Life is too short to drink mediocre wine! Taste California’s best this April at the annual California Wine Festival.
Southern California’s premier wine festival returns to Dana Point for two days of live music, wine, food, sun and sea. Toast to twenty years of celebrating the Golden State’s world-class wine offerings on April 14 and 15.
Guests are invited on Friday, April 14 for a Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting. Sip on fine wines, taste a variety of delicacies and enjoy ocean views at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa with live music from pop duo Kalina & Kiana.
This special wine connoisseur experience includes a sparkling wine reception, featuring a sampling of rare reserve wines and a tasting of limited edition wines from vineyards based in California’s most distinguished wine-producing regions.
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Talented chefs from the Dana Point area, like Chef Rob Wilson of Glasspar Restaurant and executive chef Joseph Tripi of Trevor’s at the Tracks will serve delicious hot and cold appetizers to pair with the exclusive wines.
Guests will have the opportunity to partake in a silent auction on Friday night, bidding on enviable items such as exotic wines, tasting tours and dining certificates.
Proceeds will benefit the Sandy Feet Initiative, an organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting siblings of children with special needs through instructional and safe beach days.
Stay for the Beachside Wine Festival at Sea Terrace Park on Saturday, April 15 for culinary and wine tastings.
Guests can enjoy access to hundreds of premium wines and craft beers at this Camelot-like white-topped tent village next to the Pacific Ocean. Explore California's top culinary and winery talents through intimate conversations and guided tasting. 
Pair fine wines with artisanal cheeses, cured and smoked meat, slices of bread, olive oil, fresh-cut fruit, decadent desserts and culinary delights from gourmet food purveyors.
Visit the VIP Pavilion to taste culinary craftsmanship from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa’s new restaurant, Outer Reef. Outer Reef specializes in coastal seafood using fresh California produce and seafood sourced exclusively from the West Coast.
Arteseans Seafoods Inc. will serve their world-class scallops, Brio Tuscany Grill will offer samples of their signature Northern Italian cuisine and The Real Empanada will serve their iconic baked empanadas.
Enjoy a carefree, sun-soaked afternoon of luxury sips and bites, coastal California vistas, and live entertainment from Upstream, Southern California’s premier live reggae, calypso, soca and steel drum band.
After a successful 2022 season, the fan-favorite event returns to beautiful Dana Point to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
“We had such a successful event last year and are ecstatic to be back in Dana Point, this time at the majestic Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa overlooking the gorgeous Southern California riviera,” says Emily Kaufmann, executive director of the California Wine Festival in a press release.
“This is such a wonderful way to kick off our 20th year celebrating the finest wines that this beautiful state has to offer.”
Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, the nationally recognized event series aims to bring attention to the beautiful wines, foods and landscapes of California. A for-profit organization dedicated to giving back, the California Wine Festival has helped raise awareness and funds for local California charities including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and the Surfrider Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
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Experience a weekend of indulgence and delights with lifestyle exhibitors, live entertainment and sweeping coastal views in one of Orange County's most beautiful coastal cities.
The Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting will take place at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629.
The Beachside Wine Festival will take place at Sea Terrace Community Park, Pacific Coast Hwy & Niguel Rd, 33418 E Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 100, Dana Point, CA 92629.
Photography by: Luis Esparza / California Wine Festival
