October 2012 Archives

Among the outstanding films being presented this year is the just-announced documentary which reveals the woman behind the legend: Love, Marilyn.

Fifty years after her death, her creation still blazes brightly in our cultural imagination, while the creator continues to lurk in the shadows. Drawing on never-before-seen personal papers, diaries and letters, Academy-award nominated director Liz Garbus (Bobby Fischer Against The World, The Farm: Angola, USA) worked with acclaimed actresses to evoke the multiple aspects of the real Marilyn - passion, ambition, soul-searching, power and fear - in an absorbing and astonishing portrait. These documents, brought to life in this film by some of our contemporary icons and stars, give us a new and revelatory understanding of Monroe, revealing her carefully guarded inner life.

Love, Marilyn features Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Jennifer Ehle, Lindsay Lohan, Lili Taylor, Uma Thurman, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood. Rounding out this portrait, Adrien Brody, Hope Davis, Ben Foster, Paul Giamatti, Janet McTeer, Oliver Platt and David Strathairn bring to life the writings of Billy Wilder, Natasha Lytess, Truman Capote, Gloria Steinem and Norman Mailer, completing the image of this very flesh-and-blood young woman in thrall to ambition, imagination, demons, and fear who, over time, came to embrace life, friendship, and the possibility of her future.

See this intimate look of Marilyn Monroe at the Napa Valley Film Festival.
CLICK HERE for screenings and film passes.


Please Note: NVFF does not offer advance tickets for individual screenings; if seats are available after Passholders have been admitted, $10 RUSH TICKETS will be sold at the door. Cash only, please.

The stars are coming out for this year's Napa Valley Film Festival, Nov. 7-11, and being celebrated in some amazing new films. The Celebrity Tribute is hosted by Access Hollywood's Billy Bush on November 9th and will honor stars Alan Cummings, James Marsden, Imogen Poots and Adam Driver. CLICK HERE for all access film passes and events.


SPOTLIGHT
Leading actor Alan Cumming (The Anniversary Party, CBS smash TV hit The Good Wife) will be honored at the Celebrity Tribute program Fri. Nov. 9th and will also appear in person with his film Any Day Now on Nov. 10 in Calistoga and a Q&A Session after the film.

Alan Cumming is chameleon-like in both his choice of roles and his ability to inhabit them convincingly. One of the hardest working actors of our time, the Scotland-born Cumming has enjoyed a successful career in film, theater, and on television.


TRAILBLAZER
Actor James Marsden (Enchanted, Robot & Frank, X-Men Trilogy) will also be on hand at his year's film festival. He has appeared in a wide range of films over the course of his still early career and continues to carve out a distinctive place for himself in Hollywood. James recently wrapped production on Universal's Two Guns opposite Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington. He also completed production on Lee Daniel's film The Butler where he takes on the role of John F. Kennedy.

Olea Hotel is a new boutique hotel in the heart of Sonoma wine country in the charming town of Glen Ellen. Formerly the Glenelly Inn (which closed in November 2010), Olea Hotel has undergone major renovations and reopened on August 31, 2012.  "Olea" is defined as "evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits" (eg. olive tree). This is representative of the various olive trees sprinkled around the property, which are more than a hundred years old. The historical property is not only set amongst ancient olive trees, but is it also nestled into the hillside of oak trees that are over 200 years old. The setting is tranquil and idyllic.

The owners, Ashish and Sia Patel, a husband and wife partnership, bought the property in June 2011 with a vision to create a small destination hotel with unique amenities, modern guest rooms, an exceptional breakfast, and an extraordinary guest experience. This new property is already receiving wonderful press and reviews.

Originally built in the early 1900s, the property was comprised of a residence and a boarding house, serving visitors who often came from the Glen Ellen train station, just down the road on Highway 12 (formerly the railway route). In a goal to maintain its historicity, Sia and Ashish Patel conserved the overall look and feel of the buildings' exterior, while modernizing the interior.

NAPA VALLEY EVENTS

October 27th - The Pagan ball at Castello di Amorosa
Kick off your Halloween weekend at the biggest and best party in the Napa Valley -- our 5th annual Pagan Ball; a traditional Halloween costume party with lots of tricks and treats! Activities will include:RIP Reception(tickets purchased seperately), 'Haunted Chamber' Tours, Video DJ & dancing in the Great Hall, To Die For food & wine stations in the Courtyard, Fortune Tellers in the Chapel, Haunted Haybale Lounge on the Terrace, and Professional Photo Ops! CLICK HERE for more info.

October 27th - Halloween Extravaganza at Napa Fairgrounds
What has become a Napa tradition, this year will be our 37th Annual Extravaganza. This blow-out costume party is held at the Napa fairgrounds.  Held the Saturday before Halloween, this is the largest party of its kind in Napa County and serves as one of our fundraisers. Guests are entertained with live music, enjoy access to an open bar and a casino hall.
CLICK HERE for more info.


SONOMA EVENTS

October 27th - Zombie Party!
Put on your best costume and join Chateau Diana Winery for a Zombie Party.  Watch as the undead take over our Tasting Room.  We will be having ghoulish food, music, and door prizes paired with our blood red Zombie Zin.  Zombie Costume contest with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.  Will it be a Trick or a Treat?  You decide!
CLICK HERE for more info.

Join Flora Springs Winery for two very special events:



2011 Ghost Winery Release Party
~ Saturday, October 27th, 10am-4pm
Each year, Flora Springs creates a limited edition varietal to honor their historic "ghost winery." The haunting aromatics and luscious dark fruit flavors of this year's 2011 Ghost Winery Syrah are sure to send a thrill down your spine! Be the first to enjoy the spooktacular taste of the 2011 Ghost Winery Syrah paired with charcuterie and cheese. Costumes encouraged and prizes will be awarded. No extra charge for this event! (No reservation necessary for groups under six. Call The Room at (866) 967.8032 for groups of six or more.

The Ghost Winery Creature Feature Bast
~ Saturday, October 27th; Reception: 5:3pm, Movie: 8:00pm
It's the finale event for the Dinner & Movie Night Series at Flora Spring Winery and it's an evening to DIE for!

Step onto the Hollywood-style red carpet reception with a keepsake photo opportunity. Then experience a memorable tasting of the 2011 Ghost Winery Syrah as you are transported onto the set of the legendary American horror film Sleepy Hollow. Sit down to a hauntingly delicious lobster feed by celebrated Chef John Sorenson before a screening of Sleepy Hollow, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. Enjoy Halloween candy, popcorn, and a wine bar during the movie. Be sure to come dressed for the occasion as we will be giving out prizes for our favorite costumes.

Tickets are selling out fast for this event! Only $99 per person or $72.20 per person if you are a wine club member. Reservations required. Call The Room at (866) 967.8032 for reservations.