Napa Valley plans four-day event to raise funds for quake victims

How can you help Napa Valley recover from the recent earthquake? Come out and play.

That’s the message from chefs, winemakers, vineyards and business owners in California’s wine country who have banded together to organize food and wine events and other activities in September to raise money for quake victims.

Napa Valley Rocks! is a four-day event designed to raise money and spirits in the community that was struck by the 6.0-magnitude earthquake Aug. 24. One person died and many homes and buildings were damaged in a quake that produced the worst shaking the area has seen in recent history.

Events begin Sept. 25 with Nourish Napa at the Napa Valley Marriott. Chefs Ken Frank of La Toque, Tyler Rodde of Oenotri, Masaharu Morimoto and others will create novel menu items to pair with local wines. Tickets cost $200 per person.

Runners can do their part by knocking out the Napa Half Marathon at 7 a.m. Sept. 28. The route starts and ends at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa and winds through vineyards and along scenic back roads. Entry costs $80 in advance, $90 on race day.

Other events include Napa Night Out in downtown on Sept. 26, Community Meet Up at the Oxbow Public Market on Sept. 27, and a benefit concert noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 that features Michael Franti & Spearhead and other performers. Tickets cost $20 per person.

Proceeds from all events will go to the Napa Valley Community Relief Fund. The fund was started with a $10-million gift from local winemakers.

For a full list of events and ticket prices: Napa Valley Rocks!