Since it was launched four years ago, the Calistoga Food and Wine Festival has become one of California’s most anticipated culinary events. This incredible three-day celebration of Upper Valley grape growers, farmers and chefs wrapped up last Saturday and lived up to expectations – the best of the best of the best.
Founded by Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, with an international reputation for culinary artistry, this year’s edition ran from Thursday, May 10th to Saturday, May 12th. “This event is special because it’s Calistoga-Centric, with a focus on our area’s amazing wines and restaurants,” said Calistoga resident, Piper Cole. “We have so much to offer visitors and this event really shows off Calistoga’s bounty”.
The fun kicked off with an exclusive reception at Bennett Lane Winery, featuring wines from Bennett Lane, Storybook Mountain, Switchback Ridge, Kenefick Ranch, Poggi and The Grade Cellars. Food was produced by chefs from Solbar, Lovina and other restaurants.
Guests were kept even more busy on Friday with plenty of tastings and culinary education. Massimo Falsini, the executive chef from Solbar, Solage resort’s award-winning restaurant, held a master class in pasta making, producing yummy pappardelle noodles and ravioli. But that was only one small piece of the offerings. That night, numerous restaurants throughout Calistoga had special dinner menus as part of the event and offered complimentary corkage for Calistoga AVA wines. Participating restaurants and wineries included Sam’s Social Club with Kenefick Ranch Winery, Brannan’s Grill with T-Vine, Solbar with Phifer Pavit Wines, Lovina and August Briggs Winery as well as Veraison with Tom Eddy Wines.
“We live in an incredible agricultural area driven by caring farmers and vintners. The annual event brings together community and travelers through the wine, food and live music which honors the region,” said Philip Kendall, Managing Director of Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Comfort and Luxury at Solage
Located in the nearby mountains, Solage Resort, the festival’s founder offers 89 design-focused and environmentally conscious studios, each featuring complimentary cruiser bicycles for guests.
Outside, Solage features a 130-foot landmark adult pool and hot tub, as well as a separate family pool, hot tub and cabana. There are two full-size bocce ball courts, more than 15,000 square feet of space, hiking and bike trails nearby, beautiful original pieces of art throughout the resort, dog-friendly programs and complimentary bikes for every studio.
Spa Solage offers a relaxation mecca – 20,000 square feet of treatment rooms, a bathhouse with hot soaking pools, a gym and a complimentary yoga study. Schedule your appointment in advance, and even enjoy a couple’s massage.
This being a Napa Valley resort, you can expect outstanding dining. The resort features Solbar, an eight-time Michelin starred restaurant. The menu offers incredible options, both healthy and indulgent. Solbar, which hosted several meals during the festival, serves up farm-fresh, seasonal dishes complete with a wine list that offers perfect pairings for every possible meal.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting, the festival’s signature event, was held on the Solage Resort’s Solstice Lawn. “Our beautifully landscaped, 3,700-square-foot lawn offers views of the Palisades Mountains and is the ideal space for a memorable event,” said Kendall. The Grand Tasting combined the atmosphere and views with incredible food and wines from more than 40 local wineries. “It was a year to remember, from the sounds of the Levi Lloyd band that brought a great energy to the event to Tim Howe painting wine country landscapes as the party swayed on, and the delicious Earth and Sky chocolates delicious finale”. Kendall said this year they had even more reason than ever to be grateful. “All of us really wanted to show our thanks to the Calistoga Firefighters Association’s continued hard work to keep our community safe and we were honored to donate a portion of this year’s event proceeds to them”.
The Grand Tasting is always a little bittersweet – such a wonderful experience but it also signals the event’s end. Never mind that, though it was hard to say goodbye, next year’s celebration should be even more impressive. Mark your calendar for May 9th thru the 11th. If you’re looking to visit Solage for another event sooner, they have a series of Sunday pool parties where guests can soak up the sun, enjoy bites and drinks and music from a local DJ. Upcoming themed pool parties include: Cuba Libre (June 24th), Rosé All Day (July 22nd), Tacos and Tequila (August 19th), Harvest Time (September 19th).