There are some packages that are simple priceless because they’re a one-time-only opportunity. Any part of this Art Ball package would be drool-able, but all together. . . Well, you’re just going to have to settle back to take this one in. In fact, you may want to read it a couple of times. Then bid online or prepare to wave your paddle high Saturday night at the Dallas Museum of Art fundraiser.
Explore Napa Valley And Celebrate Sophia Loren With Robert Redford* (Value: $19,700)
It’s called Napa Valley Festival del Sole and takes place from July 11-20 in Napa Valley, where else. It’s a glorious time when the lush valley with its countless wineries and restaurants are the setting for enjoying 10 days of wining, dining and taking in 60 events with stars of music, dance and theater.
To start off, the twosome will have two-day VIP passes for the opening weekend (July 13-14). That’s when the Annual Gala at Meadowood Napa Valley takes place with special performance, lunches and dinners hosted by local wineries. Ah, just to say Meadowood is delicious. In a past life, it had been a private country club. H. William Harlan, who had been looking for property to raise grapes, fell in love with the property. So the story goes, Harlan called his partners and within 48 hours, the estate was theirs. Their goal: to create “an upscale resort in Napa Valley that would become a luxury destination for discerning travelers from around the world seeking an authentically Napa Valley experience.” Mission: accomplished.
This 250-acre resort is the epitome of luxury. In addition to golf, tennis, swimming and spectacular scenery, a perfect evening is sitting on The Grill’s balcony overlooking the Jerry Stark Memorial Croquet Lawns and taking in the surrounding hills and forest. And the rooms! With their down bedding, fabulous views of the property, fireplaces and private outdoor terraces, it’s better than home. And the staff is so accommodating that if you write a thank-you note to General Manager Alex Kim, watch out. You’ll probably get a thank-you note thanking you for allowing them to pamper you. It’s a wonder anyone ever leaves.
Speaking of which, the winner of this package will not only attend the July 13 and 14 festivities at Meadowood, they’ll call it home-sweet-home.
But, wait, there’s more. It only gets better.
Now that the winners have had time to get the feel of the “festival” fever, they can head to nearby San Francisco to shop, rest and prepare for the weekend. While there, they will have two nights in a Metropolitan Suite at The St. Regis with daily breakfast for two at Vitrine.
Rested and pampered, the winners will head back to stay at Meadowood for July 18 and 19 and the closing of the festival on Saturday, when the stars will be in the sky and on the ground at Far Niente. From around the world, stars of stage and screen will be on hand to pay homage to a true legend — Sophia Loren. The emcee for the evening? Robert Redford. The conductor of the evening’s concert? Sophia’s son, Carlo “Cipi” Ponti Jr. Talk about history-making selfie heaven!
Just in case the winners meet up with “Bob” or “Sophia,” they can take the stars to The French Laundry thanks to a $1,500 gift certificate. After all, it’s the only restaurant, besides Meadowood’s The Restaurant, west of the Mississippi that has earned Michelin’s three-star rating.
And, if they’re feeling like showing the two legendary stars the sights, the winning couple will be able to take them for tours and tastings at both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel wineries.
As for traveling to and from California, American Airlines will provide two round-trip, first-class tickets.
* Compliments of: Napa Valley Festival de Sole and Barrett Wissman, Meadowood Napa Valley, The St. Regis San Francisco, Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente, The French Laundry and American Airlines ** Photos provided by the Dallas Museum of Art's Art Ball *** Restrictions include:
• Napa Valley Festival del Sole: Certificate valid for July 13-14, 2014, and July 19, 2014 only. • Meadowood Napa Valley: Certificate valid for July 13-14 and July 18-19, 2014, during Festival del Sole. • St. Regis San Francisco: Certificate is not redeemable for cash, non-transferable, and cannot be extended beyond the date indicated. • Reservation is based on space availability and blackout dates may apply. Original certificate letter must be presented at check-in. • Far Niente: Certificate valid for four people. Luncheon by prior arrangement, valid for June-September of 2014. Date must be mutually convenient for bearer and winery. • The French Laundry: Winner must contact Gina Betts on or before May 8, 2014, to confirm reservations. • American Airlines: Travel is from any destination in the 48 contiguous United States where American Airlines offers service and returning to the original starting point of the trip.