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Events in Napa in May 2023: Wine Tasting, Activities, & Other Things to Do
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: April 7, 2023
The biggest events in Napa in May 2023 include BottleRock and special wine tasting activities at the wineries. You will also find some great shows throughout the month at the Blue Note.
In addition, I've included some great deals on tastings around Napa Valley as well as a few places to find the best rates on local hotels.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
BottleRock Napa Valley
Dates: 5/26 - 5/28
Tickets: Find tickets to all days
Of all the events in Napa in May, the BottleRock music festival is probably the most anticipated. This three-day celebration of great music, food, beer, and wine attracts lots of big name artists.
Headliners last year included Metallica, Pink, and Twenty One Pilots. You can also see Luke Combs, The Black Crowes, and Kygo on stage.
This lineup is truly hard to beat.
Wine Tasting Events in Napa in May 2023
The following events are held at wineries all around Napa Valley. Many are open to the public and most have discounted rates or are complimentary for wine club members.
Most events in Napa in May land on the weekend, but there are a handful during the week too. These events are VERY popular, so I recommend planning in advance if you can and booking your tickets before you arrive.
Cliff Lede Vineyards: Rock Block Release Party (5/21), new release of their Rock Block Cabernet Sauvignon as well as FEL wine releases
Clos Pegase: Comedy Night in the Caves (5/20) from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, food, wine, and lots of laughs
Cuvasion: Kickoff for Memorial Day Music Festival (5/25) from 4 pm to 7 pm, live music, food and wine
Duckhorn: The Discussion Release Derby Party Weekend (5/6), watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy the annual release of The Discussion wine with Winemaker Renee Ary, this year's event runs all weekend long
Elizabeth Spencer: Paella Party (5/6), 4 pm to 7 pm
Grgich Hills Estate: Mother's Day Garden Party (5/14) from 11 am to 2 pm, seafood, caviar and wine
Inglenook: Cabernet Sauvignon Release Dinner (5/6), $350 per person
Judds Hill: Spring Release Party (5/7)
Markham (5/6): "Markham through the Ages" Library Wine Dinner
Markham (5/21): Spring Wine Release Party, Sushi & Oysters
Merryvale (5/21): Vino & Pizza Summer Release Party at 3 pm to 5 pm, wood-fired pizza with wine and caricuture drawing by a local artist
Raymond (May 14): Mother's Day Brunch, 10 am and 2 pm, bottonless mimosas, beignets, and a full brunch
Round Pond: Mother's Day Spring Dinner (5/14) from 6 pm to 8 pm
Schramsberg (5/6): Spring Release Party, Celebrate Jack Davies' 100th Heavenly Birthday
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (5/13): FAY & S.L.V. New Vintage Release Vineyard Walk and Lunch, from 10:30 am to 2 pm, walk through the vineyard as you enjoy wine and bites
Trefethen (5/13): Fete de la Fleur, from 12 pm (noon) to 3 pm, enjoy wines and bites in their courtyard
Abacus Wine Escape
Dates: 5/5 - 5/7
Join the deLeuze family and ZD Wines for a wine tasting experience like no other. Your adventure begins on Friday night with a ZD Wine reception. You will raise your glass with ZD Wine's first ever sparkling to help celebrate their 50 years in wine making. The reception will include additional ZD Wines as well as appetizers.
Saturday begins with an optional tasting with ZD winemakers and the deLeuze family. You get the chance to sample library wines along side some tasting dishes prepared by one of the best local restaurants.
Saturday night is the big ZD Wines dinner with a 5-course meal expertly paired with ZD wines. It will be an evening to remember with amazing wines and foods to continue the celebration of their 50 years of wine making in Napa.
Please note: This is a private event so inquire with the winery if interested in attending.
>> Visit their site for details and ticketing information
Uptown Theatre
Are you looking for some fun nightlife events in Napa in May? Check out these popular shows coming up this month at the Uptown Theatre.
Inspire Napa Valley
Dates: 5/5 - 5/7
This is the second year for Inspire Napa Valley. It's a weekend long event with wine tasting, dinners, a VIP brunch and more. The proceeds from this event will go to support the Alzheimer's Association.
The event starts with a VIP dinner on Friday night. On Saturday, there is a seminar, wine tasting event, and a seated dinner. The event wraps up with a VIP brunch on Sunday morning.
Coombsville Vintners & Growers Grand Tasting Event
Dates: 5/6
At this Saturday afternoon event, you'll get to taste wine from more than 25 unique Coombsville wineries as well as sample delectable bites prepared by CIA chefs. In addition, there will be a silent auction and raffle of fine wines and culinary experiences.
Located at the renowned CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Copia in Napa, you'll also be treated to some of the region's best gourmet food.
>> Find out more and reserve your tickets
Wine Tasting Deals for May
Here are a few great wine tasting deals in Napa Valley on Groupon.
Vintage Sweet Shoppe: Chocolate and Wine Pairing Package for Two or Four at Vintage Sweet Shoppe (Up to 44% Off), check for availability
Envy Wines: Wine Tasting for Two or Four with a Take Home Bottle of Wine (Up to 50% Off), check for availability
*Note: Most deals last for 120 days after purchase, so make sure to check the exact terms before purchasing.
May Shows at the Blue Note
Check out the Blue Note for some of the best nightlife events in Napa in May. This jazz clubs bring live music to the stage most nights of the week. It's one of my favorites as it's set on the first floor of the history Napa Valley Opera House.
Their dinners are also amazing and used with locally grown ingredients. The best part is that they pair it all with top of the line Napa Valley wines.
>> Find tickets to all shows at the Blue Note on Ticketmaster.com
Top Hotel Deals in Napa Valley
Are you looking to stay for a night or two as you enjoy these events in Napa in May? If so, check out these great hotel deals all around the valley.
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in the Napa Valley? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Napa with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!
VRBO: Another great lodging option is VRBO. You can stay at a local's house, apartment, or even just rent a room. It's a great way to feel more like a local while visiting. Find a great place to stay on VRBO.
JaM Cellars Ballroom at Margrit Mondavi Theatre
You will also find some great shows this month at JaM Cellars Ballroom in downtown Napa at 1030 Main St.
They are located in the same building as the Blue Note inside the Napa Valley Opera House.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!