May in Napa Valley dazzles with lush green vineyards and comfortable warmth, offering perfect conditions for wine tasting and outdoor experiences. The month bursts with special events, including the highlight BottleRock music festival over Memorial Day weekend, alongside Mother's Day celebrations and National Wine Day festivities that showcase the region at its most vibrant and festive.
FIND IT FAST
Mother's Day Celebrations in Wine Country
Lovina’s Mother's Day Brunch | May 11th
Sunday from 9am – 2pm • Lovina’s: 1107 Cedar St., Calistoga
Mother's Day Brunch & Artisan Market | May 11th
Sunday from 10am – 5pm • The Meritage Resort & Spa: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
Mother's Day Picnic in the Vineyard | May 11th
Sunday from 11am – 1pm • Markham Vineyards: 7319 St. Helena Hwy., Yountville
Mother's Day Brunch & Bouquets | May 10th
Saturday 12:30pm – 2pm • The Prisoner Wine Company: 1178 Galleron Rd., St. Helena
Mother’s Day Brunch / Dinner | May 11th
Sunday from 10:30 – 7pm • The Grove Restaurant at Copia: 500 1st St., Napa
Compass x Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience
May 15 – 18
Immerse yourself in the quintessential Wine Country experience—Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, May 15–18, with two curated packages for Compass Wine Country Real Estate Agents and their clientele.
COMPASS EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Fri, May 16 – Sat, May 17 • Special Rate: $795
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Matt Horn Barbecue Lunch at Orsi Family Vineyards
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Live outdoor concert featuring Allen Stone at Rodney Strong Vineyards
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Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting
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Guy Fieri's Big Bottle Party at The Matheson
VIP PLATINUM PACKAGE
Use code COMPASSVIP for $400 off for you and your clients (Regular price: $4,500)
EXTRA BONUS: Enjoy a private meet-and-greet and cookbook signing with Chefs Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, and Stephanie Izard before the Welcome Celebration—plus all three cookbooks are included!
COUNTDOWN TO
2025 BottleRock
May 23 – 25 | Napa Valley Expo: 575 3rd St., Napa
You know the summer season is about to start when BottleRock rolls around. Each year the festival gets better and better, and 2025 is shaping up to be the most impressive lineup yet. As someone who's watched this festival grow from its humble beginnings into the crown jewel of Napa Valley's event calendar, I've learned a thing or two about navigating the crowds, finding the hidden gems, and maximizing every moment of this wine country extravaganza.
What to Eat + Drink
There are the tried and true vendors that I always make the time to visit – PRESS Restaurant, Charlie’s, Gerard’s Paella and Kara’s Cupcake – but here are some I would like to try this year:
El Porteño Empenadas
Based in SF these perfectly sized empanadas are perfect for when on the go from one stage to the next. Looking forward in trying their Carne Empenada filled with grass-fed beef by Keller Crafted meats.
Osha Thai
They debut last year serving thai classics like pad thai and their fresh spring rolls in covneient bowls making it easy to enjoy across festival venues. If you don’t get a chance to try them check them out at either of their SF and Napa locations.
MORO
Is a fast casual / street food Moroccon concept from Chef Mourad Lahou, who founded and owns Aziza and Mourad restaurants in San Francisco. Looking forward to trying their slow-cooked beef short-rib flatbread wrap. For those who miss out you can always visit them at Oxbow Market.
brewed.
Known for their generous sized cookies, cookie dough cups and coffee. Perfect combination to appease your sweet tooth while getting that pick-me up to last the whole day.
Read my 2024 What to Eat + Drink suggestions.
Food vendor photos from BottleRock Napa Valley
Must-See Acts
Green Day: Day 1 Headliner | Jam Cellars Stage | Fri., May 23rd | 8pm
Sofi Tukker: Verizon Stage | Fri., May 23rd | 6:30pm
Kaskade: Verizon Stage | Fri., May 23rd | 8pm
4 Non Blonds: Jam Cellars Stage | Sat., May 24th | 4:45pm
Cage the Elephant: Verizon Stage | Sun., May 25th | 8:15pm
LISTEN TO THE LINEUP VIEW THE SCHEDULE SEE MY 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Calistoga Wellness Weekend
May 9 – 11
Indulge in this three-day retreat nestled in the serene northern Napa Valley that combines the healing powers of legendary hot springs with yoga, mindfulness, cooking classes, and holistic workshops. This rejuvenating escape begins at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs with a complimentary Golden Hour Gathering. This is the perfect opportunity to reset and reconnect with yourself in California's most celebrated wellness destination. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs will have specials and events all weekend long.
Notable Events
Golden House Gathering | May 8
Thurs from 5–6:30pm • Dr. Wilkinson’s Back Yard Resort & Mineral Springs
Meet Up Ride | May 9
Friday from 11am – 1pm • Vine Trail Calistoga Trailhead: 1458 Lincoln Ave.
Poolside Yoga | May 10
Friday starting at 9am (60-min class) • Francis House: 1403 Myrtle St.
Fresh Pasta Making Class ‘7 Lunch | May 11
Sunday from 11am – 1pm • Mangia Mi: 1120 Washington St.
Wellness Elixirs | May 9 – 11
All Day • Dr. Wilkinson’s Back Yard Resort & Mineral Springs
Balance by Four Seasons Menu | May 9 – 11
Breakfast + Lunch • TRUSS Restaurant + Bar: 400 Silverado Trail N.
Local Events
St. Helena Sidewalk Sale | May 2 – 4
Fri – Sun from 8 am – 5 pm • 1150 Main St., St. Helena
Head to Napa Valley’s Main Street the first full weekend of May to shop St. Helena’s Annual Sidewalk Sale. Featuring great deals on home goods, last season clothing, accessories, art, and more! Make a day of it, sip, shop, and dine St. Helena!
The Grand Barrel Party | May 9
Fri from 7 pm – 10 pm • Castello di Amorosa: 4045 St. Helena Hwy., Calistoga
Experience the exclusive Grand Barrel Party where you'll taste over 30 Castello wines, including your final opportunity to sample and purchase select futures from the celebrated 2022 vintage directly from the barrel. This special event features seasonal cuisine perfectly paired with our wines and an authentic barrel-making demonstration by Nadalie Cooperage, all alongside our distinguished Napa Valley winemaking team.
New Summer Passport Program | Jun 12 – Aug 17
Summer in the Vineyards is Calistoga’s newest summer wine tasting passport, which grants holders to half-price wine tastings at all participating wineries, as well as discounts on lodging, dining, retail and spa experiences. Passports on sale now.
Participating Wineries
