Charles Krug Winery, Napa’s oldest winery and home to California’s first tasting room, announced its renewed participation in the 2018 Napa Valley Film Festival. From November 7-11, the great estate in St. Helena will once again be a leading sponsor for the festival that features 100 new independent films, 50 participating chefs and restaurants, along with over 100 wineries from around the region. As in years past, the winery’s historic Carriage House, built in 1881, will hold morning, afternoon, and evening screenings of festival films throughout the weekend. Audiences will be able to admire the cathedral ceiling and the old-growth redwood floors while enjoying the amenities on property.
“As a family-owned estate for four generations and Napa Valley’s oldest winery, we understand the importance of integrating new cultural events into our community,” says co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. “We are excited to play such an integral role in the festival, both a lead sponsor and as one of the most popular venues!”
The team at NVFF appreciates the continued partnership with the iconic Napa estate. “We are eager to share this year’s compelling film lineup with our audiences: playful, poignant and powerful narratives, blended with educational, eye-opening, and inspirational documentaries, with a good helping of star power on top for good measure,” adds Marc Lhormer, executive & artistic director of the Napa Valley Film Festival. “And, of course, we look forward to celebrating together at all of our events and parties overflowing with Napa Valley’s finest food and wine.”
The festival—founded by the non-profit organization Cinema Napa Valley in 2009—is primed for another successful year of programming at the Charles Krug location, with an impressive list of films on the four-day docket and the notable addition of Variety’s 10 Chefs to Watch event. Full-length features like Up to Snuff, Father’s Kingdom, and Cancer Rebellion are all set to be shown in the stunning 200-seat venue. The festival kicks off at Charles Krug with a 2 p.m. screening on Wednesday, November 7 of the food & beverage spotlight The Txoko Experience. The Secret Culinary Space of the Basques. Other notable screenings include:
- Thursday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m.: Science Fair
- Friday, November 9 at 5 p.m.: Summer ‘03
- Saturday, November 10 at 8 p.m.: Story
Charles Krug is pleased to host Variety’s 10 Chefs to Watch event on Thursday, November 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. This event showcases ten uniquely talented chefs with their fresh spins on dishes inspired by iconic film scenes. Invited participants include an international showcase of sought-after Bay Area food truck chef-operators. A distinguished panel of celebrity judges including Tyler Florence, Melissa King and food-loving filmmakers and actors will sample dishes with the guests and discuss personal favorites, culinary trends, and the role of food in film.
Laurence Fishburne of The Matrix, Ant-Man and the Wasp will receive this year’s Charles Krug Legendary Actor honor at the Celebrity Tributes program. This honor salutes the highest levels of cinematic achievement. The Celebrity Tributes program will take place on Thursday, November 8, 6 p.m to 7:45 p.m at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville, and will include video highlight reels and intimate on-stage conversations with Access’ Natalie Morales.
The screenings at Charles Krug come to a close with a spellbinding special presentation on Sunday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m. of Uncrushable. Uncrushable tells the story of the Northern California fires through the eyes of those most affected in the area. Victims who lost homes or businesses, first responders, chefs and winemakers share their harrowing accounts throughout the film, as a fallen community begins to rebuild through the amazing help of its neighbors, chefs and friends. Filmmaker and Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence will be in attendance to make his directorial debut during this special presentation.
The winery will continue offering audience members exclusive winery amenities: the historic Carriage House will feature an updated wine lounge for visitors to explore before and after screenings alongside the property’s popular wood-fired artisan pizza selections starting at 11 am daily. Handcrafted Italian-style salumi and cheese plates add a uniquely Napa flair to the audience viewing experience.
