There’s a bi-annual gathering in the Napa Valley called Live in the Vineyard, which treats a number of lucky radio listeners to a weekend of live music by both emerging and well-established musical acts. The event also attracts the recording and movie industries to the valley for the weekend, and the musicians get to perform for these influential executives in private settings.

A love for music is part of our DNA here at the winery, and earlier this month, Far Niente hosted an afternoon of exclusive performances and a lunch pairing Chef Trevor’s menu with our Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay. The Round Room in the wine caves was the perfect setting for an intimate, acoustic presentation by third-place American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart. The smoky voice of this young singer-songwriter, who loves singing rock and R&B, emanated through the caves, seeming to smoothly envelop the barrels and fill any empty space.

Haley Reinhart performed in the Far Niente Round Room (Photo Credit: Bill Van Ess)

Next, we were treated to a guitar and vocal performance in the Cave Library by Sebastian Mikael, a new artist recently signed to a label associated with Epic Records. The 24-year-old Berklee College of Music grad meshes elements of rock, R&B, pop and electronic music is currently working on his debut album.

If you’d like to have a chance at being one of the lucky few who get to attend the whole weekend’s worth of music, check out the LITV web site.

Update: Here are a few more great pics from the performances:

Sebastian Mikael performs in the Far Niente Cave Library

Following the performances, a delicious lunch in the Far Niente Great Hall

All photos copyright Bill Van Ess