California Wine Festival Toasts to Elegance in Two Orange County Cities

The California Wine Festival, renowned for its picturesque coastal wine-tasting events, is set to return to two locations in Orange County this year. The festival’s schedule for 2025 has confirmed dates in Dana Point and Huntington Beach.

The two-day celebration honors California winemakers, showcasing wines from across the state alongside gourmet offerings from local eateries. Emily Kaufmann, the festival’s executive director, expressed the initiative’s goal to connect attendees with the essence of California living.

In Dana Point, the festival will unfold at Sea Terrace Park on April 25 and 26. Kickstarting the event, the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting will occur on Friday evening at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, featuring a champagne reception and exclusive trophy wine samples. Tickets for this VIP event are available for $125.

The main attraction, the Beachside Wine Festival, takes place on Saturday, focusing on educating participants about food and wine pairing. Wine enthusiasts will have access to hundreds of premium California wines, craft beers, and a selection of gourmet food. Early bird tickets are priced at $115, while general admission is $89. A VIP festival pass for both days can be purchased for $239.

The festival will make its second stop in Huntington Beach on October 17 and 18 at the Paséa Hotel & Spa, mirroring the events scheduled in Dana Point. This will also feature a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on Friday and Saturday’s Beachside Wine Festival, which will pair premium wines with artisanal local foods.

Recognizing its 20-year legacy, the festival promotes awareness of California’s wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Kaufmann stated that California is home to the majority of the country’s wine production, underscoring the state’s stunning coastal landscape and culinary innovation.

In addition to promoting wine education, the festival also supports local charities. The Dana Point event is set to benefit the Sandy Feet Initiative, which organizes beach events for siblings of children with special needs. Meanwhile, the Huntington Beach festival will support the Golden Rule Charity, dedicated to aiding hospitality workers in times of unexpected hardship.

Kaufmann looks forward to continuing the tradition of sharing California’s wines with both new and returning guests. For more details on the festival’s events and ticket information, visit californiawinefestival.com.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!