Kitchens in the Vineyards’ 20th Anniversary: April 28-29
This spring marks the 20th Anniversary of the popular Kitchens in the Vineyards home and garden tour in the Napa Valley. On Saturday, April 29, five gorgeous St. Helena residences will open their doors for the event, all to benefit the summer chamber music festival, Music in the Vineyards. The highly anticipated, self-guided tour is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features statement kitchens, outdoor entertaining, published design, and Napa Valley living at its finest. Homes are styled by professional designers and florists whose talents highlight each home’s unique character with the bounty of spring.
This year’s anniversary tour delights with a mix of both smaller and estate residences – four located within walking distance near the center of town in St. Helena, and a fifth estate a short drive away. Kitchens in the Vineyards is an up-close look into the premiere lifestyles of our valley and is also ideal for gathering home décor, landscaping, and architectural inspiration. Expanding beyond typical home tour offerings, at each home patrons can enjoy tastings courtesy of notable Napa Valley chefs.
To celebrate this momentous year, the organization is publishing a 20th Anniversary Cooking featuring all the recipes from past home tour guidebooks. The cookbook will be available for purchase at each of the tour homes, and will also be pre-sold online.
“I’m excited for this year’s tour, and with all five of the beautiful homes being in close proximity, it should make for a successful event for all,” said Linda Homick, Chair of this year’s Kitchens in the Vineyards. “Having been a docent for several years, and a house coordinator on last year’s tour, I have truly enjoyed my experience thus far and am grateful to all the volunteers who have helped in the process of putting together this milestone tour.”
In addition to Saturday’s home tour, an exclusive 20th Anniversary Preview Party will take place on Friday, April 28, sponsored by First Republic Bank and Anne and Matthew Golden. Guests along with our honored homeowners will board luxury mini-coaches at the famed Robert Mondavi Winery and embark on a private tour of all five homes in St. Helena, with champagne flowing all evening long. Return for a sunset reception, followed by a special 20th Anniversary Raffle and a catered, wine-paired dinner by winery chef Jeff Mosher in the Margrit Mondavi Vineyard Room. Guests return for this classy event year after year, and tickets always sell out quickly.
Tickets for Saturday’s self-guided tour are on sale now and cost $70 in advance, or $75 on the day of the tour. Preview Party tickets are highly limited, and cost $250. Proceeds from both events benefit the 23rd season of Music in the Vineyards, Napa’s annual chamber music festival held from August 4 – 27 at select Napa Valley wineries. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (707) 258-5559 or visit www.musicinthevineyards.org.
2017 Tour Home Descriptions:
In-Town Transformation: A small, 1950s home completely overhauled by the owner/designer to maximize indoor-outdoor living with every square foot. Modern sensibilities are warmed by a captivating alchemy of clever materials, surfaces, and textures.
Sleek Sanctuary: Glass walls, playful design touches, and plenty of natural light fill this modern home designed by award-winning Zak Architecture. Enter through the slatted wood dogtrot, pass the guest quarters, and into the courtyard where a lap pool and lounge area offer sleek elements that compliment the two-story main home.
Water Tower Retreat: St. Helena’s original water tower with L-shaped wings creates the footprint for this stunning retreat home. A bright kitchen with clerestory windows opens to the entertaining patio and pool area. Step over to the guest home where a red spiral staircase beckons you up each of the three stories.
California Mediterranean: This two-story villa blends warm, earthy elements that embody the romanticism of the South of France. A sycamore-lined, walled entry gives way to a lush courtyard with potted topiary, a pool, entertaining patio, and guest quarters.
Escape to the Estate: This newly constructed, wine country estate home features a sumptuous blend of modern elements, open concept living, and farmhouse elegance. The park-like acre of land offers a pool and spa, outdoor kitchen and fire pit, separate guest/pool house, barn, outdoor showers, and panoramic vineyard views.
