My first year at Napa Valley Film Fest

The ultimate film, food, and wine experience, the Napa Valley Film Festival lights up Wine Country during the most colorful time of the year. Thank you Napa Valley Film Festival for sponsoring this post.

Little-known fact about me: I'm not a huge fan of fiction in movies and books. Nor do I drink alcohol. So, Julia, why did you want to go to the Napa Valley Film Fest, you ask? Because: nature, gorgeous venues, documentaries, food presentations, and celebs ... duh.

This was my first year at the Napa Valley Film Festival and IT WAS AMAZING. I went Wednesday through Friday and attended a variety of movie screenings, culinary demonstrations, panels, and parties. Some highlights:

Silent disco at the Opening Night VIP Party

First of all, the party was held at Italics Winegrowers, an incredible cave with huge stacked barrels and tunnels leading to different foods and experiences. After trying the different food stations, we got to the dance floor and literally danced until the venue shut down. I'd always wanted to try silent disco but never had the chance before. The headphones had 3 stations to choose from, each with a different color light and music ranging from electronic, 80s, current, and world. It was incredibly fun to put the headphones on and be transported into a different universe where you could tell who was having the same experience as you by the color on their heads.

Kimchee brussels sprouts culinary demo

I love brussels sprouts. I love kimchee. So of course I loved this culinary demo by a Wholefoods chef on how to make a sauce for brussels sprouts that tasted like kimchee. Also we got to eat kimchee brussels sprouts, so, win win. All of the culinary demonstrations were held at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, which is actually a gorgeous venue.

Will Ferrell in conversation

I've always thought that Will Ferrell seemed like a good guy, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. He received an award and was in conversation with another comedian for about half an hour, and he was so super down-to-earth but amazingly hilarious.

The House of Tomorrow film at Charles Krug Winery

Charles Krug Winery was hands down my favorite venue. From the old castle building to the green pasture in the back, it was nonstop beauty. Seeing a modern movie in such an old setting was breathtaking. We actually ended up at this screening accidentally, after another screening ran out of room, but I couldn't be happier that we ended up here because it was my favorite movie and my favorite venue of the whole event.

Julia Child exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum

We headed to the Napa Valley Museum for the Patron Tributes Reception, but what we didn't know to expect was an incredible photo exhibit about the personal life of Julia Child and her husband. Did you know that they traveled together and he took photos of her? Um, hello first Instagram husband! I loved the intimate look into this monumental woman's life. The snacks and music at the reception were a nice treat too.

Next up

Anyway, you know where you'll find me next year at the beginning of November. Watch out, coming soon to the blog, my Napa city guide and a review of the lovely Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa where I stayed.

xx

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.