears and Guns N’ Roses. Their music added an extra layer of richness to the day, weaving seamlessly into the tapestry of food, wine, and artistry.
As for dessert, guests indulged in the following treats expertly crafted by Chef Elaine Bell:
- Apricot chocolate coconut macaroons
- Pistachio rose rice crispy treats
They were paired with the Late Harvest Napa Valley 2012, a dessert wine that was the perfect endnote to the event.
All in all, the 2023 Festival Napa Valley Season Finale Brunch at Alpha Omega was a gastronomic spectacle, thanks to the Baggett Ranch BBQ. More than a lunch, it was an afternoon of embracing the wine culture, the art, and the joy of being in Napa Valley.
After a hearty lunch, I rested up before heading up to Charles Krug in St. Helena for the Season Finale Concert. There were two musical masterpieces: Stravinsky’s spirited Petrushka and Rachmaninoff’s immortal Symphonic Dances. The eloquent and timeless classical music was very fitting for the venue as Charles Krug is one of the oldest and most iconic wineries in California. The winery was founded in 1861 by Charles Krug himself and today, it stands as a testament to the region’s winemaking heritage.
Overall, I had a fabulous time at the 2023 Festival Napa Valley. The festival stands as a shimmering celebration of art, culture, and fine wine, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its attendees, ensuring their yearning for its return year after year.