46 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} Belbuda. “Not everybody’s gonna want to be shushed if they talk. It’s for people who expect the best from their music and the best from their wine.” As each artist takes the spotlight, there’s storytelling, ribbing, laughter, reflections. What cumulatively emerges is a snapshot of a songwriter’s life. “The odds of being successful in this business are like being an NFL quarterback,” observes Patrick in a pause between songs. His longtime friend Jedd nods: “You’ve got to love the music business to do this.” The second set brings Tim Nichols, Django Walker and James Otto to the stage. “You think you know where your song is going to go, and like kids, they just go their own way,” quips Tim, before launching into “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” his megahit song made famous by Jo Dee Messina. After the performances wrap up, shuttle buses retrace the route back to the Harvest Inn. Set amid towering redwood trees with vineyard views, the enchanting resort tightly partners with SIP Napa. There’s no requirement to stay here, but as Patrick points out, “It’s gonna really elevate your experience when you’re running into the same people at breakfast that you saw at two in the morning on the porch.” Speaking of which, as more wine is served and nibbles laid out, the now fully-blended group settles in by the fire pits. Guitars get passed around, setting the scene for SIP’s epic late-night porch parties. Patrick says he can almost hear what guests are thinking: “This is crazy. These guys are actually hanging out and playing songs and drinking with us after the show.” It’s a good ol’ singalong with an impromptu playlist. Elton John. Bob Dylan. Van Morrison. John Denver. Describes Patrick, “We can go, ‘American Pie’? I think I remember it. I haven’t played it in 20 years. All right, let’s do it.’” Sure enough, singer-songwriter-actor Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne from TV’s Nashville series) is the one to start strumming. “A long, long time ago…” he begins, and by the time he reaches the chorus, everyone is singing, “Bye-bye, Miss American Pie…” PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF EVERETT ZURAW / COURTESY OF JOHN BEDELL PHOTOGRAPHY more sips by day HALL WINES ST. HELENA - Unrivaled blend of wine, design and contemporary art. AXR NAPA VALLEY - Elevated tour and tasting at historic estate in a redwood grove. TRINCHERO NAPA VALLEY - Distinct, tailored experiences featuring a range of vintages. play & stay SIP Napa 2024 + April 18-21 SIP Healdsburg 2024 + July 24-27 songwritersinparadise.com harvestinn.com Go bold at Bistro Vida and opt for the
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