Snoop’s Gin & Juice [Photo by Julie Fadda Powers]

Festival season is in full swing, and if there’s one that epitomizes a celebration of music, food, wine, beer, and spirits, BottleRock Napa Valley fits the bill. Just think about the name for maybe two seconds and you’ll get the gist. And while the original event focused almost completely on wine, its sixth year was bubbling with all sorts of craft brews and spirits as well. Spirited magazine was there to embrace the action. And what better way to do so than pair music with proper drinks?

Trombone Shorty at BottleRock Music Festival 2018, Napa Valley [Photo courtesy BottleRock Napa Valley]

Probably the biggest buzz (literally and figuratively) came about when Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Top Chef Michael Voltaggio broke the Guinness World Record for the largest “paradise cocktail.” Guinness reported the 132+ gallon “gin and juice” contained 180 bottles of gin, 154 bottles of apricot brandy, and 38 jugs of orange juice, all poured into a specially made glass—topped with a giant straw and umbrella, of course.

For New Orleans’ own Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, we decided the Bourbon Bar was the best stop beforehand. You know, for that Bourbon Street vibe. Also, we couldn’t find hurricanes anywhere.

The Wrecks told us their favorite drink is vodka and Red Bull. We didn’t think that sounded like such a great idea…at first. But Reyka vodka proved us wrong.

Allen Stone had such a sweet soul set, it was time to pair it up with some wine. St. Supéry’s rosé was right on the mark. Plus, it matched his glasses perfectly.

Lake Street Dive at BottleRock Music Festival 2018, Napa Valley [Photo Courtesy of BottleRock Napa Valley]

Apparently, the folks at Blackbird Vineyards are huge fans of The Killers. No need to sway from their choices for the proper listening experience.

Lukas Nelson isn’t a drinker; he prefers weed. But this photo was so good we had to share it anyway. Taken on the JaM Cellars Jam Pad stage, we also spotted a lot of Butter Chardonnay drinkers in the crowd.

Lake Street Dive’s Rachael Price belted out the Boston-based band’s tunes with her sultry voice and style. Might as well enjoy some Krug Grande Cuvée with that.

Bruno Mars closes the show BottleRock Music Festival 2018, Napa Valley [Photo Courtesy of BottleRock Napa Valley]

The weekend ended with most participants being thoroughly entertained by none other than Bruno Mars. Word’s out that he’s really into rum. Mai Tai, anyone?

We said “most” participants, since one of this writer’s favorite bands, Thievery Corporation (let’s go with multi-genre gypsy music to best describe the sound), closed out the weekend on the opposite side of the festival. What was I drinking? The deep, dark, luscious liquid known as The Prisoner.

Cheers everyone, until next time.