SPICE THINGS UP THIS MUSTARD SEASON AT THE 15TH ANNUAL TASTE OF YOUNTVILLE

YOUNTVILLE - NAPA VALLEY, CA – Foodies on forage have a ripe reason to visit Napa Valley this spring at the 15^th annual “Taste of Yountville,” set for Saturday March 22, 2008.  Celebrating Napa Valley’s mustard season, this gourmet gallop packs plenty of punch with 15 area restaurants (three with Michelin stars), 20 local wineries and an array of mustard and olive oil producers on tap for tastings.  The 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. event is free; tasting ticket will be available on site for $1.00 each.  Info: www.yountville.com.

Coinciding with the annual Mustard Festival (February 2 – March 29; www.mustardfestival.org), this edible adventure underscores Yountville’s prominence as one of the West Coast’s top epicurean centers, boasting six Michelin stars and 24 wineries within four square miles – the largest concentration of culinary stars per capita on the planet!  From Washington Street to Van de Leur Park and V Marketplace, visitors can graze on dishes crafted from the area’s top toques including Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, Redd, Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar, Napa Valley Grille, Mustard’s Grill, Bistro Jeanty and Brix.  A special garden tour of the French Laundry’s two-acre masterpiece is also in the lineup.  A one day Passport program, with stamps at each venue, features trips and giveaways at day’s end.

Wines from the Yountville appellation will flow along with an arts and crafts exhibit, live entertainment and a ribs and links barbeque sponsored by the Yountville Fire Department. Key participants include Andretti Winery, Domaine Chandon, Jessup Cellars, Hill Family Estate, St. Supery, Bell Wine Cellars and Hendircks Wines, among others.  Tri-Eagle Beverage will belly up with beer.

Sponsored by the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, the “Taste of Yountville” is a prime time to cash in on the town’s off-season hospitality with many hotels offering special rates and packages. Work off those worldly pleasures with an afternoon bike tour through the vineyards, round or golf or morning balloon ride.  Sybarites can cozy up to the fireplace after a stint at the spa.  Packages available at www.yountville.com/accommodations.