Why You Can’t Miss The Ultimate Summer Party at Festival Napa Valley
Photo: Drew Altizer
Festival Napa Valley, held every summer in Northern California’s gorgeous Napa Valley, has become one of the world’s premier festivals, attracting visitors from near and far. This year, Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary Summer Season promises to be better than ever with the ultimate pairing of world-class artistry, amazing food and exquisite wines tucked within the valley’s most picturesque vineyards, running from July 4–19. The 2026 lineup is an entrancing love letter to the senses.
Opera Meets The Vineyards
Judgment Of Paris Preview at Printemps, Composer Jake Heggie
Photo - Festival Napa Valley
A live preview performance of the highly anticipated opera, “The Judgment of Paris ” held at luxury French retailer Printemps in New York City, dazzled the fashionable crowd. This isn't just any opera - it tells the storied history of Napa Valley’s rise to global fame, by the brilliant team, composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Debuting July 18th at Charles Krug Winery, inspired by the historic 1976 blind tasting that put California wines on the map, this world premiere starring acclaimed soprano Danielle De Niese and baritone Quinn Kelsey, promises to be witty, joyous and utterly entertaining.
Festival Napa Valley. Photo: Bob Mc Clenahan
That’s just one of over 60 exciting events taking place at wineries, resorts, and estates throughout Napa Valley. Additionally, as a nonprofit with a mission to bring the arts to all, the performances are free or Choose Your Price.
The FULL SEASON SCHEDULE (July 4-19) FestivalNapaValley.org
Legendary Estates Host High-Note Moments
Renee Fleming Photo: Marvin Joseph
The Star power continues as world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming performs her multimedia concert, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena on Saturday, July 11. California’s historic first wine tasting venue’s great lawn becomes a majestic open-air theater for the legendary singer’s evocative performance under the stars. A patron dinner follows the performance at Gargiulo Vineyards for an evening of memorable food, wine, and music amid eastern Oakville’s hallmark hills.
WyntonMarsalis Photo: Piper Ferguson
Time for Three, Ray Chen and Jean-Yves Thibaudet are among the many luminaries performing at this summer extravaganza. Adding to the brilliance, Jazz icon Wynton Marsalis headlines the Arts for All Gala on Sunday, July 12, at the elegant Oakville estate of Nickel & Nickel, part of Far Niente Wine Estates. Guests feast on a multi-course dinner by acclaimed chef Dustin Valette with wine pairing from Far Niente Wine Estates’ celebrated portfolio. It’s a night of music and philanthropy that truly defines the festival’s heart.
Photo: Drew Altizer
Signature Events
Signature events include A Night at the Ballet: From Swan Lake to The Stones, a performance of Opera Scenes with the Manetti Shrem Opera Fellows; and an outdoor film screening of The Wizard of Oz with live orchestra
Other Festival Highlights Include:
Photo: Israel Valencia
The popular Taste of Napa at The Meritage Resort and Spa where guests enjoy live music and swoon-worthy tastings from more than 100 wineries, restaurants, and culinary artisans, as well as craft beverages, Saturday July 11, from 12pm to 3pm. To purchase tickets or for general information, visit FestivalNapaValley.org.
Photo: David Ortega
Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena, with its noble 19th century architecture and verdant gardens, serves as a spectacular backdrop for the Patron Dinner on July 10, pairing award-winning vintages with a storied ambiance. Castello Di Amorosa, the medieval-style Tuscan castle winery in Calistoga, hosts a Patron Dinner on July 17, where guests dine in a courtyard that feels like a real-life fairy tale. These are just some of the many delights you’ll find here.
This is one fabulous festival you don’t want to miss.