Explore the Bay Area and its endless riches with fresh eyes this July and August.
Grab a seat at Montage Healdsburg’s upgraded Scout Field Bar.
Montage Healdsburg’s upgraded cocktail experience at the newly reimagined Scout Field Bar is stunning. The lobby’s unique centerpiece has expanded from nine counter seats to 25, available both indoors and outdoors, plus hinged storefront windows that showcase the resort’s vineyards and views of Mount St. Helena. Other jaw-dropping design moments include hanging bottle storage above the bar and tiered islands with pass-through under-counter refrigerators showcasing a premium liquor selection. Montage Healdsburg, 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707.979.9000, montagehotels.com
Highland Park’s latest whisky release is sumptuously smooth.
Scotland’s Highland Park recently unveiled its oldest release: a 54-year-old single malt whisky. Created by master whisky maker Gordon Motion, the storied brand only crafted 225 bottles. The whisky spent its final 14 years of maturation in ex-sherry casks, giving the liquid a rich, natural color. “Representing a quarter of Highland Park’s life, we felt it was a fitting way to mark our 225th anniversary—born and crafted in the heart of Orkney,” says Motion. highlandparkwhisky.com
Veuve Clicquot’s sudsy sips pair perfectly with a heaping helping of fresh seafood.
In collaboration with Veuve Clicquot, Solaire Terrasse at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is open again, Thursday through Sunday, from June through early October. Guests are invited to dine in The Terrace Courtyard—think Champagne by the flute, specialty cocktails and sumptuous cuisine, from succulent seafood towers to caviar service and charcuterie. New additions this year? MISHA Cakes provides luxury dog treats, while the last Sunday of every month hosts Madame Clicquot’s afternoon tea. 600 Stockton St., 415.296.7465, ritzcarlton.com
Rev your engines, automotive fans. The Monterey Motorsports Festival launches this summer, Aug. 19.
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is an exciting new offering during Car Week 2023. This first-of-its-kind event will feature an impressive collection of classic and modern cars, including exotic and vintage models worldwide. With vehicle-wrapping demonstrations, racing simulators, off-road exhibits, meet-and-greets and VIP offerings, this is a fun-filled weekend not to be missed. Aug. 19, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, montereymotorsportsfestival.com
Rolex’s latest Yacht-Master 42 celebrates the May Sail Gran Prix in delicious style.
When Sail Gran Prix raced through SF Bay in May, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in titanium. This extremely light material is closely tied to SailGP and product requirements needed by the Rolex team sailors, including Sir Ben Ainslie. Season 4 of Sail GP continues in Los Angeles, July 22-23. Shreve & Co., 150 Post St., 415.421.2600, shreve.com; rolex.com
Mezzo-soprano Natalie Lewis takes to the stage in The Rape of Lucretia.
Continuing its exceptional 2023 season, the talented Merola Opera Program presents Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. Based on ancient Roman history, this fully staged production approaches the tale through a current lens, exploring issues of sex and power that remain relevant today. Conducted by maestro Judith Yan, expect an emotionally charged drama followed by a thrilling post-performance discussion. July 13 and 15, Herbst Theatre and Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave., 415.936.2324, merola.org
Golden Sparkler from Kally’s 2023 Curiosity collection
Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t have to be boring—just ask Bay Area-based Kally. Crafted from tart verjus made from unripe California grapes and combined with fresh fruit, teas and botanicals, the bubbly beverage is taking over the city. Start with the four-bottle Curiosity collection featuring the spring 2023 releases, including refreshing orchard sage, berry fennel, Golden Sparkler and Rose Sparkler nonalcoholic wines. 650.200.0793, drinkkally.com
Danielle Row’s choreography shines in MADCAP.
Combining two stunning choreographies from the next@90 festival, San Francisco Ballet’s Starry Nights at Stanford Live Arts Festival includes lauded selections from recent opening night galas. Choreographer Yuri Possokhov reimagines Igor Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in D with a contemporary twist. At the same time, Danielle Rowe utilizes tunes from Swedish indie rocker Pär Hägstöm to tell the tale of a sinister clown after the circus lights go dark. Aug. 3-4, Frost Amphitheater, 351 Lasuen St., Stanford, 415.865.2000, sfballet.org
Celebrate all things music and food at Festival Napa Valley.
Revel in breathtaking performances and wine country views at Festival Napa Valley, a 16-day soiree celebrating music where renowned artists and emerging talents shine. In addition to world-class entertainment, this festival offers special programming for young artists alongside abundant food and wine options. Events not to miss: Taste of Napa (July 15) at The Meritage Resort is sure to hit the spot, while the Arts for All Gala (July 16) will feature tunes by Carrie Underwood at Nickel & Nickel Winery. July 8-23, 1001 Second St., Napa, 707.346.5052, festivalnapavalley.org
ODC’s State of Play celebrates dance in all its forms.
Enjoy two weeks of exceptional dance during State of Play, presented by ODC. The dance festival highlights artists at different stages of their careers, and audiences witness everything from fully staged works (including performances by Kensaku Shinoshara and Marissa Brown/Long King Projects) to works in progress. Aug. 3-13. 3153 17th St., odc.dance
Picayune Cellars has expanded from Napa Valley into downtown Calistoga.
Napa Valley winery Picayune Cellars has expanded into downtown Calistoga with its latest outpost, Picayune Cellars & Mercantile. Owner and winemaker Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf debuted the boutique tasting room this April to thorough fanfare. Offerings exclusive to this location include monthly pop-up chef dinners, live music every Friday, a commercial kitchen for food and tasting experiences, and wine club member parties. The addition of a mercantile store allows for an approachable shopping experience, including custom styling and fitting sessions at the hat bar. 1440 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707.341.3410, picayunecellars.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF MONTAGE HEALDSBURG; COURTESY OF MONTAGE HEALDSBURG; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRAND; LINDSAY THOMAS; STEPHAN RABOLD; BARANOVA; RACHEL KEANE; COURTESY OF BRAND