On its fourth year of operation, BottleRock Napa Valley has finally gotten its bearings—and we were there to witness its resurgence and take its place among the nation's top music festivals. After its first year, which many called “disastrous,” Promoters Latitude 38 Entertainment stepped in to take over the fest from its previous owners BR Festivals. From May 27-30, 120,000 fans showed up to the Napa Valley Expo grounds to see 75 culinary and musical acts perform on four stages.
Among its noticeable updates were easier navigation paths, larger stages, more video monitors, and additional selections for food and drinks. One of the biggest hits was the VIP village and the $3,000 VIP Skydeck suites. The latter came with on-stage and front-row viewing access, open bar, special artist meet-and-greets, exclusive on-site concierge services and premium restrooms. Platinum-only parking was located directly at the event site, and package holders were treated to air-conditioned spaces, lockers to store personal belongings and in-and-out privileges.
Before taking the Culinary Stage on Friday, we sat down with Chef Gordon Ramsay to discuss his partnership with Philips to promote their Airfryer. Charming and charismatic, the British television star talked about food being a main highlight at a music festival and what it means for the industry. “It’s a sign of where food’s arrived, how popular it is and how exciting it can be. I don’t like that rockstar image of a chef, because we are chefs, but we are finicky, dainty, delicate souls that love creating.”
In sharing with us his inspiration for continuing down this culinary path, the Master Chef star commented on two parallels that keep his head in the game. “Where I came from helps. Nothing was ever handed to me onto my plate. Every time I do something glossy, high-end, I need to go back, do something really raw,” said Ramsay. “I’ll find that balance, do something shiny and then do something raw. And I think that’s how I equate, coupled with two dates a year where I need to do an ultramarathon or an Iron Man to stay in that discipline mode." Joining Ramsay on the Culinary Stage throughout the weekend were chefs Tyler Florence, Michael Mina, Masaharu Morimoto, Michael Voltaggio and Adam Richman among others.
Although the temperatures ranged from 85-100 F, there were plenty of shaded spots and winery-created alcoves to duck into. Wineries created mini lounges attached to their storefronts where guests could mingle over vino away from the heat. At each destination, the 21+ crowd could purchase a plastic, stemless wine glass to keep with them for the weekend and enjoy additional pours in the same cup.
Unlike most other festivals, because of its location, guests had high expectations when it came to food. The valley is known for its farm-to-table creations, healthy alternatives and organic fare. Thankfully, the booths did not disappoint with options such as Bouchon Bakery, La Taberna, Ca’ Momi, Morimoto and La Toque being on offer. Possibly one of the most envy-inducing plates was a hefty serving of paella from Gerard’s which high on festival goer's must-eat lists.
This year’s lineup was a mix of local singers, hip hop acts and big-named performers such as headliners Stevie Wonder, Florence + The Machine, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. On Friday night, Stevie Wonder took the stage at BottleRock to close the first day of shows and culinary lineups during the three-day event. Aside from playing his biggest hits, Wonder took time to share a message, “Please remember you hold the future in your hands. Division is unacceptable. Prejudice and hatred is unacceptable.” “Vote with a conscience,” he urged.
Speaking on the hateful rhetoric used by some of the presidential candidates, Florence also encouraged the crowd to vote and make their voices heard during their Saturday night headlining set. While never naming names, Misterwives relayed a similar message on Sunday, telling the audience that we will never allow a “racist, homophobic, misogynist to run this country.” In between sets, an intermittent DJ set played YG & Nipsey Hussie’s FDT (F**k Donald Trump) anthem over the loud speakers.
You can’t call BottleRock Woodstock by any means, but it was not hard to see that this year’s festival was about more than just good music, food and wine. As artist after artist made their opinions known, the loud, applauding crowds seemed to show that this election is on the forefront of everyone's minds. The rhetoric definitely set the tone for the whole weekend.
For the first time this year, the weekend affair sold out all three days in advance, a sign that the little music fest has made great strides in the past four years. Compared to sister festival, Coachella, BottleRock’s crowds are easier to be around (read: less drunken fraternizing), which on a whole makes the event much more enjoyable. Overall, the vibe is chic and more authentic; an atmosphere that the now mainstream Coachella has been lacking in the past few years. If you’re considering attending next year, be sure to snag your tickets in advance as its fifth year might just be its best yet.
