5 Things to Do in Wine Country in June
Author:Annette HanamiThe US premiere of Miles Davis’s artwork in Yountville, the launch of an eye-popping new outdoor sculpture tour in Downtown Napa, a captivating photography exhibit in Healdsburg, Robert Mondavi’s centennial and a mountainous wine tasting in St. Helena, all happening in wine country in June.
Marvel at the creative genius of Miles Davis at Art of Cool in Yountville
Courtesy Insight Editions
“A painting is music you can see, and music is a painting you can hear” – Miles Davis
Known as one of the greatest, most influential jazz musicians of all time, Miles Davis was also an acclaimed artist. In the first US exhibition of his artwork, the Napa Valley Museum and the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater present “Miles Davis: The Art of Cool” (June 8-July 28) featuring 35 of the artist’s original sketches and oil paintings. The exhibit, sponsored by Miner Family Winery, is accompanied by special events and programs that celebrate the life and music of this iconic figure whose album Kind of Blue is still the best-selling jazz album of all time. On display at both the museum and Lincoln Theater down the road. Buy tickets at the museum: free for members, $10 non-members. Museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville
A VIP and Members Only reception takes place at the museum on June 7 between 5 and 8 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres and lots of live jazz. Tickets $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Annual membership is $45 per person or, through June 30, $50 per family (usually $75). Check out the website to make reservations and get more details on the full line-up of Miles Davis special programs and events, including guided tours and a special tribute concert at Lincoln Theater.
Kick-off the latest Napa ARTwalk outdoor sculpture exhibition in Downtown Napa
Constellations II by Chris Rench. Photo courtesy Arts Council Napa Valley
Arts Council of Napa Valley and the City of Napa launch the latest Napa ARTwalk outdoor sculpture exhibition themed “Metamorphosis” with a public event on June 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. beginning at the Opera House Plaza, followed by a casual artists’ reception at Downtown Joe’s Brewery & Restaurant. Curated from over 220 entries from the western US, the 15 large 3-D works inject whimsy and pop color throughout historic Downtown Napa. The works will be on display until spring 2015, with locations highlighted on brochures available at the Napa Valley Welcome Center at 600 Main Street and online at napaartwalk.org. Descriptions of each work are accessible through QR codes found online and on each plaque and brochure. Opera House Plaza is on the Northeast corner of First and Main Streets.
A VIP Gala in support of Arts Council will also be held June 12 from 4-7 p.m. Check the website for details.
Catch a captivating performance photography exhibit at Gallery Lulo in Healdsburg
Both Worlds by Cecile Paredes
Lima, Peru-born artist Cecilia Paredes gives a solo exhibit “Camouflaged” (June 1–July 31) at the newly expanded Gallery Lulo off Healdsburg Plaza. Using herself as the subject blending into the background of Latin-inspired botanical prints, Paredes explores her personal struggle to integrate into a new culture. Gallery Lulo hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and until 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. 303 Center Street, Healdsburg
Celebrate Robert Mondavi’s Centennial in Oakville
Robert Mondavi in front of the Cliff May-designed winery. Photo Robert Mondavi Winery
Celebrate the 100th birthday of the man who made the California wine industry one of the greatest in the world at a public toast given by Margrit Mondavi and Director of Winemaking Genevieve Janssens on Tuesday, June 18 at 12 p.m. at the Cliff May-designed Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville. Sip Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc and leave with a commemorative booklet. 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville
Robert Mondavi Centenary Table by Frank Pollaro. Photo Robert Mondavi Winery
On permanent display in the Vineyard Room will be a commemorative table hand-crafted out of Northern California Claro walnut by Frank Pollaro. The six sides of the table base represent the six grape varieties grown at the estate Tokalon Vineyard as well as Robert Mondavi’s life themes – food, wine, art, family, friends and passion – hand-carved on the base stretchers. Pollaro, well known for his fine, bespoke furniture, will produce five limitededition dining tables modeled after the Centenary Table.
Sail up to St. Helena for the Howell Mountain Cup Wine Tasting Regatta
The 1881 Carriage House at Charles Krug. Photo Charles KrugThe 1881 Carriage House at Charles Krug. Photo Charles Krug
Over 40 winemakers from Howell Mountain salute America’s Cup at the 18th annual wine tasting on June 15 between 12 and 5 p.m. at Charles Krug Winery. The walk-around wine tasting will take place outdoors on the Great Lawn from 12 to 3 p.m. accompanied by St. Louis cut ribs, Tillamook Cheddar mac and cheese “cupcakes” and Anchor Steam braised beef brisket sliders, all catered by Winery Chefs, followed by an auction benefiting the Howell Mountain Education Foundation in Charles Krug’s historic Carriage House with more food and wine. This hearty fare pairs perfectly with the big Howell Mountain cabernets. Visit the Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers website for more details and to purchase in advance, $125 per person. Get your tickets now before they sell out!
