Looking for a Good Time This Weekend? Napa Valley CabFestNV Kicks Off in Yountville

This weekend the first CabFest NV kicks off, a three day event devoted to Napa's favorite grape. A benefit for the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, the three day event promises to be both educational and entertaining.

On the education front, Karen MacNeil, one of America's favorite wine experts, will present two workshops including What Makes Great Cabernet Great on Saturday and a session called Cab on the Couch on Sunday featuring MacNeil in conversation with noted Cabernet makers.

Philippe Bascaules of Inglenook

Saturday's also the day of a session on the 1976 Paris Tasting, which put Napa Cabernet on the world stage, when French wine judges in a blind tasting rated Napa's wines higher than the best French Bordeaux.

Among the four panelists scheduled to speak at this session are two noted winemakers whose estate vineyards are certified organic - Chappellet (unnamed attendee) and Philippe Bascaules, winemaker for Inglenook.

On Sunday, prominent Napa wine makers (many of them women) will discuss blending. Participants include Heidi Peterson Barrett, Celia Welch, and others.

Grand tastings take place on both days. Organically grown wines include estate grown Cabernets from Chappellet and Spottswoode.

The entertainment and festivities include Jeff Bridges band, gourmet food, and much more. See the CabFestNV site for details.