During this multi-day, immersive experience, we got a sneak peek of this exquisite, tech-forward new vehicle, learned about the bold stylish design, outstanding sound system, innovative features, and lifestyle-enhancing technology, and drove this impressive, exquisitely-crafted SUV through Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.

The INFINITI QX80 Drive Experience

For the drive itself, INFINITI planned a 6-hour excursion throughout Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

After waking up early for breakfast and a presentation at the hotel, we departed from the Four Seasons in Calistoga, weaving our way through verdant vineyards and golden hillsides to a hands-on driving demo and mid-morning coffee break at Cornerstone in Sonoma.

After that, we then went on to other iconic destinations in the region, including a hosted private lunch at the renowned hilltop winery at BRAND Napa Valley, and of course, ending with a stop at the famed Napa Valley welcome sign.

Throughout the novel expedition, we partnered up with other guests to take turns driving the SUV. My driving partner (Jasmine Sayles, an editor at U.S. News & World Report) not only made our fun-filled adventure through the valley more enjoyable (as we talked about everything from cars to travel and beyond), but she was also helpful in quickly showing me how to use the infotainment and navigation system, as she regularly reviews automobiles.

In addition to partnering up, we also had designated pit stops along INFINITI’s methodically charted road trip through the valley, which made it even more fun. It felt like we were on an adventurous scavenger hunt, roaming from one interesting destination to the next – my kind of drive, for sure!

One of these pit stops was at an adorable INFINITI-branded popup drive-through coffee & pastry shop (aptly named INFINITI QX80 Café), set in the parking lot of Cornerstone Sonoma Marketplace. While waiting for our beverages, we got a hands-on driving demo with the product development team who guided us through the advanced safety and driving-enhancement tech tools (which we’ll get into later…).

Then after that, we dashed through the rolling hills, winding around the scenic Lake Hennessey, then climbing the steep hillside up Pritchard Mountain to BRAND Napa Valley, an exclusive hilltop winery and vineyard (next to the famed Screaming Eagle winery) for lunch with an unparalleled view of the surrounding vineyards, valley, and lake.

The spectacular vineyard is now owned by two former Apple executives who were enchanted by the relaxing Napa Valley lifestyle, as they used to frequent the area for R&R during their challenging workdays in the Bay Area. Now that they own and run the elite winery, they’ve been highly selective about brands that they partner with to host events, making it all the more special to be able to experience the intimate winery.

If you’re wondering what the wine tasted like, I couldn’t tell you. While we were all in the middle of our driving experience, naturally, they didn’t serve us wine with our lunch, but they did add a delightful decorative touch to the dining tables, by highlighting the notes of each varietal through glass jars filled with different foods (like plums, coffee beans, olives, and more). As a gal who enjoys the art of entertaining, let’s just say this charming little detail was a pleasant surprise.

After driving the car through the varied terrain and learning the intricacies of how it works from a technological perspective, to be honest  – I was blown away. From a captivating, contemporary silhouette (that features more angular, dominant lines) to a robust suite of advanced features, the elegant and powerful new car is nothing short of outstanding.

While I’ve both owned and test-driven multiple luxury vehicles, to be honest – I’m highly impressed with the 2025 QX80 for so many reasons. Here’s why this car stands out in my opinion…

The Inspiration Behind The 2025 INFINITI QX80

To begin with, to appreciate the level of detail that goes into these cars is to understand the way the company thinks and operates. Over the many years of covering INFINITI global debuts and special events at Monterey Car Week, I’ve learned that the company believes in integrating the organic elements of nature into its automotive designs.

This intentional decision exemplifies the core ethos behind INFINITI’s design language while exuding the essence of what the brand is all about. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many of the components (and presentation) of the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 full-sized luxury SUV pay homage to the beauty, power, and serenity of nature.

During one of the brand-hosted dinners at AURO restaurant, I was seated next to Taisuke Nakamura (Senior Design Director for INFINITI), who I’ve previously spoken with about the QX Monograph during the 2023 Monterey Car Week. As we discussed the details of this new car, he explained the significance of incorporating these Japanese-inspired design elements into the new iteration of this vehicle, as it’s one of the many symbolic details that their design team focuses on implementing.

For example, the front grille was designed to resemble the towering bamboo forests that flourish in Kyoto, the storage surfaces were inspired by delicately raked grains of sand in Japanese Zen Gardens, the taillights were created to personify the illumination of city lights reflected on the rippling of a pond, and the signature lighting mirrors the rhythmic design of piano keys. Each of these shapes inspired the design of these notable elements, creating a standout style that captures your attention while connecting you more intimately to the brand itself.

From luxe-looking, sumptuous-feeling, and genuinely comfortable seating to easy-to-use, lifestyle-enhancing interior and functional components, the chic new full-sized luxury SUV offers an impressive range of notable features and superior performance. While the exterior silhouette is a more refined version of its predecessors (giving it a sophisticated, striking appearance), I think the real highlight of the car is the interior form and function, designed to resemble a luxurious cabin in a private jet.

The design team gave extensive thought to how to infuse the Japanese word “Omotenashi” into the overall design, as this term refers to the intention of mindful hospitality, by making sure your guests feel taken care of. That said, INFINITI wanted to create an interior space that ensured that both the driver and their guests felt like VIPs while enjoying the journey, from beginning to end. To do this, the team created a variety of pleasure-enhancing additions that heighten the driving experience for everyone on board.

2025 INFINITI QX80 Interior Features

From built-in amenities such as a cool box (which acts as a mini fridge), relaxing built-in seat massagers (in the front two rows), and heated seats (in all three rows), to a spacious, stylish cabin design and 64-color Personalized Ambient Lighting (to set the mood), the interior exudes a tranquil and upscale environment for both the driver and their passengers.

The posh interior will captivate your attention, especially if you geek out on fashion-forward design features like two-toned semi-aniline leather upholstery and other eye-catching details (like open-pore ash wood trim featuring laser-cut metal inlays). There is also a spacious storage area in the front row to store your purse and belongings (which, for women especially, is much appreciated, as many auto designers seem to overlook this basic necessity). Plus, there are built-in USB-C ports (to make it easy to charge your electronics).

Aside from these stylish elements, the car also has Biometric Cooling, which uses sensors to automatically determine if you or your guests are overheating. As a result, it will adjust and adapt the inside temperature of the car (for the first two rows), to ensure that you and your guests are comfortable at all times.

2025 INFINITI QX80 Sound System

Of course, every fun drive (whether you’re zipping around town or hitting the open road) always needs good tunes. To create a more enjoyable and memorable experience anytime you hop into the car, INFINITI has outfitted the car with a 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere audio system (available on Sensory and Autograph grades), and a 14-speaker system for the Pure and Luxe editions.

With the combination of its intricately crafted, finely-tuned sound system (including titanium tweeters, a high-performance 8-inch TriPower subwoofer, and a 24-channel amplifier), you’ll surely feel the pulsating music reverberating throughout your whole body, taking you to new heights through the sheer power of music alone.

As explained to me by Tom Dunn (Director of Panasonic Automotive Systems of North America), the relationship between Klipsch and Panasonic originated in 2017. Since launching in 1946, USA-based Klipsch has gained recognition as a renowned, top-rated, premium-quality home sound system. This formidable combination of these two premium quality sound systems producers took nearly a decade to develop, ultimately leading to the launch of the Klipsch sound system (powered by Panasonic Automotive), which made its debut in the new 2025 INFINITI QX80.

The dynamic and moving Klipsch sound system creates a highly stimulating, heightened, fully sensational experience for your mind, body, and spirit. To say you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a live music festival is an understatement. From pop and techno to rock and country, no matter what genre of music you play, every song sounds spectacular.

2025 INFINITI QX80 Technology

Speaking of tech, let’s talk about the intuitively designed, multi-screen computer display, infotainment, and navigational system that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable.

To start with – the car has a multitude of camera systems installed to improve safety measures and make it simpler to avoid obstacles, both in parking lots and on the road.

For example, the innovative Invisible Hood View enables you to see objects under the car – whether it’s your kid’s skateboard (that they inadvertently left on the driveway), or it’s an animal scurrying across the road. This advanced technology is highly beneficial for all drivers, as it helps prevent damage to the car, objects, or other unexpected hazards that may pop up while driving.

In addition to this, the Ultra Wide View mode gives you enhanced visibility, which is helpful when navigating through narrow city streets, tight parking lots, or even drive-through lanes.

Similar to swiping on your iPad, you can easily access a suite of apps, ranging from Sirius Radio to virtually anything else you need to use. While the tech-forward system integrates Haptic technology (to ensure the touchscreens respond correctly to your finger movements), the tech functionality goes way beyond that.

As the car comes fully integrated with Google, all you have to say is “Hey Google”, and your wish is its command. Utilizing this convenient built-in feature enables you to effortlessly create your ideal driving environment while doing more, learning more, and enjoying more, all without lifting a finger. Whether you’re asking Google Maps to take you from point A to point B or you’re seeking an answer to a question, for busy on-the-go people, that added function is especially useful and beneficial.

If you’re wondering what’s under the hood – here’s the scoop. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, rated for 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

It has both Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension, which work harmoniously to automatically raise or lower the car depending on the scenario, road condition, or situation (such as when loading cargo or people). Not to mention – it can quickly accelerate, even while going uphills, which makes it a pleasure to drive, especially when merging onto a highway.

The car will be produced in 4 different grades (including Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph editions), and will range in prices from $82k-$110k. This new SUV goes on sale at INFINITI retailers across the USA at the end of July, so if you’re interested in learning more about this incredible car, contact a nearby dealer to schedule a test drive.

In summary, the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 delivers chic styling, tech-forward features, and a VIP driving experience that exceeds expectations.

For a behind-the-scenes look at this new vehicle (and to get a glimpse of the QX80 Drive Experience in Napa Valley), check out my Instagram story highlights.

[Disclosure: As a guest of INFINITI USA for the QX80 Drive Experience in Napa Valley, complimentary accommodations and meals were provided by INFINITI Communications. All opinions are my own.]

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This year’s Father’s Day celebration is set to offer a delightful mix of 100 rare and iconic vehicles, mouth-watering food, and engaging entertainment, all for free. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the stretch of Rodeo Drive between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard transforms into a car lover’s paradise.

Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits on one of California’s most famous streets:

Prepare to be dazzled by a curated selection of hypercars, supercars, race cars, classic beauties, and custom creations. Featuring contributions from exclusive private collections, passionate car aficionados, and some of the world’s top manufacturers, this show has earned its place as a premier luxury car event in the country.

Join Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Chairman Bruce Meyer, Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman, Rodeo Drive Committee President Kay Monica Rose, and celebrity car enthusiast Jay Leno at noon as they award trophies to 12 standout entries, ranging from “Most Elegant” to “Best in Show.”

Beyond the stunning cars, event sponsors are set to enhance the experience with interactive displays and highlights. Grand Sponsor O’Gara Beverly Hills will showcase a stunning array of 13 luxury models, including the debut of the Aston Martin Vantage and McLaren Artura Spider.

New for 2024, the upcoming Netflix movie “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” premiering July 3, will host an interactive exhibit. Attendees can channel their inner Axel Foley, pose with the iconic blue 1970 Chevy Nova, and take home a singing Father’s Day card featuring the classic “Axel F” theme.

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix display will feature two 2024 F1 show cars and race-themed props perfect for photo ops. Additionally, attendees can take advantage of a special ticket promotion for the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, happening November 21-23, 2024.

Participating brands like Auto Vault Storage, Lucid Motors, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, RM Sotheby’s, and Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills will also have impressive displays, while long-time sponsors GEARYS and Two Rodeo offer fantastic shopping opportunities nearby.

No event is complete without delicious food. Attendees can indulge in offerings from various Beverly Hills restaurants, easily found through the Beverly Hills Chamber’s online guide. For those craving quick bites, food trucks and carts like Baby’s Badass Burgers, The Deli Doctor, Doc Lobsta, The Tropic Truck, Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream, and King Kone Ice Cream will be on hand to satisfy all tastes. Set against the luxurious backdrop of Rodeo Drive, this event is also a great opportunity to enjoy a stroll or stay at one of Beverly Hills’ top hotels, all while exploring high-end boutiques and dining options.

Proceeds from the Concours benefit the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association, both non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting first responders and their families.

For more information about this year’s Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, visit beverlyhills.org/concoursbh. Car owners are invited to submit their vehicles for consideration here. Admission to the event is free, and ample parking is available at nearby garages.

[Images and press release provided by The City of Beverly Hills]

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From the supercharged festivities at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to this year’s resurgence of the highly-anticipated Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival (which has been on hiatus for 5-years), last week, Pebble Beach, California once again became the epicenter of delectable culinary adventures for food and wine lovers.

About Pebble Beach Food & Wine

To give you a little background about PBFW, it was started about 15 years ago by a local event management company. Within a decade, it rapidly grew to gain recognition as one of the top culinary events in the USA and quickly gained a global reputation as the ultimate celebration of food, fun, and a joyful spirit of frivolity, held within this prestigious and spectacular setting.

After the pandemic halted the event in 2020, the festival underwent an internal transformation and is now being hosted by Pebble Beach Company Foundation and run by their event management partner, a21.

As one of the most beloved annual events on the Monterey Peninsula, I spoke with many locals and out-of-towners who rejoiced to hear that PBFW was making a comeback this year, as it’s truly a gem of a festival and a special celebration for everyone who attends or participates in the event.

Even chefs such as Burt Bakman (of Slab restaurant in Los Angeles), told me he traveled all the way from Argentina to the Monterey Peninsula just to be able to present, as Pebble Beach is an incredible venue and a special place, especially when it comes to food and wine festivals. And he should know, as he does about 40 global festivals per year!

From April 4-7, 2024, Pebble Beach Food & Wine came to life once again, fusing the excitement of live cooking demos, intimate dinners, memorable meet-and-greets, and gourmet food tastings with celebrity chefs (such as Jeremiah Tower, Nancy Silverton, Andrew Zimmern, etc.) combined with the fun of enjoying wine and spirits from over 100 of the best brands in the world (including Far Niente, Veuve Clicquot, Rombauer Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, Hendrick’s Gin, Don Julio Tequila, and many more).

Throughout the 4-day festival, guests were treated to a variety of indulgent experiences, ranging from posh seated lunches and dinners to lively parties and entertaining wine seminars. While some guests only attended one or two of the exclusive events, others (especially those who traveled to Pebble Beach solely for the festival) indulged in several of the events, making it a grand affair and a truly enthralling vacation.

To give you a taste of the memorable experience, here’s a sampling of four popular events I attended…

Coast to Coast: Opening Night Reception

To kick off the festival in style, on Thursday, April 4th, PBFW held the “Coast to Coast with The James Beard Foundation: Opening Night Reception hosted by Nancy Silverton and presented by HexClad”, set against the backdrop of the elegant Inn at Spanish Bay within Pebble Beach Resorts.

This glamorous spectacle of culinary excellence was designed to showcase the best of both coasts – from delicious seafood and meat dishes to plant-based creations.

A few of my favorite tastings that evening included dishes such as Peruvian Scallop Crudo by Beau Macmillan of Cala Scottsdale, Whipped Burrata with Smoked Trout Roe by Jason Neroni of Jaybird Hospitality, Curry Spiced Hamachi Crudo Cornet by Keith Corbin of Alta Adams, and Arancini Ala Bonifacio by James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Sawyer of Kindling to sensational desserts (like the Lemon Posset with Pomegranate Molasses & Strawberries by the award-winning celebrity chef Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group), innovative cocktails (by Westward Whiskey) and indulgent spirits (at the Rémy Cointreau Opulence Lounge).

The sparkling atmosphere was a palpable combination of bubbling energy and enthusiastic attendees heightened by unforgettable dishes and tastings by the 25 participating chefs, mixologists, and wineries. From industry insiders and culinary experts to socialites, food and wine aficionados, top executives, and entrepreneurs, much like the champagne bottles, the party was definitely popping.

As the award-winning celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Jonathan Waxman  (who has appeared on Top Chef Masters and other TV shows) told me during an in-depth interview we did during the week, that, as a host, it’s your role to please your guests by making them dishes exactly how they want, and not just based on what you want to serve. He says, “You have people that are pescatarians, people that are meat-centric, vegan people, and everything else. Number 1, you have to cater to your crowd.”

That said, a perfect example of this openness to customizing menus to please your audience was at the festival itself.

Aside from the stunning venue and vibrant atmosphere, as a plant-based pescatarian, a notable aspect that stood out to me was that many of the chefs offered to customize my dishes to suit my dietary preferences, which was truly hospitable and accommodating. I wasn’t the only guest to appreciate this as I spoke with other plant-based attendees who were also pleased to learn that they had a variety of vegetarian dishes to enjoy and were delighted that chefs were open to creating meat-free options.

The reason why this is relevant to note is because chefs often serve meat-centric dishes (such as pork, beef, or pâté) at food festivals. With more people choosing to opt for different dietary regimens (due to health and nutrition reasons, or other purposes), prior to attending, I wondered if vegetarians (or even plant-based pescatarians, like myself) would have anything to eat at PBFW. So, I (and other guests) were pleasantly surprised to learn that plant-based dishes were being offered and that chefs were also serving vegetarian versions, on request.

In addition to being a fabulous soiree, the upscale event also donated a portion of the proceeds to the James Beard Foundation’s mission and programs (which celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture) and The Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

California Coastal Pacific Feast

The following evening on Friday, April 5th, my gastronomic journey continued at The Beach & Tennis Club, which overlooks the breathtaking Stillwater Cove, famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, and picturesque Monterey Peninsula coastline. That night, PBFW held the “California Coastal Pacific Feast hosted by Jeremiah Tower and presented by Friedmans Appliance”.

This walk-around soirée indulged attendees with a sumptuous feast featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes that were not only delicious to eat, but also beautiful to behold. From edible flowers (that acted as finishing touches) that were harvested by hand that morning by the chefs to gorgeous displays filled with lush foliage, vibrant floral arrangements, and coastal accents, the presentation was not only mouthwatering, it was nearly too pretty to devour.

From succulent seafood (such as Charred Pacific Kampachi Tartar by Alex Ramirez of Stillwater Bar & Grill at The Lodge at Pebble Beach to Seared Ahi Tataki by Dustin Valette of Valette & The Matheson to Grilled Pacific Oysters by Michael Rotondo of Coastal Kitchen at The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa) to scrumptious vegetarian dishes (like the Plant-based Lumpia Shanghai by Barb Batiste of B Sweet), there was a bevy of delectable options to choose from.

Since no party would be complete without the adult beverages on-hand, in addition to the food tastings, several outstanding wineries (including two of my faves – Frank Family Vineyards and Bernardus Winery) and spirits brands (such as organic vodka brand Hanson of Sonoma Distillery) poured libations for guests throughout the evening.

The Tasting Pavilion

Throughout the weekend, I attended the “Tasting Pavilion presented by Palo Alto Networks” on Saturday and Sunday at the Special Events Field, located adjacent to The Pebble Beach Golf Academy.

The indoor & outdoor events were hosted in two opulently-decorated tents including a spacious lawn area, filled with dozens of food tastings by award-winning chefs and restaurateurs and over 100 renowned wineries and spirits brands, and accented by dramatic lighting, picturesque seating areas with colorful floral and food displays, and eye-catching booths that made for Insta-worthy photos.

While there were so many great options to enjoy, a few of my favorite dishes that were served included Tuna Tartare by Geo Ketchedjian of Delilah, Torched Local Mushroom & Parsnip “Bone Marrow” (a vegetarian dish) by Colin Moody of The Club at Pasadera, Salmon Tartare by TV host and celebrity chef Maria Loi of Loi Estiatorio, a selection of Bruschettas by Benjamin Brown of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo by Mario Garcia at Grasing’s, and last, but certainly not least, the “most amazing” Poached Shrimp by Andrew Zimmern (the Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality and celebrity chef).

To add to the festive atmosphere, the party featured live pulsating deejayed house music (by DJ Razzvio) and dazzling displays and immersive experiences, creating a delightful showcase that inspired the guests to meander through the pavilion, savoring tantalizing offerings from chefs, wineries (such as Chandon, Nickel & Nickel Winery, and others), and distillers.

Having visited Grgich Hills Estate at their lovely winery in Napa Valley, I was already familiar with the brand, so naturally, I was drawn to try some of their varietals that I hadn’t tasted before. While chatting with their team, they encouraged me to taste their Chardonnay, which they explained is a palate-pleaser, as it pairs well with food since it has a light, refreshing taste. Since I tend to say that “Chardonnays are like Orange Juice; they’re either a hit or a miss,” I was hesitant to try it, but decided to be adventurous. To my surprise and delight, it was fantastic!

During the event, I spoke with the team at JCB Collection (by Jean-Charles Boisset), who explained that their JCB Caviar was created to be paired with caviar and seafood. I was captivated by their display which drew my attention, as it featured their signature red roses and opulent black & gold themed design, epitomizing the glamour and elegance of their brand. Aside from a beautiful presentation, the team shared more about the background of their portfolio of wine brands (which have upscale tasting rooms throughout Napa Valley), and also educated me about how each wine was designed to pair with foods, making them ideal entertaining beverages.

As evidenced by the gleaming smiles and jubilant laughter from the guests, vendors, winemakers, and chefs in attendance at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival, the 4-day event proved to be an unparalleled feast for the senses, a celebration of edible creations, and an appreciation of the finer things in life.

To inspire you to elevate your hosting and entertaining skills, stay tuned as I’ll be dishing must-read cooking, food & wine pairing, and party-planning tips from legendary celebrity chefs and restaurateurs (including Jeremiah Tower, Jonathan Waxman, Justin Sutherland, and other incredible talent) I spoke with at Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

To learn more about PBFW, check out past years’ coverage of this exquisite gastronomic experience on Inspirations & Celebrations. To discover more inspiring lifestyle guides about special events, travel, home entertaining, and more fun ways to elevate your life, follow the I&C channel on MSN and Instagram.

[Disclosure: Complimentary media access to events provided by PBFW. All opinions are my own.]

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