Harvest festival in Napa Valley -- only it’s tomatoes, not grapes

If you’re someone who hates, hates, hates to see the end of tomato season, you may be the perfect candidate for this fest celebrating the height of the season in Napa Valley. Held Sept. 20-22, Tomatoville is a weekend celebration of the love apple. Actually, it’s the second annual such event, hosted by Lucy Restaurant & Bar at the quietly luxurious, LEED-certified Bardessono hotel in Yountville.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, the 20^th with a winemaker dinner prepared by Lucy’s chef Victor Scargle, with winemakers Doug and Ryan Hill of Hill Family Estate on hand to talk wine. $125 per person, including wine, tax and tip.

But the big event is the tomato tasting at noon Saturday. Taste a good dozen heirloom varieties (the good ones) along with Round Pond Estate olive oils and NapaStyle specialty salts. Simple, but so right.

This, though, is what gets my heart racing: the build-your-own BLT bar from 1 to 3 p.m. with a big spread of good bacon, housemade mozzarella, handcrafted breads and sweet basil -- and tomatoes -- straight from the garden. Of course, the wine from Hill Family Estate flows freely. The cost is $80 per person ($90 at the door) including wine, tax and tip.

And then Sunday morning, just when you need it, about 11 a.m., Lucy’s Bar hosts a build-your-own bloody Mary bar. Mix it up with tony vodkas and tomato juices made from heirlooms from the garden, followed by an a la carte brunch menu.

Call (707) 204-6030 for reservations.

And hey, while you’re in the Napa Valley, why not do some wine tasting too?

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