The bucolic Napa Valley may be the last place you’d expect to encounter a Hollywood-style red-carpet premiere.
But for five days in November (the 12th through the 16th), California’s most famous wine region will play host to the Napa Valley Film Festival, described by organizers as “the ultimate celebration of film, food and wine.”
NVFF features more than 125 new independent films and studio sneak previews, screening in a dozen venues in four walkable villages. Some 250 visiting filmmakers and celebrities will interact with audiences at the various screenings and intimate events.
There will be film panels, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, a Festival Gala, celebrity tributes, an awards ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners.
For those of us who love wine, the festival’s wine pavilions are the place to be during the afternoon hours. Here’s a look at this year’s pavilion schedule:
- Mixologist Takeover: Shake, Stir and Sample — Thursday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m., Yountville.
- Calistoga: Downtown Tasting Room Wineries — Friday, November 14, 2:30 p.m.
- Next Generation — Friday, November 14, 2:30 p.m., St. Helena.
- Crusher Wine District — Friday, November 14, 3 p.m., Napa.
- Stags Leap District House of Cab — Saturday, November 15, 2:30 p.m.
- Rutherford Dust Society Exhibition — Sunday, November 16, 2:30 p.m.
- Spring Mountain District — Saturday, November 25 at 2:30 p.m., St. Helena.
As seen on the festival’s website, here’s a look at NVFF by the numbers:
- 5 days
- 12 screening venues
- 125 films
- 300 filmmakers
- 50 chefs
- 150 wineries
If you’re reading this blog, we know you love wine and food. If you’re also a film buff, the Napa Valley Film Festival is a must-attend event. To learn more about the 2014 festival, and to view the 2013 festival’s “sizzle reel,” click here: http://www.napavalleyfilmfest.org/
