When you think of Napa Valley, world-class wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants immediately come to mind. But there is more—much more—to this luxurious and revered destination that only a true insider can access. This January, AFAR Experiences will surprise even the most seasoned traveler by going beyond the standard tours and tastings, offering exclusive, invitation-only entry to some of the region’s most prestigious and memorable places.
Join AFAR Experiences and enjoy Napa Valley alongside the experts who know it best, including local winemakers and artisans, renowned chefs, and cultural experts who have made the area synonymous with laid-back luxury.
Plan to arrive at the hotel prior to 4:00 p.m. to allow enough time to freshen up, prior to joining our Las Alcobas-hosted welcome reception at 5:00 p.m.
>> For more information about getting to the Napa Valley, please click here.
Over cocktails, wine, and canapés, you’ll meet the AFAR team and your fellow travelers to discuss the adventures ahead. If you plan on having dinner following the event, AFAR will provide a list of preferred local restaurants, including the award-winning Acacia House, conveniently located on the Las Alcobas property.
Robert Biale Winery founder Bob Biale, the son and grandson of Napa Valley grape growers, joins Nancy Levenberg of the Napa County Historical Society for a story-filled conversation about the early days of the region and its significant agricultural history. Moderated by writer and wine educator Chris Sawyer.
Choose from a selection of one-of-a-kind, small-group breakout activities, designed for attendees to have carefully curated, intimate encounters with inspiring and influential locals. You might choose to hike the local hills with a winemaker while discussing biodynamic farming, or attend a culinary demonstration in one of Napa’s exquisite heritage homes, or perhaps you’ll want to spend time with a local artist in his private studio and get creative with a hands-on session! Detailed descriptions below.
In the evening, we’ll break into small groups for the rare opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the valley’s welcoming residents. These intimate, locally hosted dinners have become a cherished trademark of AFAR Experiences, and you’ll break bread with the area’s most notable residents—from vintners and farmers to entrepreneurs and community leaders—alongside their families, friends and neighbors.
Home Dinner Hosts
Lauren Ackerman
Andrea and John Robinson
Michael Honig
Jill and Steve Matthiasson
Pam Starr
Gordon Huether and Darcy Tunt
Amelia Ceja
This uniquely curated, interactive learning and tasting experience is all about the incredible diversity of Napa Valley terroir. You’ll hear from notable terroir experts, and then taste through all 16 sub-appellations of Napa Valley in Copia's new culinary arts museum and state-of-the-art teaching kitchen.
Panel moderator: Jordan MacKay
Panelists: Andrea Robinson, Orietta Gianjorio, Nile Zacherle
Join Quintessa winemaker Rebekah Wineburg for a biodynamic vineyard hike and explore one of the most diverse properties in all of Napa Valley. Following this intermediate hike, Rebekah will lead you through an exclusive tasting of barrel selections that allow you to truly experience the winery’s unique terroir from a private pavilion on top of Dragon’s hill.
Great wine starts with the meticulous care of each vine, and Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci will immerse you in this world at To Kalon Vineyard, one of the world’s most celebrated vineyards for Cabernet Sauvignon. In this breakout, you’ll practice the art of pruning, an essential step in the growing season, and taste a selection of delicious wines.
Renowned artist Gordon Huether specializes in large-scale installations, which are integrated into architecture and landscape settings around the world. Go behind the scenes of his 15,000 square foot fabrication studio and make your own glass art—under the guidance of the artist himself. Napa Valley wines will be served to enhance this extraordinary experience.
Experience an exclusive behind the scenes tour on Sinegal Estate Winery’s majestic property, which includes meticulously maintained vines and gardens and a fully restored Victorian home, first constructed in 1881. Led by winemaker Ryan Knoth, this journey through the state-of-the-art facility will showcase how the winery marries old-world techniques with today’s modern technology.
Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the art of winemaking with Round Pond Estates’ world-renowned winemaker and Wine Spectator’s Top Gun, Thomas Rivers Brown. In the private winemaker lab, Thomas will skillfully guide you through an engaging blending session to create your own personal red blend for you to try.
Get an exclusive tour of the private, family-owned Hourglass Winery, led by celebrated winemaker Tony Biagi who will be making a rare appearance for AFAR! Tony will explain the rich history of Hourglass, including why its unique location is instrumental to its success, as you sample from the barrels as well as taste the winery's limited production, current release wines in the facility’s cozy caves.
Join renowned Chef Victor Scargle for an interactive cooking demonstration in the beautifully-appointed gourmet kitchen of Napa's only historic 1888 Queen Anne Victorian: Ackerman Heritage House. While sharing insider culinary techniques using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, Chef Victor will offer unique flavor insights and proper wine pairings with Ackerman Family Vineyards wines.
On this trip, you'll discover world-class Napa Valley wineries and breweries, including:
Ackerman Family Vineyards, Artesa Winery, Ashes & Diamonds, Brandlin Vineyard, Brick & Mortar, Brown Estate, Calder Wine Company, Ceja Vineyards, Clif Family Winery, Crocker & Starr, Domaine Chandon, En Garde Winery, Enfield Wine Company, Honig Vineyard + Winery, Hourglass Winery, Mad Fritz Beer, Matthiasson, Opus One, Quintessa, Robert Biale Winery, Round Pond Estate, Shypoke Winery, Sinegal Estate Winery, Stony Hill Vineyard, Young Inglewood, Yount Ridge Cellars
Las Alcobas, the official hotel partner for AFAR Experiences, offers guests a luxurious and exceptional experience in the heart of Napa Valley. The historic, Georgian-style farmhouse, originally constructed in 1907 and situated adjacent to the storied Beringer Vineyards, boasts 68 rooms and suites, many of which feature beautiful outdoor terraces and vineyard views. Elegantly designed using natural materials and a soothing, neutral palette, the one-of-a-kind Las Alcobas will complete your Napa Valley experience.
Please note: Las Alcobas is offering special room rates to AFAR Experiences attendees. Room rates will be honored three (3) days pre- and post-AFAR Experiences, subject to availability. Information on how to book your stay will be provided upon registering for AFAR Experiences. Space at Las Alcobas is limited, and we advise booking your room as soon as possible. If you are unable to stay at Las Alcobas, there are nearby hotels we can recommend, however note that all daily event transportation will pick up/drop off at Las Alcobas.
Former tech entrepreneur Lauren Ackerman founded Ackerman Family Vineyards with her husband in 1984 after purchasing the small property in Napa’s Coombsville district. The following year, they produced their first wine, and in 2009, became the first certified organic vineyard in Coombsville. While building the winery’s success, Lauren spent five years painstakingly resorting Ackerman Heritage House, Napa's only historic 1888 Queen Anne Victorian.
Tony Biagi grew up watching his father make private label wine from a family friend’s vineyard, and while he had no preconceived plans to study winemaking, he was destined for the job. After working at various esteemed wineries and honing his experience in oenology, Tony joined Hourglass Winery. Considered by many to be a tour de force in the wine industry, Tony has achieved extraordinary marks for his wines from the world’s top critics.
The son and grandson of Napa Valley grape growers, Robert Biale was destined to make his mark on the wine industry. After branching out to explore other interests, a temporary harvest job at Beringer renewed Robert’s interest in the field, leading to the launch of Robert Biale Vineyards. Today, experts agree that Robert, along with a few select producers, have elevated California Zinfandel to that of internationally recognized status.
Jean-Charles Boisset’s lifelong passion for wine began as a child in Burgundy, France. Eventually setting his sights on Napa Valley, Jean-Charles joined Raymond Vineyards, which quickly became a leading producer of luxury fine wines under his leadership. Recognized for his dedication to sustainable winegrowing, Jean-Charles has been honored with various awards, including Meininger’s International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Innovator of the Year,” and the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award.
Amelia Morán Ceja fell in love with grape growing shortly after migrating to Napa Valley from Mexico. Together with her family, she founded Ceja Vineyards in 1999, which today boasts 115 acres in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The first Mexican-American woman to be elected president of a winery, Amelia was recognized as “Woman of the Year” by the California State Legislature for “breaking the glass ceiling in a very competitive business.
Passionate author, chef, cyclist and philanthropist, Chris Cosentino is co-owner of San Francisco’s celebrated Cockscomb restaurant, Jackrabbit in Portland, OR, and Acacia House at Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Napa Valley, with partner Oliver Wharton and parent company Delicious MFG & CO.
In 2017, Cosentino’s cookbook, Offal Good: Cooking from the Heart with Guts was nominated for a James Beard Award for single subject cookbook.
Food and wine expert Orietta Gianjorio is a Level 3 Sommelier, holds tasting certificates in olive oil and chocolate, and is one of only two people in America to hold an Expert in Honey Sensory Analysis certificate. In addition to founding a consulting company on sensory evaluation, Orietta has published several books and has written, produced, and hosted several TV shows in Italy and America.
Katianna Hong, chef of the highly anticipated The Charter Oak restaurant, has worked her way up in some of the best kitchens in the country. Arriving in Napa Valley over six years ago to work as a line cook, Katianna eventually became the only female Chef de Cuisine in a U.S. Michelin three-star restaurant. In 2018, she was honored as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs.
At the age of 22, Michael took the reins of his struggling family vineyard and winery, selling wine and delivering it himself. Since then, he has transformed Honig Vineyard & Winery into a thriving success, becoming a leader in sustainable farming. Today, Michael also sits on the board of directors of several organizations, including the Napa Valley Vintners Association, whose mission is to promote, protect and enhance the Napa Valley appellation and its wines.
At an early age, Gordon Huether was determined to create a lasting impact on the world through large-scale public art. Today, he has completed more than 250 art commissions across the world over the course of his 30-year career, including installations for universities, hospitals, museums, airports, corporations, and more. Gordon’s skillful use of different materials, from stainless steel to dichroic glass, brings the richly saturated color and diverse textures of his work to life
During an inspiring trip to wine country, Ryan Knoth decided to turn his lifelong passion for food and wine into a successful career. Since then, Ryan’s work in the industry had been under the tutelage of experts at notable vineyards, including Staglin Family Vineyard and Gandona Winery. Ryan now works with the historical Sinegal Estate Winery and applies his background in science and winemaking to crafting distinct and elegant wines.
Nancy Levenberg is not only a wealth of knowledge on Napa Valley, she is passionate about the region. Currently the Executive Director of the Napa County Historical Society, Nancy has also held positions as Executive Director of Napa County Landmarks and Director of Development for Napa County’s largest children and family services organization.
Jordan Mackay is an award-winning wine, spirits, and food writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Food & Wine, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. Jordan’s book Secrets of the Sommeliers (with Rajat Parr) won a James Beard award and Franklin Barbecue (with Aaron Franklin) spent several weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list. Today, Jordan lives in Napa Valley and travels extensively, speaking about his favorite subjects
Husband and wife Steve and Jill Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines each brings a unique perspective to the family business. A life-long student of the craft of viticulture, Steve loves solving vineyard problems and has co-authored the California manual on sustainable vineyard practices. Jill studied botany and pioneered “farmer to farmer” networking for sustainability while working for a farming non-profit; today, she runs the vineyard’s business side. Together, the couple creates a complex and refreshing variety of wines.
Round Pond's Consulting Winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, is one of the most exciting young talents in Napa Valley. Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Thomas developed an interest in wine while at the University of Virginia. Later he expanded his knowledge of wines from all the world’s great regions while working at All Seasons Wine Shop in Calistoga. Beginning at Turley Estate in the late 1990s, and continuing today at Schrader, Maybach Cellars, Outpost and his own project, Rivers-Marie, he crafts beautiful wines that speak of the land and conditions that created them.
Andrea Robinson wears many hats. As one of only 29 women in the world to hold the title of Master Sommelier, Andrea is also author of four top-selling books on wine and food, a 3-time James Beard Award winner, award-winning lifestyle television host and creator with her husband John of a game-changing line of wine stemware called The ONE.
Chris Sawyer is an internationally-renowned sommelier, wine judge, consultant, wine journalist, and public speaker. Voted Best Sommelier of Sonoma County 2018 by Bohemian Magazine for the fifth consecutive year, he is also a recipient of many more prestigious awards and industry honors. Today, Christopher travels the world following trends in wine and participating as a judge in wine competitions worldwide.
A Napa Valley culinary powerhouse who has worked with some of the country’s most notable chefs, Victor Scargle is known for melding fresh, seasonal ingredients in a way that showcases the abundant flavors of the region. As Culinary Director for Atelier Fine Foods & Catering, Victor develops menus and food products that reflect the company’s commitment to Biodynamic® farming and seasonality.
Pam Starr planned to go to dental school, but to the good fortune of wine lovers everywhere, switched gears as an intern for Sonoma Cutrer in Sonoma when she realized she’d found her calling. After honing her skills at wineries like Carmenet Winery and Spottswoode Vineyard & Winery, Pam became co-owner, manager, and winemaker of Crocker & Starr. Since then, she has resurrected the vineyards on the Crocker Estate in St. Helena, creating world-class wines.
A visit to Napa Valley as a teen left a lasting impression on Rebekah Wineburg, who knew she would one day become a winemaker. After honing her skills in vineyards around the world, she settled where the dream began—here in Napa Valley. In 2015, Rebekah joined the Quintessa team and contributes her global perspective to the cultivation and production of luxury wine.
Nile Zacherle’s journey into fermented beverages began as a teen when he and his father brewed their first batch of beer at home. He went on to pursue a degree in Fermentation Science and eventually transitioned to winemaking, working in Australia, France and, finally, Napa Valley. Today with his wife, Nile runs Mad Fritz Brewing Co., malting and brewing beers with a “Farm to Foam” approach.
