There are not many options in Napa for a New Years Eve bash.
Several restaurants offer a late dinner seating with music and/or a countdown at midnight with a champagne toast. But these events keep you in your seats with your friends that you arrived with and minimize the excitement of a New Years Eve Party.
However, Domain Chandon has been having a party at the Winery for many years. They first have an optional prix fix dinner at Etoile restaurant. Starting at 9pm the party in the winery and an enclosed tent on the patio open up. Last year (2010) there was a Carnival theme, with many guests sporting masks.
They have both a live band and a DJ. The live band is instrumental music from time periods like the forties, providing some enjoyment for Domain Chandon’s more sophisticated crowd of older Napans, while the DJ plays to the hip younger Napa crowd sticking to current music.
Included with the price of entrance are two tickets redeemable each for a glass of sparkling wine. Other Champagnes and wines are available for purchase. Beer and hard liquor are nowhere to be found at the winery. If you have a glass in hand near the twelve o’clock hour, you may find a waiter pouring Champagne for a New Years Eve toast.
Of course the band plays “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight.
The party continues for another hour or so, before the droves head home for bed or out to an after party.
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