Another BottleRock has wrapped in Napa Valley, and there was plenty of memory making to be had. Here is the music and culinary filled weekend in a wrap up, not sparing any details for those wanting to have a great experience this upcoming year!
Having BottleRock in the Napa Valley makes me proud to be a Napkin! Latitude 38 Entertainment founders Dave Graham, Justin Dragoo and Jason Scoggins have created something so unique to highlight the best of what the Napa Valley has to offer. For three days guests are treated to the best food, the best wine, in the best location and all the while enjoying a multitude of concerts put on by some of the latest and greatest in the music business. I still don’t feel like I have fully recovered from this past weekend, but I have come out of the fog enough from Snoop Dog’s performance to recap all of the highlights from the weekend! Speaking of Snoop, if you haven’t heard the news, he not only performed some of his classic hits and paid tribute to Tupac, Biggie Smalls and Eazy E, but he also achieved a new Guinness Book of World Records fete by mixing the largest Gin and Juice cocktail during his performance at the William Sonoma Culinary Stage. Silly me, I didn’t even realize that was an option for a world record!
BottleRock Music and Culinary Stage
The weekend started off on a chilly note with temperatures in the 50’s and a slight drizzle on Friday morning. I was half convinced the rain was coming, but we all got incredibly lucky as the clouds cleared and we had no significant rains to report. We honestly lucked out pretty hard because in the grand scheme of things the weather was perfect, not warm enough to break out the daisy dukes on day 1 or 2 (in my opinion) but by day 3 we had high 80’s and everyone got a taste of all the mid-drift tassel lined shirts and cut off’s. When it came to musical acts I was the most excited for the following bands: Earth, Wind & Fire, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Chainsmokers, Bruno Mars, Halsey, The Revivalists, Incubus, Phantogram, Tank & The Bangas, The Killers and The Silverado Pickups (some of my favorite local musicians are in this band!). I was wise and chose early where I wanted to spend my time during the festival so I was sure not to miss anything.
VIP Access at BottleRock, a MUST!
Next year, if you are considering upgrading to VIP, JUST DO IT. The ease of going between the Jam Cellars (main stage) and the Midway Stage (second largest stage) was made that much easier being in the VIP Village. They block off areas where only VIP’s could walk, stand, sit and separate food and drinks stands were also available. The VIP Village consisted mostly of local high-end restaurants: Brix, Mustards, Morimoto, Torc, Goose & Gander and many more. The drink scene was a combination of the same drinks you could find in GA and then a special Reserve Wine Bar with glasses of Dom Perignon available for $72 per glass….believe me, it was tempting. Additionally, they have added a VIP deck in both areas for an elevated viewing area. As a shorter person, I really appreciated having a deck to stand on that allowed me to literally see over most people’s heads, since typically I am having to just watch the big screens.
BottleRock Re-booting
VIP is amazing and definitely the way to go. However, there are so many things available in the GA areas that are not available in the VIP area, like the amazing SPA options; The Hen House Salon was providing festival hair styles, Zeel the leading on demand massage app was on hand to soothe your sore muscles with a booth set up for 20 min massages, you could also dip into a dry mineral bath with Osomosis Day Spa and if that wasn’t enough to get you back in fighting form, they were offering Rapid Recovery Hydration IV’s! I am already planning my days for 2019 based on the different spa services that are offered!!
Don’t forget your kids when you come to BottleRock!
When It came time for one of my favorite activities, the Silent Disco, I decided to admire from afar because it was SO popular, the line, NEVER STOPPED. In reality, watching everyone sing the chorus to a popular song in unison, not even knowing they were ALL singing, is probably the most hilarious thing EVER. In addition to the Spa and Silent Disco, they had a children zone for families to let their kids burn some energy and connect with other parents who brought their kiddos as plus ones! Kids under 6 receive free entry (you can bring up to two children under 6 for free) and those over 6 are required to purchase tickets. All kids attending over the age of 7 are encouraged to sign up for the Little Rocker’s program. I thought it was a nice touch for those parents who wanted to bring their kids along, to really cater to them as well.
Tips for Planning a BottleRock Trip Next Year….
If you plan to attend next year my suggestion would be to get your tickets the second they come out and book your hotel, like yesterday! The Napa Valley is a magical place, but it’s also quite expensive, so my suggestion is to be prepared, budget and your expectations will be met! For example, I am already saving for a Skydeck pass for next year, the free drinks alone would be worth the extra cost, plus the space and views! Thank you again to all the musicians, vendors and patrons who come to share in the glory that is Napa and BottleRock! Until next year!
Article Courtesy of Mallory Uran McEligot: A fifth-generation Napan, Mallory Uran McEligot works as the Membership and Industry Relations Manager at Yountville’s Silver Trident Winery, and is the creator of BANG, the By Appointment Networking Group. BANG is instrumental in establishing valuable relationships between by appointment wineries, concierge, drivers and caterers throughout the wine industry. Mallory’s passion and knowledge for wine, fashion and this beautiful place she’s always called home shines through her lifestyle blog VineLiving, an insider’s guide to Napa Valley.
