BottleRock Napa Valley — Local services in Napa

I was asked to compare standouts from each experience, Bottlerock and Coachella, I outline my highlights below. The sheer size of Coachella on every scale is part of what makes it great, but also what makes it a nightmare. The hard costs for each, while similar on the surface...vary greatly on the delivery of value of the experience on the back end.

If you don't want to read more, then having been to both events in the same year on multiple occasions, I can say that the value is infinitely better at Bottlerock, hands down and lights out. Having said that, you still need to experience both and how amazing they are in their own right.

The music talent at both is stellar, but at Bottlerock, there's more genres of music represented across more eras.

The physical size of the venue is ~ 1/5 the size of Coachella at Empire Polo Grounds. At Coachella, you have to really map out your itinerary because zig zagging across the Polo Grounds is not an option if you care about time or sore feet. Bottlerock is similarly laid out with stages in opposing directions, but with simple and clearly identifiable paths to each. The time spent not walking at Bottlerock is spent checking out the ridiculous food options at every turn and in every nook and cranny.

One might expect an event in Napa to excel in culinary offerings..and Bottlerock delivers. The vendors make the event in between performers. Bottlerock has something for everyone, short lines and new things to try. Coachella, offers less variety, but similar high event costs. I didn't see anything amazingly unique at Coachella, but I was amazed by the variety at Bottlerock.

The vendors and amenities at Bottlerock are not as diverse or interactive as Spectra tower or the ferris wheel at Coachella, but it doesn't bill itself as an art show. Massive merchandising machines are present at both events, but again, size hurts Coachella here. Coachella's warehouse sized merchandise area comes with warehouse sized lines, wait times, and inventory shortages. Bottlerock had a similar merchandising process, but was not nearly as crowded and was sensibly located at the entrance.

The lines to get in were non existent at Bottlerock, especially the VIP. It was a breeze and overall a safe, simple process with plenty of law enforcement and security personnel nearby. Coachella was a convoluted nightmare and resulted in lines for days, even at the VIP entrance, and especially at night after close.

The app for each is a necessity for navigation and should be your go to tour guide. You are really going to struggle and miss a lot of either experience if you don't use their respective app. Both apps are very similar, however Bottlerock's app appeared much more polished and interactive than Coachella's app. The map feature worked fantastically and saved much time and frustration.

Parking and transportation at Bottlerock wins hands down. This could be the result of its smaller size, but Coachella is still a well documented nightmare. The hour drive from Palm Springs via rideshare, if you can get one, is sullied by the excessive traffic control around the entire city of Coachella. By contrast, Bottlerock in Napa is in a suburban area, within walking distance (under a mile) from downtown hotels. Some, rideshare was operating seamlessly and without surge pricing as you might expect. There's a ton of parking around the Bottlerock venue, and even at private residences where you can park in people's yard if you make arrangements to do so. At Bottlerock, the parking can be used as a case study on price gouging by the profiteering parking lot conglomerates. The private parking costs had nothing to do with the venue, to be fair. There is adequate first come first serve public parking for free in lots around downtown Napa by the river front area. At Coachella, there is no parking other than in the venue. Good luck with that...take the bus at Coachella, at all costs. It sucks and is inconvenient, but nothing is more inconvenient than driving or ride share at Coachella. Trust me.

Hydrate...

The concert was so fantastic, this being the first festival I have attended without my daughter. We usually go to Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly or Strawberry Music Fest. Being that those are all significantly less expensive or free I would argue that $80 a day (I scored on my weekend pass) should allow for enough porta potties or temporary indoor restrooms in Napa. I appreciated the sunscreen and water which was provided as it was a huge open space with very little shade. The LineUp warranted the high price but to have nearly zero seating under shade and be prevented from bringing in food forces music lovers to purchase food inside. $20 for a four oz pour of wine and $20 for a gyro. I ate before I came on day 2. The place was spatially designed well and everyone was accommodated which is a challenge considering the crowd was upwards of $500,000. Water lines moved quickly. We greatly enjoyed Soul Rebel Brass Band and Mystic Hippy Shake! Being exposed to these lesser known groups was a game changer and Santana’s performance was historic— every person on stage was musically trained on two instruments! Such an opportunity to hear the Legendary Santana Live! We went over to hear Mumford & Sons for the tail end of the performance but the sound was so loud at that stage and my ears were ringing for days after. The security was helpful and kind. More seating and restrooms next year would be much appreciated BottleRock. For $100 we would be so grateful to have these amenities provided, perhaps a free beverage in a branded cup as well. Michael Franti remarked that we brought the sunshine on Sunday as the rain clouds loomed overhead but graciously held off. A rainbow appeared after Citizen Cope and all was well at Bottle Rock 2019! Thank you so much for the stellar line...

Paterwalk Napa exceeded every expectation and created an unforgettable evening! The music was simply mesmerizing – a blend of soulful melodies and lively rhythms that set the perfect tone for a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The live performance added so much charm, making the night feel magical.

The wine selection was impeccable, showcasing some of Napa’s finest offerings. Each glass was a journey of exquisite flavors and aromas, expertly paired with the menu. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just someone who loves a good glass of vino, you’ll be blown away by the variety and quality here.

The food? Absolutely divine! Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, clearly crafted with love and top-quality ingredients. From appetizers to desserts, every bite was a celebration of culinary excellence.

The ambiance, attentive staff, and overall experience make Paterwalk a must-visit in Napa. It’s a place that truly knows how to blend great music, exceptional wine, and outstanding food into a perfect symphony. I can’t...