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.
The Latest from greer's oc
Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition
Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach has once again been recognized by Wine Spectator, earning the publication's 2026 Best of Award of Excellence for the 10th consecutive year.
Co-owned by hockey legend Teemu Selänne and businessman Kevin Pratt, the restaurant…
What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza
VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza is celebrating its first anniversary with the debut of a new spring and summer menu featuring a collection of dishes, cocktails and desserts inspired by the restaurant's signature Chifa style.
Created by Kei Concepts…
Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer
Relive the Y2K era this summer as Segerstrom Center for the Arts brings back its popular Movie Mondays series with a nostalgic lineup of late ’90s and early 2000s favorites on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.
Returning for its 18th…
Summer Nights on the Lawn at VEA Newport Beach
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, is bringing back its popular Summer Concert Series for 2026, inviting resort guests and the local community to enjoy live music, chef-curated bites, signature cocktails, and ocean-view sunsets from the…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 06.29.26 – Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition
- 06.29.26 – What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza
- 06.26.26 – Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer
- 06.25.26 – Summer Nights on the Lawn at VEA Newport Beach
- 06.18.26 – Sushi Ii Pairs Up with Brooklyn Kura for a Sake-Focused Omakase Night
- 06.17.26 – Say “I Do” on a Working Avocado Farm in Temecula
- 06.16.26 – Willbo Opens at Lido Marina Village with a Summer Kick Off
- 06.16.26 – Gospel Voices of OC Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 06.15.26 – Via Lido Plaza Unveils New Mural by Ellen Gladis
- 06.15.26 – Celebrate International Sushi Day at Sushi Roku at Fashion Island
- 06.15.26 – Social Media Services By Greer
- 06.11.26 – The Rooted Home Brings Curated Living to The LAB Anti-Mall
- 06.11.26 – INI Ristorante Rolls Out a Summer Menu Worth Clearing Your Calendar For
- 06.07.26 – Dolce by Tina and Gelato Paradiso Debut Almond Croissant Gelato
- 06.06.26 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 06.04.26 – Casa Romantica Showcases Festival of Arts Legacy in New Summer Exhibition
- 06.03.26 – Paséa Hotel & Spa Hosts Annual Pup Fest on June 14
- 06.03.26 – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience Debuts in Buena Park
- 06.03.26 – Dr. Martens Warehouse Sale Comes to Tustin June 4-7
- 06.03.26 – Broken Yolk Café Hosts Fundraiser for Project Hope Alliance
More Daily Doses
- 06.29.26 – Noble Ace Debuts in Laguna Beach’s Historic Heisler Building
- 06.29.26 – A Blissful Japanese Head Spa Experience at Invita Costa Mesa
- 06.28.26 – Fourth of July in Orange County: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
- 06.26.26 – ‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year
- 06.23.26 – Del Mar’s 2026 Summer Racing Season Opens July 17
- 06.19.26 – Sherman Library & Gardens Introduces Hazeltine’s and New Afternoon Tea Experience
- 06.19.26 – Pageant of the Masters Returns to Laguna Beach With ‘The Greatest of All Time’
- 06.17.26 – BURN Opens First OC Location in Newport Beach
- 06.14.26 – The Curated Life Brings French Charm to Laguna Beach
- 06.12.26 – Father’s Office Chef Sang Yoon Debuts Tiny’s Burger at South Coast Plaza
- 06.10.26 – Live on the Lawn Returns to Fashion Island This Summer
- 06.08.26 – SEASON Makes Dinner Planning Easy
- 06.07.26 – Wild Fork Hosts World Cuts Sampling Events in OC
- 06.03.26 – Shopbop Pop-Up Arrives at Lido Marina Village
- 05.28.26 – Orange County Brand LYNKS Brings Style and Comfort Together
- 05.25.26 – Champagnes Kitchen Expands to Huntington Beach
- 05.18.26 – Uncle Fluffy Brings Viral Japanese Cheesecake to Costa Mesa’s Triangle Square
- 05.17.26 – Newport Beach TV Fest Returns With Star-Powered Lineup at Lido Theater
- 05.13.26 – Pure Salt Marks 10 Years With New Newport Beach Flagship
- 05.10.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
