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LAWineFest Returns to Long Beach for a Wine-Filled Weekend

May 13, 2024

The LAWineFest will return to Harry Bridges Memorial Park at Long Beach Harbor on June 1 and 2 for its 19th iteration, celebrating all aspects of wine. Known as Los Angeles County’s premier wine tasting event, this festival attracts wine producers from around the world for two days of wine exploration and enjoyment, welcoming both wine enthusiasts and beginners.

The event features hundreds of award-winning wines, as well as craft brews, kombucha, and other beverages. Set against the backdrop of the historic Queen Mary, the festival combines wine tasting and education with activities such as live music by the Unofficial Slam Band, a variety of food trucks, boutique shopping, and more. Additionally, LAWineFest is partnering with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to raise awareness and funds.

In 2024, the VIP Garden will be revamped with co-hosts Fuego at Hotel Maya and Jackson Family Wines. VIP ticket holders will have access to exclusive boutique wineries that produce fewer than 2,500 cases per year and can enjoy an Elevated Sip and Pour experience. Jackson Family Wines will offer tastes of several premium labels, and Fuego’s Chef Victor Juarez will provide a menu of small bites. With VIP tickets limited to 400 per day, early sell-out is anticipated.

Organizers encourage ticketholders to extend their visit with an overnight stay at the nearby waterfront Hotel Maya or the Queen Mary. 

Attendees can enjoy live music on the main stage and explore a variety of lifestyle exhibitors offering wine accessories, chocolates, jewelry, clothing, candles, and more, along with numerous food trucks.

The LAWineFest hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available at the Pike Outlets and Aquarium, with free shuttles running throughout the day. Designated drivers, carpooling, ride-sharing services, and public transportation are highly recommended. A list of participating wineries, breweries, and shops is available at LAWineFest.com.

Discounted tickets are currently on sale for a limited time. Those interested in attending should sign up for updates and alerts on special ticket prices at lawinefest.com. Tickets at the door will be available, subject to capacity, as last year's event sold out early.

General Admission (at the gate): $100 

Includes entry to the Fest, a commemorative souvenir stemless glass to keep, unlimited* wine and craft brew tastings, water, coffee, and the overall Fest experience.

VIP Boutique Garden, Co-Hosted by Hotel Maya and Jackson Family Wines (at the gate): $150 

Provides all that GA does, PLUS tasting wines from a dozen gem Boutique Wineries, defined as producing less than 2,500 cases of wine each year, alongside premium wineries, along with tasty snacks, some seating and more. As a result, only 400 VIP All Access tickets are available per day so purchase early - Saturday VIP sells out early. 

On Saturday only, you can enter the Fest one hour early (at 1 p.m.). No early entry Sunday.

Designated drivers are encouraged, and get to join their friends and enjoy all the amenities of the day for only $25 (does not include any alcohol tastings).

The legal bits:

  • Must be 21 years of age to be on the premises. (Sorry, no infants either – ABC rules)
  • Absolutely No Pets – Certified service animals trained to help people with disabilities only.
  • Wineries/Breweries reserve the right to limit consumption.
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Greer's OC
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Since 1993, Greer has been writing about fashion, dining and trends in Orange County, as a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Time Community Newspapers (Daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and HB Independent) and now as founder of Greer’s OC.

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