One of Wine Country's most anticipated events of the year, the Napa Valley Film Festival boasts some of the biggest names in film, music, and cuisine spanning the course of five nights and multiple cities. With so much going on, it can be hard to know which events are absolute must-attends. Use this handy guide to navigate this year's top parties, screenings, and more.
Do you love delicious food and classic movies? How about eating dishes inspired by films, while you watch them? If the answer is "yes," head to Variety’s Ten to Taste, which will feature four panelists (including Food Network celebrity chef Bobby Flay) and ten of Napa’s best chefs for a dinner-and-a-movie date night you won't soon forget. Local chefs wil lwhip up their own takes on classic combinations, while guests chow down during the movie. Love Julie & Julia? You'll love it even more while nibblingon chef Jason Kupper’s roasted chicken. Buy tickets now, so you never have to wonder what Remy the rat’s ratatouille tastes like again. // Thursday, Nov. 12, 11am – 1pm, Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn, 500 Main St., Napa, Get tickets here.
Get dolled up for a night out and a taste (literally) of Napa Valley. Toast the A-list movie stars, mingle with new friends and take an elegant stroll down the red carpet, during this elegant soiree. You're sure to rub shoulders with more than 30 famous chefs from the surrounding area as well as 50 vintners and taste spirits and dishes you have only dreamed of before. If that’s not enough, enjoy 10 musical performances, dance until you can’t stand, and don’t forget to snap selfies in the lounge. // Thursday, Nov. 12., 8:00pm – 2am, Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville, Get tickets here.
After the glamorous Ten to Taste and festival gala, you’ll be ready for a change of pace. Prepare to honor the biggest achievers in cinema on Friday night. In the past, A-listers such as Kevin Costner and Michelle Monaghan have taken tje stage. This year, NVFF acknowledges Bruce Dern, Keegan-Michael Key, and John Travolta (who stars in one of the year's films Life on the Line.) // Friday, Nov. 13, 6 – 7:30pm, 100 California Drive, Yountville, Get tickets here.
The world premiere of Life on the Line (a film about a crew of electrical linemen in Texas whoare are scrambling to upgrade the electrical grid before a storm hits) features silver fox John Travolta on the red carpet accompanied by the real-life version of the character he portrays in the film. Local PG&E linemen will also be in attendance. This screening will be one for the books. // Saturday, Nov. 14, 5 – 7pm, 100 California Drive, Yountville, Get tickets here.
5. Award’s Ceremony
At the end of the night, you have to stay for the awards ceremony. The winners of the Juried and Audience Awards will receive a ridiculously fabulous bottle of wine from one of the Vintner Circle members. The Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature winners will be presented with a $10,000 check from Meadowood Napa Valley. And for the first time, there will be four chosen winners for the Lexus Short Films international talent search. You can catch them next year at the 2016 Napa Valley Film Festival. // Sunday, Nov. 15, 8:30 – 10pm, Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa, napavalleyfilmfest.org
