THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING... has a well-deserved rep has one of the most inspirational days of the year. Perhaps we're inspired to step outdoors on a more regular, evening-walk-y kind of basis, or maybe we vow, on that day, to finally dig into the back of the closet (the very back-back, not the surface part that we see). But that whole renewal thing that the start of spring does so well also folds well into a happening built around the pleasures of the vineyard and garden and kitchen. The earth is bursting around late March, and that a few major California food festivals land near the month's close isn't just coincidence. There's Palm Desert Food + Wine to the south, and in the north? One only need wend their way to wine country to find Flavor! Napa Valley, a gourmand gathering of chefs, winemakers, spirit-creating specialists, and the fans and home cooks who want to learn, savor, and celebrate that spring-y zest in the air. The 2017 dates are...
MARCH 22 THROUGH 26, and while a few things are sold out — it is a popular food festival, don't doubt it — you can still find tickets to events like Terroir to Table: The Spirited Side of Napa Valley, which includes "a short distillery tour." That's on Friday, March 24, while a Bubbles and Brunch to-do on Sunday, March 26 includes a few Domaine Chandon libations, in addition to some high-stylin' spins on classic brunchy bites. The closet clean-out, and other early-spring must-dos, surely can be postponed for a bit, while you welcome the season in glass-raised, fork-in-the-air fashion. For all the events, and where to stay, follow the trail to Napa Valley.
