A look back at Napa's breathtaking BottleRock 2023
By Eduardo Dingler
Returning triumphantly 10 years after its inception, BottleRock managed to attract, captivate and entertain thousands of concertgoers in a Memorial Day weekend of pure magic in Napa. The diversity of musical acts, culinary attractions, beverages and chef demos made it a standout among world-class festivals.
One of my favorite aspects about BottleRock is that you can create your own experience within the weekend, and planning an ambitious itinerary is part of the fun. Ten groups of people will each create a completely different experience based on their preferences. It’s all made easy with the BRNV app, which is easy to navigate.
“We hosted about 42,000 people a day” said Jason Scoggins, one of the partners at BottleRock along with Dave Graham and Justin Dragoo.
In spite of the cooler weather, which I thought was ideal, the highly anticipated festival managed to entertain the masses with multiple music stages, wine, beer and spirit vendors, a bounty of local restaurants and a wellness center.
I had a chance to ask local photographer Bob McClenahan, who has attended the festival for many years, about his impression of the attendance.
“It’s always packed,” he said, “but this year seems more than ever.”
The music
Enormous crowds gathered to sing and dance with another meticulously planned lineup. Friday night Post Malone and The Smashing Pumpkins ruled the evening with their greatest hits. The crowd that day was one of the largest I’ve seen on a Friday. Post Malone’s audience was akin to the size of Bruno Mars’ in 2018.
A number of other shows were also phenomenal. Peter Cat Recording Co., who came from New Delhi, India, marked their first appearance at the festival with their loungelike set. Thievery Corporation charmed the audience with their world-inspired music. Another great option was the silent disco, which featured two simultaneous DJs and gave the dancers the option to switch back and forth.
Saturday’s closing bands were Lizzo, who lit up the crowds with her self-love message and swift moves on the stage, and Duran Duran was a hit with more mature audiences.
Throughout the day other standouts included the charismatic Leon Bridges, who chose an interesting outfit with a lamplike hat that sparked discussion. My guess is that he was paying homage to the “Summer of Soul” documentary directed by Questlove from the Roots about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which I highly recommend.
Another popular band was Dogstar, who started in the early ’90s, took a 20-year break and just resumed this year. It’s worth mentioning that the bass player is none other than actor Keanu Reeves, whose aura exudes "rockstar."
Sunday’s attractions included returning headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers, favored by attendees who chanted along with their favorite songs. The other closer was the controversial new sensation Lil Nas X, whose energetic performance delighted his fans.
Outstanding shows on Sunday also included The National, showing a high level of intensity and a committed performance that had us captivated. The legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, established in New York City in 1992, delivered an entertaining performance.
Sheryl Crow had an army of followers with her popular and catchy songs, and Taj Mahal with his social message and classic hits gave his heart to an intimate audience.
The “best kept secret,” The Speakeasy hosted by Monkey Shoulder, provided an excellent spot to enjoy a set by a handful of DJs, including a first-time appearance by vintner/DJ Jason Lede, who delighted the crowd with an old-school session.
When asked what his favorite show this year was, John Dunbar, former Yountville mayor, said “The Struts rock it every single time. There are so many great bands here -- but the Struts!” And he was not alone. The returning British rock band knows how to activate the crowds.
The Culinary Stage
The Culinary Stage by Williams-Sonoma brought together unprecedented partnerships of chefs, artists and sportsmen onstage creating dishes and drinks and telling stories. Bay Area TV personality Liam Mayclem emceed the event.
The lineup overdelivered with names such as Chef José Andrés, whose skill in the kitchen was overridden by his empowering speeches about his ongoing support for Ukraine and immigrants. He even sang alongside Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar, who played an acoustic version of “I Can’t Drive 55” -- all that after a margarita-making competition onstage that resulted in a tie.
Hundreds of fans also gathered to see Chef Aarón Sánchez, whose resume includes philanthropy, cookbook author, restaurateur and TV personality. He was joined by the British pop band, Bastille and media star Brooklyn Beckham, who shared We Sake, a canned sake brand he co-founded that is made in Japan.
Other chefs onstage included Andrew Zimmern, Giada De Laurentis, Michael Mina and Roy Choi. Football stars included Charles Woodson, Heisman Trophy winner and 49ers star George Kittle, and musicians Dogstar, Lil Nas X, Tré Cool from Green Day and Duran Duran, among others.
The food
When I am asked around the country and abroad what makes BottleRock Napa Valley special, my answer is the food, the Culinary Stage and the wine selections. We are lucky that Napa has become a culinary mecca with an abundance of elevated dining options at all price levels. This festival captures the essence of the valley.
Hungry attendees had dozens of options, from Asian-inspired trucks to Michelin-starred PRESS Restaurant, Morimoto Asia and local staples such as The Q and Allegria.
“We sold out our dim sum combo,” said Chef Liz Strole from Morimoto Asia. “The demand was high with many returning customers.”
I asked a few people about their favorites.
“The lobster roll by Mustards,” said Napa Councilman Bernardo Narvaez.
“The burger from Goose & Gander” got enthusiastic votes from Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza and Will Phelps from Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
“Fish tacos from Mustards,” was the highlight for vintner Anne Moses and Steve Ventrello from the upcoming Folklore Napa Wine Bar and Cafe and Parador Wines.
The wine
In addition to an extensive selection of conventional and craft beers, a range of spirits and mocktails, wine was in the spotlight.
A number of BottleRock Napa staples returned this year, including Art House, Jam Cellars, Schramsberg, Miner Vineyards, Amuse Bouche, Caymus Vineyards, Realm and Cardinale. It would be hard for any other festival in the world to compete with that lineup.
Outside BottleRock
This is the busiest week of the year for the Napa Valley, and BottleRock brings many tourists to town in addition to the locals to share the excitement of the festival. There are many options outside the festival grounds, as well. People who don’t attend the event can still partake of shows and other special occasions across the valley. Plenty of after-shows were planned throughout the week.
This year Thursday night started at the Jam Cellars Ballroom with an electric and intimate set by The Smashing Pumpkins. On Saturday the Thievery Corporation performed at the Uptown Theatre.
Small businesses also prepared an array of attractions. The new kid in town, Benevolent Neglect Wines, offered a DJ set and barbecue, Be Bubbly offered “Bubble Rock” and a DJ, and the Hollywood Room had live music shows on Friday and Saturday. Wineries such as The Vice hosted special events during the day.
One of the busiest spots in town after the festival was Taqueria Maria, conveniently located on Third Street across from the main BottleRock entrance. Proprietor David Reynoso and his team worked hard to welcome the crowds who had energy left to dance and grab a nightcap before heading home.
This celebration weekend makes for a memorable time in the valley. My children and everyone else’s in Napa are lucky to have this level of entertainment in their own backyard. Cheers to you, BottleRock, and the performers and celebrities and teams who made it all happen. Looking forward to 2024!
Eduardo Dingler is a respected figure in the wine, sake and spirits industry. As a Napa resident for more than two decades, he has gained extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including roles as a corporate beverage director and assistant general manager at Morimoto restaurants. Dingler’s passion for wine and sake led him to become a Certified Sake Professional and a Certified Sommelier. He has contributed to publications including Decanter Magazine, Somm Journal, the Napa Register and Tasting Panel Magazine. He is also actively involved in the Napa community, serving on the boards of organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley. Currently he holds the position of vice president of wine at Wine Access and works as a sake ambassador, promoting and educating others about sake, shochu and Japanese whisky in the United States.
Great article on BottleRock! I’ve been enjoying the daily Features from my favorite NV writers. How about getting BettyTeller involved?
I have a suggestion for another story “What happens AFTER BottleRock”. After the festival is over Latitude 38 donates leftover food & goods to local non- profits. And what happens to all the trash left behind is an incredible story in itself…I think locals would love to know about this.
Thank for what you all are doing!