WINE COUNTRY AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC? Both concepts braid together easily, in the mind, for tunes have a such an excellent way of complementing a great glass of wine. Turned on the radio in the kitchen while breaking out the corkscrew? Then you know how well the two go together, a real peanut butter and jelly type of match-up (or whatever perfect duo you prefer to reference). And while you can buy a chardonnay at most concerts nowadays, finding a live show at a winery is a far rarer experience, one that fully weaves wine and music in one ideal evening. But, of course, there is the popular Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series, at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, a series that will celebrate its first half century in 2019. That's some venerable song-making and wine-enjoying, history-wise, and you can bet that many of the guests in 2018 will be longtime returners, those people who have to put a least one concert on their summer schedules.
BUT THERE'S MORE THAN ONE CONCERT... to choose from, and the upcoming schedule is now live. On the roster? Gavin DeGraw, Citizen Cope, Brandi Carlile, X Ambassadors, and Fitz and The Tantrums, with Mr. DeGraw up first on Saturday, June 30 and Fitz and The Tantrums rounding it all out on July 28, with special guests The Mowgli's. There are, in fact, a host of special guests, so eye all to see if another band or artist is popping up that you adore. Also something to adore? The food trucks dotting the grounds — hi there, Cousins Lobster, and Vintage Sweet Shoppe, and Ben & Jerry's — and the chance to buy a lovely glass of Mondavi-made vino. Don't hesitate on lining up that ticket, though: Music and wine are quite the terrific team, and a concert at a winery is a popular to-do, indeed. Your journey to this summertime classic begins here.
