Visit the Napa Valley

April showers do bring May flowers! Because of above normal rain in April, Napa and the Wine Country are in full bloom – tulips, poppies, and wildflowers dot the landscape in the towns and countryside. The vibrant yellow of wild mustard – a bit late this year – flourishes between the lush green foliage of the grapes in the vineyards! It is an awesome sight across the rolling hills.

Now is a perfect time to visit this world famous center of wine production in the Nation! Winery tours are always very popular, and now, with new craft breweries popping up in Napa/Sonoma, your tasting opportunities are endless!

Just a sampling of what is in store for visitors this in May into Spring:

ARTS AND FLOWERS

Environmental Artist Ginger Harness has combined the two in a breathtaking way. Each Spring, hundreds of Calla Lilys come to life under the Olive trees on her property at 4024 Rohlffs Way in Napa. Harness and her volunteers paint the growing pristine white flowers, one Lily at a time, in stunningly vivid “Easter Egg” colors. This very exceptional “Living Art” exhibit began before Easter and runs through May 31. 4024 Rohllfs Way, Napa. gingerh2500@sbcglobal.net

MUSIC, WINE AND FOOD

Chill-out to Acoustic Jazz Guitar every Wednesday and Thursday – 5:00 to 9:00 p.m – at Fish Story Restaurant, on the Riverfront (Third and Main Streets), in downtown Napa. Solo guitarist and vocalist Jess Knubis performs original compositions, jazz standards, and memorable pop tunes with an engaging and masterful style. Happy Hour, with a full bar is 4:30 to 6:00. 707 251 5600.

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards in Napa hosts live music from some of the Bay Area’s top bands every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Music is complementary for tasting room visitors, and the winery chef offers special wine and food pairings at each event. May 3 features Reggae with the Joseph Lion Band; May 10; R&B Motown with Caroompus Room; May 17 – Fire and Rain, James Taylor & Carole King Tribute; May 24, Country, Terry Sheets; and May 31; Rockin Blues with 5 Day Bender. 1 Kirkland Ranch Road, Napa. 707 254 8673 x119.

Last year’s enormously popular Bottle Rock will be back again under new management on the weekend of May 30, 31, and June 1. Headlining the three days will be The Cure, Friday; Outkast, Saturday; and Sunday, Eric Church. They will by more than 45 popular bands on 4 stages – too numerous to list here. The event benefits the Napa Valley Youth Symphony. For a full listing, information, and tickets now on sale go to: bottlerocknapa.com

Napa’s historic Opera House is now home to City Winery. The only other venues for this popular concept combining music, wine and food are in New York, Chicago and Nashville; so this really confirms our town’s growing importance in this genre. A sampling of performances: May 1, Mike Nesmith; May 7, Asleep at the Wheel; May 13, Jesse Cook; and May 30, Maria Muldaur. For tickets, a complete calendar of performers and dining options, go to citywinery.com/napa.

MUSIC

Symphonic Music returns to Napa Valley with spectacular music, exciting parties and awesome guest artists. Performances will be at the beautiful Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Coming up, on May 25 – will be Joel Fan on piano with the Russian Masters. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2; and Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition. For tickets and information: 707 944 9900; symphonynapavalley.org

The beautifully restored historic Uptown Theatre, at 1350 Third Street in Napa has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It’s easy to see why, from its ongoing series of highly acclaimed and well known musicians! A sampling: May 3, Toad The Wet Sprocket; May 21, Gregg Allman; May 23; Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo; May 24, The Fab Four – the ultimate Beatles tribute. Some performances for May have already sold out. For tickets and information: 707 259 0123; uptowntheatrenapa.com