TANGO UNDER THE STARS

TANGO UNDER THE STARS AT NAPA VALLEY FESTIVAL DEL SOLE

Napa Valley Festival del Sole is pleased to announce A Night of Tango at Palmaz Vineyards, celebrating the music and cuisine of Argentina. This sumptuous event takes place on Monday, July 19 at the beautifully restored 19th century winery.

Since 1997 the property at the foot of Mt. George has been in the hands of Argentine natives, Julio and Amalia Palmaz, who have transformed it into a world-class operation. Dr. Julio Palmaz did not want to use land for winery buildings that could otherwise be used for vines, so he designed a four-level, underground, gravity-flow winery built into the mountain's rock. At 72 feet in diameter and 54 feet high the fermentation dome boasts the distinction of being the largest underground reinforced structure in the world.

The evening begins with a glass of wine patio-side as the sun sets over Palmaz Winery's gorgeous 55-acre estate.

As the stars come out, the evening heats up at Palmaz. First, the Russian National Orchestra (RNO) Four Strings will perform a selection of pieces by the renowned 20th-century Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla in the winery's fermentation dome. This sultry female quartet sets the mood for tango, a rich cultural heritage that remains a vibrant part of Argentinean performing arts.

The concert is followed by a twilight dinner overlooking Napa Valley - among the Palmaz' impressive collection of Porsche racecars. Each course of the meal features the cuisine of the family's native Argentina and the winery's complex, elegant wines.

Events like this highlight the festival's commitment to promoting international arts and culture in truly unforgettable settings throughout Napa Valley. Festival del Sole's ten-day schedule is packed with groundbreaking performances, fine food and educational programs. Young artists are also highlighted at a series of free daytime performances sponsored by Bouchaine Vineyards.

Among the artists appearing this season are violinist Joshua Bell, tenor Francesco Demuro, mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Conrad Tao, cellist Nina Kotova, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, conductors Carlo Ponti and Omer Wellber, jazz/pop singer Nikki Yanofsky, the Russian National Orchestra, and stars of the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets.

Combining the best in music, art, food, and wine, Napa Valley Festival del Sole stands as one of the country's leading summer festivals. Tickets and VIP packages for Napa Valley Festival del Sole are available at www.fdsnapa.org.