DJ Flow at Hi-Fi Harvest: ELLMAN, Napa Valley 2026
In the middle of harvest, ELLMAN brought together the things they love most: great wine, Champagne, whiskey, music, and good company. The room felt closer to a Tokyo listening bar than a wine dinner. The sound was warm, the bottles kept opening, and the records did the talking.
These are some of the records I played that night.
Jungle · "Move Like You Do"
2026
I was excited to share this new release from Jungle, a London group I really love. Their sound pulls from classic funk and soul, so it feels nostalgic while still sounding completely modern. It was the perfect backdrop for that part of the night when you want energy in the room but still need a pocket to breathe and talk.
Menahan Street Band · "Make the Road by Walking"
Dunham Records, a Daptone imprint
I found this Brooklyn band as a fan of Daptone and their catalog. Later I learned this exact track is the sample behind Jay-Z's "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." from American Gangster. That horn line has been part of hip-hop history ever since. It's a throwback sound with the classic production and musicianship the Daptone family is known for.
Sade · "Paradise"
1988 · Stronger Than Pride
You can't have an elevated wine and dinner party soundtrack without some Sade. The queen. "Paradise" comes from the 1988 album Stronger Than Pride and still stands the test of time. That bassline alone carries the room.
Thee Sacred Souls · "Got a Story to Tell"
2024 · Daptone Records
Another great group from the Daptone family tree. This is the title track from their second album. It reminds me of Marvin Gaye, more homage than direct reference. Lead singer Josh Lane is clearly rooted in the classic singers and songwriters who've given us timeless music over the decades. The band is from San Diego, which checks out with the vibe they've captured. I highly recommend their entire catalog.
Steely Dan · "Peg"
1977 · Aja
This one is from Aja, one of the greatest albums of all time. Yacht rock is the unlock for any multigenerational dinner, because the classics bring the whole room together. I grew up hearing this music on 96.5 KOIT in the Bay, and "Light Rock, Less Talk" still plays in my head whenever it comes on. Crate diggers know the other side of the story: De La Soul flipped "Peg" for "Eye Know" on 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989.
Madlib · "Mystic Bounce"
2003 · Shades of Blue (Blue Note)
This is one of my all-time favorite instrumental albums. Madlib introduced me to jazz, and to Blue Note Records as a label. For Shades of Blue, Blue Note opened its vaults to him to reimagine, re-edit, and re-produce in true Madlib fashion. "Mystic Bounce" flips Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew" from 1972, the same record A Tribe Called Quest sampled for "Electric Relaxation." It has the perfect bounce, with party sounds in the background like Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up." You feel like you're having a good time without even trying.
Marcos Valle · "Estrelar"
1983 · Marcos Valle
For when you need a pick-me-up to get people moving. We may not all understand Portuguese, but the groove is undeniable on this all-time classic of Brazilian boogie. One look at the cover tells you everything you need to know about why it belongs here. Original pressings are a prized find for collectors, and it's since been reissued on vinyl so more people can own a copy.
Enjoy the rest of my selections in the playlist below. Hit shuffle and let the wine pour. Cheers.
About ELLMAN
Hi-Fi Harvest was ELLMAN's way of thanking the community that surrounds them, and it showed in every detail of the night. ELLMAN makes Cabernet Sauvignon on Soda Canyon Road in Napa Valley.
Photography and film by Rob of Frameworks Visual Arts
