Flavor! Napa Valley is known for immersive experiences in wine and food pairing, but at First Taste Napa, at the new City Winery in Downtown Napa, we’ll add another sensorial nuance – music pairings! Your ensemble players will include chefs from City Winery, Angèle, Kitchen Door, and Oenotri, whose dishes will pair with superb Napa Valley wines, and their favorite music, provided in partnership with Festival del Sole. MC Richard Miami – a legendary Napa Valley wine educator -- will lead this evening of delicious fun as you experience each chef’s personality through their pairing choices.

This epicurean adventure showcases a collection of Napa Valley’s most celebrated and innovative vintners and chefs. The “Trail,” will feature nearly 100 wineries (representing the region’s 16 iconic sub-appellations) and fare from 25 of the Valley’s superlative restaurants, all presented in The Culinary Institute of America’s historic Greystone building. Meet the magic behind the labels as an unparalleled sampling of winemakers personally pour their favorite vintages and reveal how the soils, microclimates and topography influence the wide array of distinctive grapes in this premier wine-growing region.

There’s more than one way to fry a chicken and at this multi-chef tasting event, the iconic bird will be prepared in ways you never imagined! CIA alumnus and author of the new cookbook Fried & True: More Than 50 Recipes for America’s Best Fried Chicken and Sides (Clarkson Potter, May 2014) , Lee Brian Schrager, hosts a talented group of Napa Valley chefs showcasing their poultry-prowess in a traditional picnic-style setting. Gather your friends, grab seats on the bench, and enjoy inventive takes on this American comfort food classic accented by select Napa Valley varietals.

Burger lovers, rejoice! The star of America’s backyard barbecues is elevated to culinary center stage at this unforgettable tasting. Eight beloved Napa Valley chefs will flip their signature creations and you, the guests, will determine which one takes home the title of Grilling Guru. Classically delicious burgers will compete against deluxe varieties, starring an array of toppings and meat blends. A selection of world-famous wines from Napa Valley estate wineries will be expertly paired to each creation for the occasion.

Join luminaries of the culinary world when they come together to celebrate Napa Valley’s magnificent bounty. The evening’s exquisite five-course menu will be curated by the CIA’s Chairman of the Board, celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, widely recognized as the pioneer of progressive American cuisine. Palmer’s expertly-chosen team of celebrated CIA alums, all epicurean powerhouses in their own right, will each prepare one signature course to be skillfully paired with an outstanding Napa Valley vintage. This blend of talents, tastes and toasts will be the perfect start to an exceptional weekend.

Who says delicious food is off the table when you’re watching your waistline? Join #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pound A Day Diet and celebrated chef Rocco DiSpirito for a healthy and exhilarating interactive lunch experience. DiSpirito will first demonstrate a three-course meal, offering tips on transforming Italian favorites into low-calorie sensations. Then, you will move into the CIA at Greystone’s Teaching Kitchen where you will recreate one of his innovative recipes with the guidance of DiSpirito and CIA student chefs. Plus, you will savor a sit-down lunch while sipping on wine selections from Stags’ Leap Winery.

Celebrate the abundance of sustainable agriculture in Napa Valley with a feast presented by the accomplished Chef Trevor Kunk (PRESS) and four esteemed Napa Green-certified winemakers. Say hello to several of Napa Valley’s artisan purveyors and growers, and then take your seat alongside this pivotal cast to sample some of the region’s most exquisite wines. Drawing on Napa Valley’s bountiful harvest as inspiration, this always-popular event at Silverado Resort and Spa presents the perfect finale to the weekend’s festivities.

Hosted by Tom Klassen, Assistant Winemaker, and his wife, Stephanie. Located on scenic Silverado Trail, Conn Creek is focused on crafting the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignons. The menu will focus on Conn Creek’s collection of wines that showcase the region’s unique “taste of place,” including its signature “Anthology.”

Hosted by Sean Foster, Senior Winemaker (to be confirmed) As the first winery to reopen following the repeal of Prohibition, Merryvale is steeped in history. Your dining experience will be in the historic Cask Room, a very special setting for a memorable wine country dinner.

Hosted by Dave Lattin, Winemaker. Now state-of-the-art, Merus is built on the site of one of Napa Valley’s fabled “ghost wineries.” Revel in the winery’s limited-production, sought-after wines paired with a superlative meal in the tasting salon.

Hosted by Pierre Birebent, Winemaker. Known for estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Signorello is a small family-owned boutique winery. Dining in the estate's Enoteca, you will enjoy a menu created by the Executive Chef and learn about the winery's “Vigneron” style of winemaking.

Hosted by the son and daughter of the founder: Alan Viader, Winemaker, and Janet Viader. Join Viader's "next generation” for an incredible journey of wine and cuisine at their family's Howell Mountain vineyard estate. Established in 1986 by winemaking pioneer, Delia Viader, this winery boasts Bordeaux-style red wines and blends that are as breathtaking as their views.

Hosted by Wesley Steffens, General Manager and Associate Winemaker. Vineyard 7&8 is a small family winery, perched atop Spring Mountain at 2000 ft. The dramatic rotunda in which you will dine is the ideal setting for a meal complementing the vineyard's estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Hosted by Owners Jane and Bill Ballentine, Winemaker Spend an evening with a fourth-generation winemaker in the 1873 stone winery building which he and his wife spent 5 years carefully restoring. The same care is taken in producing the wines themselves, which you’ll enjoy during a splendid meal.

Do you have a passion for bubbles? Then this seminar is for you! World class sparkling wine has been produced in Napa Valley since the 1960’s, and has graced the tables of U.S Presidents since. Join Master of Wine Peter Granoff and the winemakers from Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa and Schramsberg for a unique opportunity to discuss how sparkling wine came to Napa Valley and taste the various styles of sparkling wine produced here.

How will your palate hold up in a blind wine tasting? Join celebrated sommeliers from across the country as you try to identify 6 world-class Napa Valley wines in the spectacular wine cave at The Meritage. Lead by MS Andrea Robinson and The SOMM Journal, this thrilling annual event will put your competitive drive into high gear when amateurs and professionals taste alongside each other. With prizes like Delta round-trip tickets, exquisite bottles of Napa Valley wine and glassware from Andrea Robinson, everyone is guaranteed to leave a winner.

The Napa Valley conjures up images of a lush valley floor covered with vineyards. But up in the mountains, vines cling to rough, rocky slopes to produce small, concentrated grapes endowed with intense flavor and structure. Here you will find a small group of dedicated vintners that craft some of Napa’s most compelling, individual wines. During this session, get your head out of the morning fog of the valley floor as we “head for the hills” and experience the “elevated” terroir of Napa Valley.

Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized with Napa Valley locals Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson and her husband (and pairing partner!) John as they lead a fun-filled session with five Napa Valley vintner couples and the surprisingly perfect food pairings for their wines. Truffled popcorn with bubbles? Basil pesto with a nicely aged Cabernet? Grab a seat at this special tasting that will open your eyes to the world of power pairings!

In the famed Paris Tasting of 1976, a Cabernet Sauvignon from upstart Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars earned top honors against the best Bordeaux. Since that time they have produced some of Napa Valley’s most sought after wine. Fay, SLV and Cask 23 are renowned the world over, with older vintages coveted by collectors. Join Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars winemaker Marcus Notaro and vineyard manager Kirk Grace for an intimate session to discuss the story behind this historic estate and a retrospective tasting of three vintages of these iconic wines.

Say goodbye to ho-hum cake decorations! This interactive demonstration with celebrity chef Duff Goldman will arm you with the pastry skills to impress your family and friends. Not only will you learn the secrets behind the edible art that brought fame to Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, but you will also try your hand at decorating your own cake masterpieces. As you learn the difference between fondant and frosting, you’ll enjoy a taste of Beringer wine, which is just icing on the cake.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto takes the stage once again at Flavor! Napa Valley and as always, promises to surprise and captivate. Chef Morimoto’s fish of choice for you is the very special wild-caught Kam Buri, fresh from the ice-cold waters of the Japanese Sea and only available four months a year. Experience the master in action as Chef Morimoto expertly filets the fish and demonstrates several surprise dishes with this rich and unique fish.

Chef Dean Fearing is widely recognized as a “Pioneer of American Cuisine.” As chef of Fearing’s Restaurant in Dallas and author of The Texas Food Bible, Fearing has received many accolades for his work, including the prestigious Best Chef: Southwest at the 2011 James Beard Foundation Restaurant Awards. In this demonstration, Fearing will share his passion for authentic Texas tastes and the big, bold flavors that define his signature dishes.

Which came first--the emu or the egg? Known for his big, bold flavors and use of simple ingredients in uncommon ways, Chef English takes Brunch to another level with his Sunnyside Up Emu Egg with Caviar and Ravioli d'uovo con Tartufo. Learn what sumptuous surprises you can cook up with the not-so-ordinary egg! Demonstration with sample tasting paired with wine. An optional winery tour is included in the ticket price.

The 1980's was a pivotal time for both cuisine and up and coming celebrity chefs. 1982 in particular brought forth two superstars straight out of the CIA: Michael Chiarello and Todd English. These two former college roommates and culinary luminaries will reunite to share stories of their days at school, what it was like for them to forge careers as chefs and restaurateurs during this time, and how the job of chef has changed since their graduation, all while each prepares the dish that they say launched their careers.

Join Chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley for a behind-the-scenes look at his much-anticipated cookbook, A New Napa Cuisine. A Michelin-starred chef before the age of 30, Kostow attributes his culinary philosophy in part to Napa Valley’s vibrant terroir. With Meadowood’s lush gardens and the region’s myriad of artisanal purveyors, it’s no surprise that Kostow’s cuisine harbors a deep connection to Napa Valley’s bounty. During this captivating demonstration, Kostow will pay homage to his surroundings by preparing an impeccable seasonal recipe from his debut book.

Legendary Chef Masaharu Morimoto has been wowing diners since opening his Napa Valley restaurant in 2010. This behind the scenes experience includes an exclusive sushi class taught by the restaurant's Master Sushi Chef Ichiro Chef Ichiro will lead a step-by-step class on how to roll the ultimate sushi and create the finest sashimi. After the class, Morimoto sommelier Eduardo Dingler will expertly pair a selection of sakes to accompany the sushi. Learn the finer points on producing memorable sushi that can be recreated at home!

Round Pond’s fine wine and artisan oils are defined by their purity and traditional pressing methods. This workshop at the Round Pond Estate in Rutherford follows the journey from olive to oil, including a tour of the olive orchard with proprietor Ryan MacDonnell. You will peek behind the scenes into the olive cultivation and oil extraction process, savoring freshly pressed samples as they come out of the press.  The tour of the olive mill concludes with a olive oil and vinegar tasting which is a must for dedicated foodies. Savor the elements of our handcrafted products alongside a delightful selection of gourmet bread, cheese and fresh organic produce.

Led by Estate Chef and Educator Timothy Mosblech, this experience will explore the preservation with a focus on salt curing, drying, pickling, and canning in order to transform raw ingredients into delicacies. Post-workshop, sit down to a three-course wine-paired lunch showcasing the lesson's dishes. This class offers a true farm-to-table experience as guests learn about seasonal and local products with an emphasis on those coming from Long Meadow Ranch’s organically farmed gardens. This hands-on approach will leave each guest feeling empowered to recreate the experience at home. Each guest will depart with a LMR apron and collection of recipes.

What happens when the "Godfather" of American Cuisine pairs up with The Pioneer of Napa Valley Wine? Find out as Larry Forgione, Culinary Director at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone conducts a tour of the CIA's 5-acre Student Farm located at Charles Krug Winery, the Napa Valley's first winery. Join Larry and Peter in harvesting produce for your afternoon lunch, followed by a tour and wine tasting in the recently restored Redwood Cellars at the winery. Then it’s off the CIA campus to enjoy a farm-to-table luncheon featuring the fresh produce picked earlier, expertly paired with Charles Krug Reserve wines.

Play "Winemaker-for-a-day" as Napa Valley's Conn Creek Winemaker Mike McGrath hosts this one-of-a-kind wine tasting, blending and bottling experience in the winery's spectacular AVA room. Wine lovers of all levels will taste their way through Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, from Carneros to Calistoga and Spring Mountain to Howell Mountain. Guests will taste barrel samples of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's sub-appellations, as well as other Bordeaux blending varietals, before creating their very own bottle to take home. Enjoy three perfectly paired bites to complement Cabernet Sauvignon!

Every community has its hometown bakery, and the Napa Valley calls The Model Bakery its own. Join proprietors Karen Mitchell and Sarah Mitchell Hansen as they lead a behind the scenes tour of the valley’s beloved bakery and share its many secrets – including how to make the “World’s Best English Muffins”. As a bonus, participants will receive an autographed copy of The Model Bakery Cookbook, one of the hottest cookbooks of the year. This is a not-to-be-missed experience for the baker in everyone!

Learn how to throw a Michelin starred Napa Valley dinner party at the stunning Auberge du Soleil with acclaimed Chef Robert Curry. From table settings and flatware to seasonal ingredients and other secrets of Michelin kitchens, Chef will share the knowledge and tools to master the ultimate Napa Valley-style dinner party. No detail will be left unturned, including those mysterious service tips and seasonal decor recommendations that can elevate a home chef's memorable shindig to to a Michelin-worthy dining experience.

Tour Lucy Restaurant and Bar’s on-site organic culinary garden at Bardessono with Chef Victor Scargle to forage ideal herbs and veggies for preparing the perfect garden-inspired cocktail and fall dishes. Chef Scargle, with the help of Lucy's Lead Bartender, Brady Wilkens and Arthur Hartunian of Napa Valley Distillery, will lead a hands on cocktail class, using the right combination of produce and distillates to create the perfect blend. To complement your cocktail creations, your class will be topped off with a light chef prepared lunch at Lucy Restaurant and Bar.

Join proprietor Giovanni Scala and Executive Chef Scott Warner at Bistro Don Giovanni, one of Napa Valley's most beloved restaurants, for a master class in pizza making. Chef Warner has studied the art of the pizza pie extensively, and will share his knowledge during this hands-on class. Giovanni is legendary for his hospitality and will help pair wine to enjoy with the pizzas created in the restaurant's wood burning oven. Mangia!

Join Sheana Davisfor a lesson in the dairy arts, followed by lunch in the Sullivan Winery Kitchen. Workshop includes an intimate cheese making sessions hosted by Sheana Davis, chef, award winning cheese maker and culinary educator. The experience is will lead students through a demonstration of Creme de Ricotta, tasting of Artisan American cheeses, and a wine and cheese pairing with Sullivan wines.

HALL Wines resident chef Corrie Beezley, owner of The Farmers Market Pantry, invites guests to a plant-based, gluten-free cooking and pairing workshop. A farm-to-table menu focusing on seasonal, organic produce will be paired with new HALL vintages. The day’s focus will be on learning to folding farm-to-table into the every day, and creating nutritious pairings from the freshest sustainable fare.