Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley

Festival Napa Valley’s signature tasting event, Taste of Napa, will offer two opportunities in 2026 to experience the region’s wines and hospitality. For the first time, the event heads to Southern California in partnership with The Meritage Collection, with a coastal setting at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach on April 12. It then returns to Napa Valley at The Meritage Resort and Spa on July 11. Tickets for both events are now available.

The Huntington Beach debut brings Taste of Napa to the oceanfront, where guests can enjoy live music alongside pours from more than 30 wineries and culinary offerings from Paséa Hotel & Spa. Participating wineries include Aperture Cellars, Blackbird Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Clif Family Winery, Duckhorn Portfolio, Grgich Hills Estate, Lewis Cellars, Peju Winery, PlumpJack Collection, Turnbull Wine Cellars and more. 

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with general admission priced at $175. Ticket holders also receive 25 percent off best available room rates at Paséa Hotel & Spa from April 10 to 13.

In July, the event returns to Napa Valley as part of Festival Napa Valley’s Summer Season, taking place July 4 through 19. The Taste of Napa at The Meritage Resort and Spa features more than 100 wineries, restaurants and culinary artisans, along with live music and craft beverages. 

The event runs from noon to 3 p.m., with general admission at $195. A Reserve Tasting Salon experience is available for $295 and includes early entry at 11 a.m., along with access to boutique wineries and curated culinary offerings in a private setting.

Guests attending the Napa event can also take advantage of a 20 percent discount on overnight accommodations at The Meritage Resort and Spa.

Tickets & Information 

Guests must be 21 or older to attend. To purchase tickets or for general information, visit festivalnapavalley.org/tasteofnapa.

A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar

Cugini’s Italia Boutique Market has opened its doors with a simple idea: bring the feeling of a neighborhood Italian market to the coast.

Created by partners Marcus and Toni, alongside their wives, Shereen and Lavi, the market is a true family effort rooted in years of restaurant experience and a shared love of Italian food and culture. The name “Cugini,” which means cousins in Italian, reflects both the partnership and the welcoming, family-style atmosphere they hope to create.

Everything in the shop is imported directly from Italy through a close partnership with a trusted source abroad. The result is a carefully curated selection of authentic ingredients that are not typically found in Orange County.

The shelves are filled with imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, sauces, olive oils, wines, and specialty items that rotate in from different regions of Italy. Fresh bread is baked daily, and the focaccia has quickly become a favorite.

The goal is simple: create a place that feels like stepping into a small market in Italy, where quality, tradition and community come together. Special orders are always welcome, and the team is happy to help customers find exactly what they need.

Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

2515 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar (949) 505-8886

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Think About the Choice

One of the biggest decisions people face with Medicare is choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. There is no one size fits all answer, and the right choice depends on individual health needs, budget and lifestyle.

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Many people who choose Original Medicare also add a Medicare Supplement to help cover out-of-pocket costs, along with a separate Part D prescription drug plan. This option can offer more flexibility when it comes to seeing doctors nationwide who accept Medicare, which can be appealing for people who travel frequently or split time between different locations.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and bundle Part A and Part B into one plan, often including prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental, vision and hearing. These plans may have lower monthly premiums but typically use provider networks and may involve copays for services.

Both options can provide solid coverage, but they work differently. The key is understanding how each type of plan fits into your personal health needs and financial comfort level.

If you are helping a family member sort through these choices, or beginning to explore your own options, having clear information can make a big difference. Questions are always welcome.

Greer Wylder
Wylder Insurance
Office 949.300.8713
greerwylder@gmail.com
Licensed Insurance Agent, CA License #4354817

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent five organizations  which offer 49 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.