Friday, July 18
| 11:30AM
PlumpJack Estate Winery
620 Oakville Cross Road | Napa
PlumpJack Estate Winery blends history, innovation, and a deep respect for the land to craft wines of exceptional character. Founded in 1995, the winery was created with the intention of embodying the camaraderie and enjoyment of its namesake — Shakespeare’s irreverent, wine-loving Sir John “PlumpJack” Falstaff.
Set against sweeping panoramic vineyard views, the 42-acre estate is a place where heritage meets progress. Its historic winery building dates to the 1880s, yet PlumpJack has continually embraced innovation, from pioneering screw caps on luxury wines to refining its winemaking techniques. At today’s luncheon, guests will gather in the spirit of PlumpJack’s founding vision, enjoying a curated meal paired with the estate’s acclaimed wines.
The afternoon features soprano Alexandra Armantrading, baritone Lester Lynch, and pianist Kevin Korth performing arias and duets from Plump Jack, the celebrated opera by acclaimed composer Gordon Getty, based on Shakespeare’s Falstaff. Getty’s score, hailed for its “dark drama, arresting percussive exclamations, and intriguing dynamic contrasts” (San Francisco Classical Voice), captures the larger-than-life essence of its protagonist.
Adding to the artistry is a display of costumes by Christian Lacroix, designed for the Versailles Royal Opera’s production of La Fille du régiment, taking place that evening at Charles Krug. It promises to be a special afternoon celebrating the estate’s rich legacy, pioneering spirit, and the joy of great wine and music shared in good company.
Performers
A student of Jane Randolph, Alexandra completed her Master’s Degree in Voice Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2017. Most recently, she has been heard as a soloist in Milhaud’s L’Homme et son Désir at Mills College under the baton of Nicole Paiement and in the Kristin Pankonin Art Song Showcase of 2020 singing songs by Jake Heggie.
Acclaimed by opera and concertgoers worldwide, Lester Lynch is regarded not only as a true Verdi baritone, but also as one of today’s foremost interpreters of American spirituals and contemporary opera.
As an in-demand recitalist and coach, pianist Kevin Korth has collaborated with such legendary artists as Frederica von Stade, Isabel Leonard, Jake Heggie, Nadine Sierra, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Sasha Cooke, John Holiday, Lise Lindstrom, Joel Krosnick, and Deborah Voigt. Praised by Gramophone for playing that is “superb,” and “full of color and character,” his debut album, Out of the Shadows, a recording of American art song with soprano Lisa Delan and cellist Matt Haimovitz on the Pentatone Classics label was warmly received.
Venue
620 Oakville Cross Road, Napa
Embracing the spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment, PlumpJack Estate Winery was founded by Gavin Newsom and acclaimed composer and philanthropist Gordon Getty. Their vision came to life when they acquired a historic 42-acre estate in the heart of Napa Valley, an Oakville vineyard dating back to 1881, renowned for its dynamic, long-lived wines.