California wines are going to be the stars of a series of local festivals this year, and it all starts in Dana Point this month.
The two-day California Wine Festival comes to Dana Point April 19-20 before it lands in Carlsbad on June 28 and 29. It then heads to Santa Barbara July 19-20 before putting a cork in it with the final event of the year happening in Huntington Beach Nov. 8-9.
“It was established with the main goal of bringing wineries from all over California to one location and educate people on the different wine regions that are popular in California,” said Emily Kaufmann, executive director of the California Wine Festival.
“The main takeaway that we hope attendees go away with is a new favorite wine that they maybe may not have tried before, a new winery that they may not have even heard of before but they discover at the festival,” she added.
The two-day California Wine Festival comes to Dana Point April 19-20. (Photo by Kent Treptow)
Founded in Santa Barbara in 2004, the California Wine Festival is divided into two different events catering to different levels of wine aficionados. The Friday, April 19 portion, dubbed the “Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting,” is geared to oenophiles where serious wine lovers can get seriously rare wines, limited-edition bottles and a taste of exclusive wine drops. One of the prerequisites for wines poured here is that each bottle must retail for at least $50.
“That’s the event where they are pouring the best of the best. They’re putting their best foot forward on that Friday night with limited release wines that they can only pour for that smaller crowd,” Kaufmann said.
About 500 people and 25 wineries are expected at the Friday event. People will also be able to participate in a silent auction where they can bid on things like exotic wines and tasting tours.
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The following day, on April 20, things get a little looser with the more inclusive Beachside Wine Festival at Sea Terrace Park. That event is expected to attract about 2,500 people and more than 50 California-based wineries for a day that will mix wine lovers and casual fans sipping and sampling all sorts of wines including cabernet sauvignons, pinot noirs, chardonnays and others. Plus there will craft brews on hand as well.
“We’re catering to people who want to learn about wine but in a fun, unpretentious atmosphere,” Kaufman said.
California Wine Festival
When: 6:30-9 p.m. April 19 at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Hotel & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern and 1-4 p.m. April 20 at Sea Terrace Park, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.
Cost: $65-$195
Information: californiawinefestival.com
