Three Things to Do in Wine Country in October

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An Intimate Photography Exhibit by Legendary Singer-Songwriter Graham Nash at Mumm Napa

Mumm Napa’s new photography exhibit of over 50 images by Graham Nash “My Life Through My Lens” runs through January 31, 2015. The collection curated by Theron Kabrich of San Francisco Art Exchange captures the brilliance of Graham Nash as a storyteller not only in music, but in images. The black and white portraits are timeless and intimate, showing tenderness in Judy Collins kissing Stephen Stills, Sag Harbor, 1969 or tension with Taj Mahal, Mariposa Folk Festival, 1970. Some of the most poignant in their purity are images of Joni Mitchell, with whom Nash lived, and of whom Nash said simply “I loved her”. In this autobiographical exhibit, Nash’s lens captures the same soulful rhythm of life that makes the harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash so captivating to this day.

The complementary exhibit is in Mumm Napa’s Fine Art Photography Gallery. Visitor Center and gallery hours are daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October, until 5 p.m. beginning in November. 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford.

Experience Fall in Monterey

Photo courtesy Carmel Valley Ranch

 

I love the cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines of Monterey. A great place to stay that’s close to village of Carmel, tasting rooms and wineries would be in the newly opened Oak Grove suites at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Photo courtesy Carmel Valley Ranch

These cozy one-bedroom suites feel spacious with nearly half the 700 square feet in patio space. With the outdoor fireplace and soaking tub, you’ll want to spend all your time outside enjoying the view. The willow walls and upholstered swing bench were made by local craftsmen.

At the 500 acre ranch, explore the meadows, oak chaparral and towering redwoods of Carmel Valley with their escorted equestrian trail rides, one of the unique experiences you’ll find staying in Monterey Wine Country. Carmel Valley Ranch, One Old Ranch Road, Carmel.

For a collective Monterey wine experience in a single location, drive further inland to the Santa Lucia Highlands, where the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Celebrate Harvest with a wine tasting event ($65 pp) replete with grape stomping and pumpkin carving. The event will be held at Paraiso Vineyards on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 3-6 p.m.

Visit the Napa Valley Showhouse at Caldwell Vineyards

Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Traditional Home presents the 3rd annual Napa Valley Showhouse from October 12 through November 16 at Caldwell Vineyard‘s historic Victorian estate in Coombsville. The Showhouse, benefitting the Napa Valley Film Festival, features 15 designers from around the country as well as local designers such as Catherine Macfee, Jonathan Rachman and landscape designer Tim O’Shea.

Showhouse hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $30 pp for the Showhouse, tour of the 123-acre property and a glass of Caldwell estate wine, or $75 pp including an extended tasting in the wine cave. Can’t wait? Attend the Gala Preview Cocktail Party on Saturday October 11 from 5-7 p.m. ($75 pp). Purchase tickets at the Showhouse website. 169 Kreuzer Lane, Napa.

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