The California Wine Festival returns to the Orange County coast April 24 and 25, 2026, launching its season with a weekend of tastings, chef-driven bites and live entertainment. Set against sweeping Pacific views at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the palm-lined lawns of Sea Terrace Park, the two-day event blends an elevated experience with a relaxed coastal setting.
Festival Details
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Del Mar Lawn
The weekend begins with an intimate evening overlooking the Pacific. Guests are welcomed with a sparkling wine reception before sampling a curated selection of limited-production wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and beyond.
Designed for collectors and wine enthusiasts, the event offers opportunities to meet winemakers and proprietors while enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres in a refined setting. A silent auction featuring rare bottles and exclusive tasting experiences will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, which provides beach-based programs including yoga, surfing and ocean play. Live music adds to the relaxed coastal atmosphere. With limited tickets and rare wines, the event typically sells out in advance.
Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, April 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Sea Terrace Park
The festival continues at Sea Terrace Park, a grassy bluff above Dana Point Harbor. Beneath white tasting tents, guests can sample hundreds of wines, regional craft brews and a wide selection of artisan foods.
Participating chefs and specialty purveyors will serve bites ranging from cheeses and fresh breads to olive oils, chocolates and globally inspired small plates. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at noon with access to reserve wines and priority tastings.
Live music by Upstream, a Caribbean steel drum band, brings an upbeat energy to the afternoon, creating a celebration of wine, food and ocean views.
Festival Sponsors and Highlights
Sponsors include DreamFinder Travel and Virgin Voyages, Sommsation, Hyatt Vacation Club, Piper Sonoma, Leaf Filter, Lifestyle Remodeling, High Flyer, Priest Ranch, Renewal by Andersen, Lloyd Cellars and Hilton Garden Inn Doheny Beach Dana Point.
Participating restaurants and food purveyors include All Things Fabulous Catering, Brio Tuscany Grille, BeachFire Bar and Grill, Bluewater Grill, Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Sauces, Glasspar Restaurant, Krave Asian Fusion, Trevor’s at the Track, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamics, Sundried Tomato Bistro and Catering and other regional favorites.
Notable wineries include Akash Winery & Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, Aperture Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Barlow Vineyards, Bellante Family Winery, Bernardus Winery, Bezel from the Cakebread Family, Bouchaine Vineyards, Burtech Family Vineyard, Candoni De Zan Family Wines, Carol Shelton Wines, Cuvaison, Double Bond Wines, Familia Hicks Wines, Frisby Winery & Brewing, GC Lurton Family Vineyards, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Highflyer Wines, Kubani Wines, Lyons Vineyard, MCV Wines, Mizel Estate Wines, Navarro Vineyards, Pasmosa Sangria, Piper Sonoma, Priest Ranch, PRP Wine International, Rombauer Vineyards, Ramona Valley Vineyards, The Vinho, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Ysidro Sake Spritz and more.
California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets include all wine and food samples, live entertainment and a keepsake wine glass. For full event details, ticket information and lodging options, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com.
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