Two long-anticipated casual restaurants have opened in Napa.

BarBersQ in Bel Aire Plaza feature “American heritage food” including Memphis pork barbecue and lots of local products, including wines, in an upscale environment.

The Napa Valley Lobster Shack replaces the Depot. It features New England seafood, mostly fried, plus the promised lobsters. No wine or beer license yet.

   

Napa Networking Group seeks more members

The Napa Success Connection Business Networking Group meets Wednesday mornings, 8-9 a.m. at 1518 Jefferson St. in Napa.

Visitors are welcome and the group is seeking new members.

E-mail networking@napasuccessconnection.com for more information or  www.napasuccessconnection.com

   

Solage appoints Francis as director of spa

Peggy Francis has been hired as director of spa at Solage Calistoga, the Auberge resort due to open in Calistoga this summer.

She managed Auberge du Soleil’s Spa du Soleil for 10 years.

Info,  (866) 942-7442 or www.solagecalistoga.com.

   

Sunrise Stables announces calendar

Sunrise Stables in St. Helena is offering a busy spring and summer calendar with events celebrating horses and horsemanship.

The stables offer group and individual riding classes, the Saddle Club most Fridays, a spring break camp April 2-6 and summer camps.

Info, 337-5582 or www.srshorsesnapavalley.com.

   

Land Trust offers easements workshop

The Land Trust, in cooperation with Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association, will conduct a workshop on the substantial 2007 tax benefits for landowners who protect natural and agricultural lands.

The workshop is Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus at 1088 College Ave. in St. Helena.

Info, Dave Briggs at 252-4539 or dave@napalandtrust.org.

   

Wine Industry IT Symposium

The Wine Industry Information Technology Symposium showcasing strategic use of information technology and services for the wine industry, will hold its annual conference July 17, at the Meritage Resort in Napa.

The Wine Industry Financial Symposium is the organizing sponsor of WITS.

Info, www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com, or to register 261-8716.

   

Farm Bureau to host barn dance and barbecue

Celebrate National Agriculture Week with Napa County Farm Bureau at its barn dance and barbecue at Riesling Hall at the Napa Expo on Saturday.

Tickets are $35 for adults.

To purchase tickets contact NCFB at 224-5403.

Proceeds will benefit Napa’s Future Farmers of America and Farm Bureau.

   

Texas Hold ’Em helps homeless

Community Action of Napa Valley presents the first Texas Hold’em Tournament and Raffle, a fundraiser for the south Napa Homeless Shelter.

The event is Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. at Copia.

Ticket books are $175 per person.

E-mail news to paul@napalife.com.