Where Music Meets Michelin: Inside BottleRock Napa 2025

BottleRock has marked the unofficial start of summer in Napa Valley for more than a decade, transforming a three-day celebration of food, wine, craft beer, and live music into a must-visit event. The 2025 edition takes place May 23–25 and will feature nearly 80 musical acts, including headliners Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone, Flo Rida, and Noah Kahan.

More than 70 chefs and restaurants will be on hand, alongside 100+ wine vintages and varietals poured throughout the weekend. Organizers expect approximately 40,000 attendees each day.

VIP tickets have already sold out, but single-day general admission starts at $233. Three-day passes offer better value, with new musical acts and culinary demonstrations each day. The chef and winery lineup remains consistent throughout the weekend. General admission guests can enjoy wine under shaded cabanas and indulge in dishes like black truffle fries and caviar-topped lobster corn dogs—last year’s most Instagrammed item, according to organizers—created by chef Philip Tessier of the Michelin-starred PRESS and the soon-to-open Under-Study. Other standouts include BBQ ribs, burnt ends, and roasted maitake mushroom salad from Stateline Road Smokehouse.

“For the first time, we’ll have a location in both VIP and General Admission this year,” says Tessier.
“BottleRock is a moment to engage the community, roll up our sleeves, cook amazing food, and not take ourselves too seriously.”

Stateline Road Smokehouse executive chef and co-owner Darryl Bell recommends visiting the booth before 2 p.m. or after the headliner begins to avoid the rush. “Don’t be disheartened if the lines get too long at our booth,” he says. “It takes 45 seconds to get your food once ordered. It’s a long line, but it moves fast.”

The VIP Village offers additional food and beverage options, including wagyu hot dogs from Charlie’s. Platinum Lounge ticket holders receive elevated perks such as a private sommelier-guided Kosta Browne wine tasting, celebrity meet-and-greets, and exclusive on-stage and front-row viewing areas. Realm Cellars is also hosting a private suite, complete with bottles from their cellar, VIP Village access, and unobstructed views of the main stage.

“I’m personally excited to see Justin Timberlake bring sexy back,” says Aubrey Bailey, owner of Chispa, who will be serving pork chili crisp and street corn vegetarian nachos in the VIP Village.

Chef Elliot Bell of Charlie’s is also looking forward to Timberlake’s set—especially since his kids are big fans of Trolls. “BottleRock is so special because we get to work alongside neighboring restaurants and wineries,” he says. “It’s a fun opportunity to enjoy some of the nostalgic festival food we grew up on.”

In addition to headliners and global stars, the BottleRock lineup also highlights local talent—including The Silverado Pickups, a rock ’n’ roll band made up of six Napa vintners and wine professionals. The group has performed every year since the festival’s inception and is set to play again on Saturday afternoon. Lead guitarist Dan Zepponi is also the CEO of Two Estates Wine Collective, the group behind Cuvaison and Brandlin Estate.

“Playing the Napa Valley BottleRock is our favorite tradition,” says Zepponi. “We spend the year crafting wine, and this is where we get to share the rhythm behind it. It’s our way of pouring a little soul into the valley, one set at a time.”