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Invitation Only: Golden Hour Gathering at Bella Oaks 

Monday, April 13, 2026

On behalf of Napa County Landmarks, our gracious hosts, and special guest Leo Marmol, FAIA, of Marmol Radziner, we are delighted to welcome you to the Golden Hour Gathering in Rutherford.

Leo Marmol, FAIA, is the co-founder of the architect-led design-build practice Marmol Radziner, established in 1989 with Ron Radziner, FAIA, and known for its fully integrated approach spanning restoration, architecture, construction, landscape architecture, interiors, and fabrication, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The firm has received numerous honors, including AIA California Council Firm of the Year, multiple AIA and ASLA design awards, induction into Interior Design’s Hall of Fame, and repeated recognition on Architectural Digest’s AD100. The Bella Oaks Residence, designed by Marmol Radziner, is a custom-designed family retreat set on nearly five acres, where more than twenty-five mature Valley Oak trees frame an open meadow and sweeping vineyard views.

We are pleased to welcome Chef Sarah Walz, formerly of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel, who will present a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu, accompanied by a live set from Melodic Napa Valley—known for their immersive “Terroir Sessions”—along with a curated Bella Oaks Martini and wines served poolside.

Event Details 

  • Location: Street address sent via email to guests.
  • Parking: Please park on the north (right) side of the lane, parallel to the wall. Be careful not to block the roadway. See photograph of parking area.
  • Arrival: We kindly ask guests to arrive before 6:00 pm
  • Timing: 5:30–7:00 pm
  • Transportation: Parking is extremely limited; carpooling and rideshare are strongly encouraged
  • Arrival Assistance: Napa County Landmarks volunteers will be stationed at the driveway gate to guide you upon arrival
  • Culinary Experience: Chef Sarah Walz—formerly of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel—will present a seasonal menu reflecting the flavors of Napa Valley
  • Music: Melodic Napa Valley, featuring GRAY SUN and Flamingeaux, will provide a curated soundscape for the evening
  • Beverages: A selection of white and rosé wines will be served, along with the signature Bella Oaks Martini
  • More Information: Please text or call Napa County Landmarks at 707-231-8261 or email christine@napacountylandmarks.org.

The Bella Oaks Residence, designed by Marmol Radziner

Bella Oaks is a family retreat designed to capture the spirit of Napa Valley. Set on nearly five acres, the property is shaped by more than twenty-five mature Valley Oak trees, an open meadow, and views of neighboring vineyards. The homeowner partnered with Marmol Radziner to create a vacation home that feels grounded in the landscape and will continue to evolve gracefully over time.

The single-story residence is organized around a central courtyard formed by a series of parallel and perpendicular walls that define outdoor rooms and frame views across the site. Each level follows the gentle slope of the site as the home descends toward the stream that borders the long southeastern property line. Long hallways provide privacy for bedrooms and guest rooms while maintaining connections to the courtyard and surrounding oak trees.

The Great Room opens to the landscape, supporting both large gatherings and private livability. Exterior materials were chosen for their ability to weather well in Napa’s climate, developing character without high maintenance. Outdoor spaces include a sunken fire pit positioned for the evening light, along with a pool, bocce ball court, tennis court, and shaded areas for dining and conversation.

Chef Sarah Walz

With a career rooted in the prestigious kitchens of Far Niente and Nickel Nickel wineries Chef Sarah Walz brings the artistry of wine country to your table. Specializing in private dining, consulting and event planning. Sarah is dedicated to a garden to glass philosophy utilizing fresh local ingredients to create culinary journeys, rich in flavor. With a career defined by her ability to thrive under pressure with a kind personable nature that creates a welcoming atmosphere for every guest. From bespoke catering to culinary consulting. Sarah‘s goal remains the same. To showcase fresh local ingredients through bold flavors and unforgettable dining experiences.

Melodic Napa Valley

Melodic Napa Valley brings the spirit of global dance destinations—Ibiza, Tulum, and the Amalfi Coast—into the heart of wine country, blending melodic house, deep grooves, and progressive energy into an experience rooted in community, culture, and connection. Founded on the idea that wine and dance music share a common language of place and gathering, the collective creates immersive environments that invite a new generation to experience Napa through sound. Co-founders GRAY SUN, a Napa-based DJ and producer known for emotionally driven, melodic sets, and Flamingeaux, an internationally seasoned artist whose genre-fluid style moves between deep, disco, and tech house, together shape a refined yet dynamic sound that is both globally informed and distinctly local.