Events in Napa in May 2019

Wine Tasting, Activities, & Other Things to Do

The biggest events in Napa in May 2019 include BottleRock, Calistoga Food & Wine, 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.

Calistoga Food & Wine Event

Dates: 5/9-5/11

This three-day long celebration of food and wine kicks off on Friday with the Winemaker Dinner at the Fairwinds Estate wine cave, offering a perfectly paired meal in a fantastic setting. Saturday afternoon is the Grand Tasting Event at Solage Calistoga with delicious samples from over 40 local wineries. Finally, the event concludes with the Chef and Sommelier Brunch, combining freshly made gourmet creations with breakfast cocktails.

>> Details, including participating wineries

BottleRock Napa Valley

Dates: 5/24 - 5/26

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. Friday headliners include Imagine Dragons, Logic, OneRepublic, and Sylvan Esso. Saturday brings Neil Young, Pharrell Williams, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and Gary Clark Jr. to the starge. And finally, Sunday welcomes Mumford & Sons, Santana, Tash Sultana, and Lord Huron. This lineup is truly hard to beat.

>> Full concert details

Wine Tasting Events in Napa in May

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.

Duckhorn Vineyards (5/4): The Discussion Release Party, 4th from 1pm to 4pm, Kentucky Derby plus the release of The Discussion, watch the race, sample some goodie, and enjoy a taste of their new release

Ballentine Vineyards: May Release Party (5/5), Cinco de Mayo cuisine and newly release wines

Benessere Vineyards: Spring Release Party (5/4), celebrate some of their new releases

Cliff Lede Vineyards: Rock Block Release Party (5/19), new release of their Rock Block Cabernet Sauvignon as well as FEL wine releases, library and large format wines will be opened too

Duckhorn: The Discussion Release Derby Party (5/4), watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy the annual release of The Discussion wine, 1pm to 4pm

Elizabeth Spencer: Sauvignon Blanc & Oyster Party (5/19) from 11am to 2pm

Flora Springs: Sixteen Spirits Historical Ghost Winery Tour & Tasting (5/19), learn the history of one of the few remaining ghost wineries and finish with a tasting of their wines

Judd's Hill: Annual Springtime Bonanza (5/19), from 12pm to 2:30pm, food, newly released wines, and some aged library wines, beneftis the Napa Valley Youth Symphony

Merryvale: Friday Music on the Terrace, 1st and 3rd Fridays in May from 5pm to 7pm

Merryvale: Profile Blending & Burgers (5/4), craft a Bordeaux style blend followed by luck at the winery, Gott's Burgers and side along with some Merryvale wines, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Miner Family Winery: Spring Fling (5/11), lawn games, wine tasting, live entertainment and tasty bites from 11am to 2pm

Pine Ridge Vineyards: Hike in the Vineyards (5/4), educational stroll through the vineyards, grape to glass experience with lunch and wine tasting, starts at 9am

Robert Mondavi Winery: I Block Release and Lobster Feet (5/18), celebrate the release of the 2016 I Block Fume Blanc with lobster and all the fixings, live music after dinner and a dessert buffet, 6pm to 9:30pm

Round Pond Estate: Summer Release Party (5/18) from 4pm to 6pm, reservations only

Fair & Fiesta

Dates: TBD

Spend the weekend at the Napa County Fairgrounds with food, fun and entertainment. The Flynn Creek Circus will perform both days with high flying acrobats. Head over to the speedway to watch AMA racing and watch the bull studded Mexican Jaripeo. You can also enjoy goodies from local food trucks, chef demonstrations, community competitions, a petting zoo, kids activities, and so much more. The doors are open from noon to 10pm both days.

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: 5/3-5/5

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.

Wine Tasting Deals for May

Here are a few great wine tasting deals in Napa Valley on Groupon.

• Starmont Winery and Vineyards: Save up to 45% off tasting deals at Starmont Winery and Vineyards, check deal availability


• Envy Wines: Wine Tasting for Two or Four with Take-Home Bottle, up to 53% off, located in Calistoga, check for availability


• Judd's Hill Winery: Tasting for two or four plus a bottle of wine to take home with you, up to 45% off, tasting room is on Silverado Trail, check for availability

*Note: Most deals last for 120 days after purchase, so make sure to check the exact terms before purchasing.

Conversations at Copia: Terrior

Date: TBD

Terrior is a word that is often used in winemaking. How would you describe it? Learn more about the terrior in and around Napa as it relates to the foods and beverages produced here. Conversations at Copia is a panel discussion. The guest panelists describe their perspectives and how they know and/or believe terrior impacts Napa Valley products. The events runs from 5pm to 8pm at CIA at Copia at 500 First Street in Napa.

>> Visit their site for more details

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.

Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Napa with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!

TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in the Napa Valley? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!

JaM Cellars Ballroom at Margrit Mondovi 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.

More Tips to Visit Napa

Wine Tours from SF	More Hotel Options in Napa	My Favorite Wineries

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