World-class cuisine and curated fine wines were on display at the fourth annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic, which returned to the OC this past October after a two-year hiatus. Hosted at the ever-classy Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, over 30 of Orange County’s best food purveyors came together to delight guests with their cuisines and the accompaniment of world-class wines. The hotly awaited festival featured several firsts that are sure to inspire your upcoming year of dining at home and in the OC.
Debuting at the festival was Southern California’s largest charcuterie and crudité table, measuring over 40 feet long. Created by Lover’s Boards, the expansive table featured an aesthetically-pleasing array of artisanal cheeses, handcrafted charcuterie, jams, nuts, olives, crackers and bread. Additionally, the spread featured fresh seasonal fruit and colorful crudités from Melissa’s Produce.
Another first this year was a Taco Garden, featuring a range of savory tacos from Orange County’s top Mexican restaurants, including Chelas Mexican Kitchen, Descanso, Puesto, Sol Agave, Taco Rosa and URBANA Mexican Gastronomy.
The waterfront festival featured bites from world-renowned paella chef Leo Razo, as well as bites from beloved local restaurants Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar, Bluegod & LSXO, and Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, among others.
Guests were greeted at the event with a welcome cocktail from Licor 43 and glasses of Champagne Lanson as they proceeded to explore the event’s over 100 unique wines. Tres Generaciones served margaritas and Paloma drinks at their tequila bar, while Grey Goose served espresso martinis and Bacardi mango chili daiquiris. Maker’s Mark featured Kentucky bucks and paper airplane cocktails at their bar.
“It’s a beautiful sight to see Orange County’s incredible culinary community come together once again,” says Pamela Waitt, president of OC Restaurant Association and founder of Pacific Wine & Food Classic. “Our restaurant industry was hit hard the last couple of years, so being able to donate proceeds to Golden Rule Charity makes everything come full circle. We pride ourselves with uplifting Southern California’s celebrated chefs and food scene, allowing others to discover its gems.”
To entertain guests at the event, there was a slew of interactive and social media-friendly activations. Celebrity Cruises hosted a silent disco and Cadillac pampered guests while they had personalized wine glasses engraved. For the fashion-forward, there was a step-and-repeat from the chic Dolce Picnic and an Insta-worthy wine lounge from San Simeone. WhyFret.net and DJ Mark Moreno kept guests entertained with a sunny soundtrack and live performances.
While the 2022 event sold out quickly, the group is preparing for another iteration of the festival in September of 2023. Check out Pacific Wine & Food Classic’s website for more information on the event.
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Photography by: Luis Esparza
