California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point April 24-25
by: Sanaz Fakhimi
Published: April 23, 2026
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point. Photo: California Wine Festival
DANA POINT...California Wine Festival, returns to the Orange County coast April 24-25, 2026, launching its 2026 season with a signature weekend of elevated tastings, chef-driven bites and live coastal entertainment. Set against panoramic Pacific views at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the palm-lined lawns of Sea Terrace Park, the two-day experience blends luxury and laid-back California charm in one of Southern California’s most scenic seaside destinations.
“Dana Point embodies everything we love about this festival with breathtaking ocean views, incredible culinary talent and an enthusiastic community of wine lovers,” said Emily Kaufmann, Executive Director of California Wine Festival. “From rare reserve tastings at sunset to a vibrant afternoon celebration by the sea, this weekend captures the spirit of California in every glass.”
Festival Details
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 24 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa – Del Mar Lawn
The weekend begins with an intimate, elevated evening on the Del Mar Lawn overlooking the Pacific. Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling wine reception before sampling a curated selection of limited-production and trophy wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and beyond.
Designed for serious wine enthusiasts and collectors, this VIP event offers opportunities to meet winemakers and proprietors while enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres in an elegant resort setting. A silent auction featuring rare bottles and exclusive tasting experiences will benefit the Sandy Feet Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting siblings of children with special needs through beach-based programs including yoga, surfing and ocean play. Live music sets the tone for the evening, creating a refined yet relaxed coastal ambiance. Due to the rarity of wines poured and limited ticket availability, this event traditionally sells out in advance.
Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, April 25 | 1 - 4 p.m.
Sea Terrace Park
The quintessential California wine tasting experience comes to life at Sea Terrace Park, a grassy, palm-framed venue perched above Dana Point Harbor. Beneath a village of white-topped tasting tents, guests will discover hundreds of fine wines, regional craft brews and an expansive array of artisan foods.
Participating chefs and specialty purveyors will serve sample-sized bites ranging from artisanal cheeses and fresh breads to olive oils, chocolates and globally inspired small plates. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at noon with access to select reserve wines and priority tastings.
Live music by Upstream, a high-energy Caribbean steel drum band, brings a festive soundtrack to the afternoon, creating a sun-drenched celebration of wine, food, music, sea and sky.
Festival Sponsors & Highlights
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Sponsors: DreamFinder Travel & 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.
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Participating Restaurants & Food Purveyors: 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 additional regional favorites.
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Notable Wineries: 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.