July 30, 2026 (Napa, CA) — Music in the Vineyards (MITV) will celebrate the enduring spirit of Napa Valley with a fundraising gala, Home: A Toast to Napa Valley, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the historic Inglenook winery in Rutherford.
Presented during the 50th anniversary year of the legendary Judgment of Paris, the gala pays tribute to the bold vision, innovation, and artistry that have made Napa Valley one of the world’s great wine regions. Set against the iconic backdrop of Inglenook, the evening combines exceptional music, fine wine, and extraordinary hospitality in support of Music in the Vineyards’ artistic, educational, and community engagement programs.
The festivities begin with an outdoor wine reception before guests enjoy an intimate concert featuring celebrated chamber musicians performing works inspired by the idea of home, Americana, and musical storytelling. Following the performance, attendees will gather beneath Inglenook’s picturesque terrace pergola for an elegant al fresco dinner accompanied by a live auction featuring exclusive travel experiences, once-in-a-lifetime wine collections, golfing adventures and art celebrations.
“This gala is a celebration of everything that makes our home extraordinary” said Rebecca Blum, Executive Director of Music in the Vineyards.“ Every dollar raised helps ensure great music continues to thrive in our community, supporting programs and cultural experiences that directly benefit the people of Napa Valley. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, we’re honoring the past as well as our commitment to excellence for the future.”
The evening’s musical program reflects themes of home, landscape, and celebration through works by two distinguished American composers alongside one of chamber music’s greatest masterpieces celebrating America:
- Aaron Copland (1900–1990) Hoe Down from Rodeo, Ensemble
- Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904) String Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, “American”
- Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu, Julia Schilz – violin, Dimitri Murrath – viola, Edward Arron – cello
- Kevin Puts (b. 1972) Home for String Quartet
- Miró Quartet: Daniel Ching, William Fedkenheuer – violin, John Largess – viola, Joshua Gindele – cello
Throughout the evening, guests can expect musical surprises beyond the printed program, making the gala a uniquely memorable experience.
This year’s live auction offers an extraordinary collection of luxury travel experiences and rare wines.
Among the featured offerings is Italy or Bali Escape for Two, allowing the winning bidder to choose between two unforgettable international escapes. In Bali, guests will enjoy a private garden cottage near the sea complete with daily breakfast, spa treatments, concierge service, and a signature cultural or underwater adventure. Alternatively, bidders may select a seven-night stay in the heart of Cortona, Tuscany, featuring an elegant apartment and a private Tuscan wine tasting paired with traditional antipasti.
Wine collectors will have the opportunity to bid on an exceptional Judgment of Paris Era Wine Collection, assembled especially to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 tasting. Highlights include the legendary 1976 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, a 1984 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay crafted by Mike Grgich—whose Chardonnay helped change the course of California wine history—and a remarkable selection of historic Charles Krug, Robert Mondavi, Freemark Abbey, Chateau Montelena, Chalone, and Grgich Hills wines spanning five decades.
The auction will also feature Hidden Gems of Puglia, a five-night luxury stay for two in a beautifully restored historic palazzo in Nardò, Italy. The experience includes daily breakfast, a chef-hosted dinner highlighting authentic Pugliese cuisine, and an immersive stay surrounded by art, history, and the celebrated wines of southern Italy.
Proceeds from the gala support Music in the Vineyards’ acclaimed chamber music festival as well as its year-round educational and community engagement initiatives that bring world-class music to audiences throughout Napa Valley. A portion of each ticket purchase is tax deductible.
General admission tickets are $500. For tickets and additional information, visit: https://www.musicinthevineyards.org/events/2026-inglenook/
About Music in the Vineyards
Music in the Vineyards is a world-renowned chamber music festival held each August in stunning winery settings in the Napa Valley. The festival showcases distinguished musicians and emerging young talent during its four-week season. With complimentary wine tastings at each intermission and breathtaking views of the Napa Valley, this unique combination of wine country ambiance and great musicianship allows audiences to experience chamber music in the small intimate settings it was intended for.
Music in the Vineyards also provides a variety of engagement and educational opportunities throughout the Napa Valley during the Festival and throughout the year. In addition to the Music for Students program, this includes free performances for young children and seniors in retirement homes and adult care facilities, open rehearsals, student masterclasses, and support for the Napa Valley Youth Symphony. For additional information on these activities and more, please visit musicinthevineyards.org/echo/
