California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18

Sip, savor, and take in the ocean views as California Wine Festival comes to Huntington Beach on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, at Paséa Hotel & Spa. The two-day celebration blends exceptional wine, fresh coastal cuisine, and live music at one of Orange County’s most scenic destinations.

Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California Wine Festival has become one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state. The nationally recognized series highlights the wines, foods, and landscapes of California while giving back to local charities, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara and Surfrider Foundation. In 2023, the event diverted 90 percent of its waste from landfills, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

This year’s festival offers two distinct experiences:

Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, October 17 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Paséa Hotel & Spa – Sapphire Ballroom & Ocean Lawn
An intimate evening of rare and reserve-level wines from top California regions. Guests will enjoy a sparkling wine reception, gourmet pairings from Shorebird, Cucina Alessa, Duke’s Huntington Beach, Heirloom a Modern Farmhouse, Aquamar, and Paséa Hotel & Spa, plus live music and sweeping Pacific views. A silent auction featuring rare wines, tasting tours, and dining experiences will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, a nonprofit supporting siblings of children with special needs, disabilities, and chronic illness.

Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, October 18 | 1–4 p.m. (VIP Entry at 12 p.m.)
Paséa Hotel & Spa – Oceanfront Lawn & Terrace
A lively afternoon of tasting premium California wines, regional craft brews, and gourmet bites ranging from artisan cheeses and chocolates to fresh seafood and olive oils. The event also includes live music and lifestyle exhibitors.

Official After-Party
Saturday, October 18 | 4–7 p.m.
Old Crow Smokehouse – Pacific City
Steps from Paséa, guests can enjoy live music and drink specials overlooking the ocean.

California Wine Festival is a 21-and-over event. Tickets include all wine and food samples, plus an 18-ounce keepsake wine glass.

For tickets and details, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com

Paséa Hotel & Spa is at 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill Reopens Reimagined Anaheim Hills Flagship

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill, one of Southern California’s most beloved family-owned restaurants, has reopened its Anaheim Hills location after an extensive renovation. The flagship restaurant now showcases a completely reimagined look and design, setting the standard for Rodrigo’s nine other locations.

Following months of renovation work through spring and summer, Rodrigo’s welcomes guests back to a refreshed atmosphere that celebrates its legacy as a local favorite since 1977.

The redesigned Anaheim Hills restaurant features a modern, open layout with expanded windows, upgraded flooring, new booths, and carefully crafted design details. Rodrigo’s once again collaborated with local artist Ross Boss, who created several new murals throughout the interior. The updated space enhances the dining experience for both loyal guests and first-time visitors while serving as a model for future renovations across the brand’s other locations.

During the temporary closure that began in April 2025, Rodrigo’s fans continued to enjoy their favorite dishes and hospitality at nearby locations in Orange, Anaheim, Tustin, and Corona. Many members of the Anaheim Hills team temporarily joined those restaurants and are now returning home to welcome guests back this October.

The refreshed Anaheim Hills restaurant will celebrate with a soft reopening throughout the month, inviting the community to experience the new space and enjoy Rodrigo’s authentic Mexican cuisine once again.

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill
5665 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim. (714) 974-2291

Image Courtesy of Emily Davis

Moonlit Magic to Shine at 2025 Wish Gala

More than 250 guests will gather at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach on Saturday, Oct. 18, for The Wish Gala, an annual benefit for Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Funds raised from this signature event will help grant life-changing wishes to children in the community facing critical illnesses.

The black-tie gala, themed Moonlit Magic, begins at 5:30 p.m. and is $550 per person. Guests will enjoy dinner, a silent and live auction, entertainment, and dancing. Last year’s gala raised more than $700,000 and helped grant 273 wishes.

This year’s event will also honor Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for its long-standing support of Make-A-Wish. Guided by the spirit of Yawa’, to act on one’s beliefs, the San Manuel Nation’s generosity has helped grant more than 80 wishes in recent years.

Event chairs are Dr. George and Dolores Salman, with KTLA anchor Glen Walker serving as emcee. Anne Grey, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, will also attend.

The Wish Gala takes place Saturday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit WishGala.org.

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire has granted more than 8,400 wishes since its founding in 1983. Together with 56 chapters nationwide, the organization has brought more than 550,000 wishes to life for children battling critical illnesses. For more information, visit wish.org/ocie.