News Worth Mentioning – March 26, 2026
Appellation St. Helena’s 13th Annual bASH 2026
Appellation St. Helena (ASH) will present bASH 2026, a wine and food pairing competition, on Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Held in the historic barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, bASH features wines from 20+ Appellation St. Helena wineries, paired with savory bites prepared by CIA “Rising Star” culinary students. Awards will be presented to the top three student teams, and guests are invited to be part of the experience voting for the People’s Choice Best Pairing.
Participating wineries include Anomaly Vineyards, AXR Winery, Battuello Family Vineyards, Beringer Winery, Chase Cellars, CourAvant, Crane Assembly, Davies Vineyards, Gibbs Napa Valley, Hall Wines, Mending Wall, Patent Wines, Pellet Estate, Raymond Vineyards, Saint Helena Winery, Salvestrin Vineyard & Winery, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Taplin Cellars, Titus Vineyards, Varozza, Vineyard 29 and Young Inglewood.
Tickets for bASH 2026 can be purchased at: https://bit.ly/4csmbL7.
Defensible space cost share program
Through a Cal Fire grant, Napa Firewise is offering financial assistance for Napa County residents within the High and Very High Fire Severity Zones to help reduce wildfire risk around their homes.
The Defensible Space Cost Share Program provides reimbursement for qualifying defensible space work completed following a no-cost home evaluation that will be scheduled as part of the application process. The grant will cover only new defensible space work and cannot reimburse completed work.
Income-qualified residents may receive up to 100% reimbursement, capped at $3,500. Other eligible residents may qualify for 50% reimbursement, also up to $3,500. Those who have not participated in the program previously, and those who have participated but did not use the full benefit amount, are eligible. For more information or to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/4wkjj3zc/
Review Baseline Data Report draft
Napa County has released the Draft Baseline Data Report (BDR) for public review and comment as part of the county’s upcoming General Plan Update. Community members are invited to review the report and submit feedback through Friday, April 10.
The BDR provides a comprehensive assessment of Napa County’s existing land uses and environmental, cultural, economic and social conditions, as well as the current regulatory framework. It serves as the technical foundation for the upcoming General Plan Update and its associated Environmental Impact Report.
Residents are encouraged to review the report, submit feedback, or learn more, visit napacounty.gov/bdr/. Questions can be emailed to [email protected]/
Napa County Grand Jury recruitment
Applications are being accepted for the 2026-27 Napa County Civil Grand Jury. Successful applicants will serve from July 2026 to June 2027.
The Civil Grand Jury is responsible for investigating and reporting on the operations, accounts and records of local government agencies. Grand jurors also have the power to investigate citizen complaints about local government. Service is compensated at the rate of $15 for each general meeting attended and applicable mileage. Meetings are typically in the city of Napa, and virtually by video as appropriate.
Eligible individuals must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens and Napa County residents for at least one year prior to appointment.
To learn more, view the full list of requirements, or to apply, visit: http://www.napa.courts.ca.gov/general-info/grand-jury/. For questions, call the Napa County Superior Court Executive Office at 707-299-1110.
Rock the Congress at CIA-Copia
Rock the Congress Napa Valley returns to Napa on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at CIA-Copia at Oxbow Market.
The event will gather hundreds of local activists, community organizers and nonprofit leaders to launch a coordinated strategy for the upcoming midterm elections. Participants will hear from keynote speakers Congressman Mike Thompson and Sunjay Muralitharan, former president of College Democrats of America. General admission tickets are $50 and $15 for students.
Rock the Congress began in 2018 with a goal of strengthening organizing capacity to win elections. This year’s revival aims to replicate that energy by focusing on alignment and solidarity among a variety of local organizations. The organizing committee includes leaders from Indivisible and the Napa community who originally formed the group to address the urgent need for civic engagement.
The full-day event will foster multigenerational collaboration, with scholarship tickets available to encourage student involvement. It will include panel discussions and breakout training sessions, planning sessions to develop a cross-organizational action plan for the 2026 midterms as well as networking opportunities with Bay Area activists and organizations.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.indivisiblenapa.com/events/rock-the-congress-2026/ or email [email protected]. CIA-Copia at Oxbow Market is at 500 First St., Napa.
Chinatown Memorial Marker dedication in St. Helena
A new downtown St. Helena landmark honoring the history and contributions of Chinese residents in Napa Valley will be dedicated on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m., near Royal We Wines.
Community members, local officials and historians will gather for the dedication of the Chinatown Memorial Marker to recognize the Chinese laborers, families and entrepreneurs who played a vital role in the development of St. Helena and Napa Valley during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The ceremony will include a Chinese Taoist blessing ceremony, lion dancers and remarks from the St. Helena Chinese Memorial Committee. The memorial marks the historic area of St. Helena’s Chinatown, once a thriving community that contributed significantly to the region’s agriculture, commerce and cultural life. It features interpretive elements that highlight the history of the site and the experiences of the Chinese residents who lived and worked in the area.
The St. Helena Chinese Memorial Committee comprises local historian Mariam Hansen, author John McCormick, Robin Leong from the Vallejo Napa Chinese Club’s and local architect Wayne Leong. The group started a GoFundMe in 2023 for the Chinese Memorial Gravestone at St. Helena Cemetery, and now this plaque. The next project is to create a Calistoga Chinatown Memorial marker.
For more information call 707-967-5502. The ceremony will be held at 929 Main St., St. Helena.
Annual Tomato Plant Sale in Napa
UC Master Gardeners of Napa County will hold its annual Tomato Plant Sale and Education Event on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. until sold out, at 1710 Soscol Ave. next to Central Valley Builders Supply in Napa.
The plant sale will include more than 25 tomato varieties. Event attendees can stop by the Master Gardeners’ educational booths and talk with the tomato pros who will be offering advice. For more information, visit: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-napa-county/
Afternoon in the Vineyards
Join the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Vintners for the 22nd annual Afternoon in the Vineyards on Saturday, April 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. The program allows locals to tour and learn about the unique vineyards in their neighborhoods. The community event is complimentary for Napa County residents and is held in an open house-style format.
RSVP to connect with your local agricultural community and spend time with those who tend the vines and make the wines. Hear about what makes the Napa Valley such a unique winegrowing region and leader in land stewardship and learn about topics including sustainable vineyard practices, wildfire preparedness and pest management.
The event will be held rain or shine. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. To reserve a spot, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/22nd-annual-afternoon-in-the-vineyards-tickets-1685634621529/
Topics and locations:
• Vineyard Diversity, Mixed Varietals & Sustainable Heritage
Girard Winery
1077 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga
• The Road to Organic & Sustainable Certification
PEJU
8466 Saint Helena Highway, Rutherford
• Soil Health in Practice: Managing Temperature, Water & Nutrients
Groth Vineyards & Winery
750 Oakville Cross Road, Napa
• Advancing Vineyard Stewardship with Recycled Water
Cuvaison
1221 Duhig Road, Napa
Connected Horse workshops at Sunrise
Individuals experience memory changes or early-stage dementia, along with their care partners, are invited to Connected Horse workshops at Sunrise Horse Rescue on Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and 29, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The free program offers a range of activities at the barn. No prior experience with horses is necessary to participate. Participants will engage with calm, gentle horses from the ground. There will be no riding. All participants must be ambulatory.
To register, contact Melissa Gerard by phone at 707-815-6258 or by email at [email protected] Sunrise Horse Rescue is at 1400 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga.
Apply for Leadership Napa Valley’s Class 39
Applications are now open for Class 39 of Leadership Napa Valley (LNV), a long-standing community leadership program dedicated to developing, inspiring and engaging current and future leaders in Napa County.
LNV welcomes applicants from the private, public and nonprofit sectors who live or work in Napa County and are interested in strengthening their leadership skills and community involvement. Participants will gain insight into key community issues, build lasting relationships with other local leaders and collaborate on projects that create meaningful community impact.
The class will meet 16 times from August 2026 to June 2027, covering topics including tourism, agriculture, criminal and legal justice, business and economic development, government, health and human services, education, and arts and culture.
Prospective applicants are invited to attend informational sessions. The deadline to apply is April 3. For the list of sessions, or for application details, visit https://leadershipnapavalley.org/.
Camp Y-Ville summer program seeks teens councilors in training
Do you know any 13- to 16-year-olds who are looking for something fun to do part-time over the summer? Yountville’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking applications for its Councilors in Training program for the Camp Y-Ville summer camp.
Councilors in training will learn leadership, professionalism and other. Teens will volunteer more than 100 hours and can pick their own schedules and attend pool days and field trips throughout the summer.
The fee to register is $95 for residents and $110 for non-residents. The fee is not required until the applicant is accepted into the program.
Applications are due to [email protected] by Friday, April 10. Interviews will take place the week of April 20. Accepted applicants will attend trainings from May 11 to 14, and May 29.
For more information or to fill out an application, visit https://ca-yountville.civicplus.com/519/Teen-Programs/.
UpStage seeking noir-themed plays
UpStage Napa Valley is calling all playwrights and aspiring playwrights to submit works for its 6th annual PlayFest, to be performed on three weekends beginning Oct. 9 at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena.
The local playwright festival focuses on nine 15-minute plays performed by UpStage actors. “Noir “is this year’s theme. UpStage is seeking high-stakes plots and sharp, atmospheric, tension-filled scriptswith desperate choices and the moral ambiguity that defines the noir genre.Imagine: cynical P.I.s and dangerous femme fatales, a rainy alleyway, a smoke-filled office or a dimly lit bar. The streetlights are flickering, and everyone has a secret.
Plays must be submitted by April 15. Scripts must be original and written for no more than three actors to be performed with only one set and with a performance length no longer than 15 minutes. Submit one play per playwright to [email protected] with the subject line: PlayFest 2026 Submission – (your last name). For more information, visit https://www.upstagenapavalley.org/
Calistoga Classic and Exotic Car Show
The Classic Car Show of Calistoga, a highlight of Unwind Weekend presented by the Chamber of Commerce, will be Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Cedar Street. The show is open to the public and admission is free.
Set in the heart of downtown Calistoga, the show will celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of classic automobiles manufactured prior to 1980. Stroll among meticulously maintained vintage vehicles and meet the proud owners.
Local food and beverage options will be available nearby, or bring a picnic, settle in, and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by chrome, curves and nostalgia.
Proud owners of classic cars are now invited to submit applications to be part of this event. Cars are not formally judged, although an informal People’s Choice recognition may add to the fun.
For more information or to inquire about participation, email [email protected]
‘Pawsport’ fundraiser benefits Napa Humane
Pawsport Napa Valley, a two-month celebration of Napa Valley wines and furry friends continues through April.
Pawsports are $75 and benefit Napa Humane. Each Pawsport unlocks access to a lineup of dog-friendly wineries and complimentary wine tastings at participating wineries. Be sure to check each winery’s hours and reservation requirements before visiting.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support Napa Humane’s lifesaving spay and neuter surgeries and preventive care that reduces overpopulation and prevents suffering.
For more information or to purchase Pawsports, visit: https://napahumane.org/events/pawsport/
County needs midterm vote center workers
Napa County is recruiting vote center workers to assist voters during the June and November midterm elections. Vote centers will be located in American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.
Vote center workers can earn more than $900 for working approximately 50 to 60 hours during the three weeks leading up to the June 2 primary election. Many workers hired for the June election also return to work a similar schedule ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
To learn more or apply, visit: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/napacounty/jobs/5234894/.
For questions, contact the Napa County Election Division by calling 707-253-4321 or emailing [email protected].
Register for annual Pickleball Classic
Registration is now open for UpValley Family Centers’ third annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic on May 16 and 17 at Crane Park in St. Helena.
The tournament, hosted in partnership with St. Helena Parks and Recreation, will include free beginner pickleball clinics, food trucks and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Players can compete in under 50 and 50+ divisions, with intermediate and advanced levels. This year there is also a new teen bracket for ages 14-17.
Funds raised through sponsorships, donations and Game Changer fundraising pages directly benefit UpValley Family Centers’ programs. Support local families by donating, sponsoring or starting a Game Changer fundraising page at: http://www.nvpc.givesmart.com/.
Register to play at http://www.cityofsthelena.gov/938/Napa-Valley-Pickleball-Classic/. Crane Park is at 360 S. Crane Ave., St. Helena.
14th Annual Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll announced
Yountville Arts will present the 14th Annual Art, Sip & Stroll, on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the Napa Valley’s largest visual arts event, an open-air affair offering visitors and valley residents the opportunity to enjoy fine art, fine wine and great. There is no charge to attend and browse the many displays situated throughout the center of Yountville. Attendees can walk the entire route or use the free Yountville Bee Bus to travel throughout Town.
For more information, or to purchase tasting packages for Art, Sip & Stroll on sale now visit https://www.artsipstroll.com/.
12th annual Calistoga Food & Wine
The 12th annual Calistoga Food & Wine will take place on Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga.
Hosted by the Calistoga Wine Growers Association and Four Seasons Napa Valley, the event offers guests the opportunity to taste wines poured directly by winemakers alongside bites from top Calistoga restaurants.
Tickets are $175-$190 (early access pricing available through March 31) and guests must be 21 or older.
The walk-around tasting will bring together nearly 30 Calistoga wineries from iconic estates and boutique producers, alongside nine local restaurants for an afternoon celebrating the wines and culinary talent of Napa Valley’s northernmost AVA.
For a list of participating restaurants and wineries, and to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/yzb57kme/ Four Seasons Resort is at 400 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga.
