Team C&J
There’s no better way to enjoy the world of wine than by going to a wine festival, and just about every California wine region participates in these fun food and wine events.
Wine festivals are events dedicated to the appreciation of wine, and typically feature 50 or more wineries in one place. These events are scheduled over one to three days, and almost always occur over a weekend. Depending on the event, wine festivals draw wine lovers from across the state in which they are being held, or from around the world if we’re talking about a festival featuring prestigious producers.
California wine festivals may also feature live music, food pairings, food trucks, seminars, and opportunities to meet winemakers.
When it comes to California wine festivals, the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival is the state’s premier event. The Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival went on hiatus during Covid, and 2024 marks its triumphant return. One quick look at the festival’s press release, and you will see chef names of James Beard Award winners and Michelin-Star chefs, alongside wineries like Bond, Piper-Heidsieck, Dalla Valle, Dom Pérignon, Krug, Laurent Perrier, and Opus One.
Date & Location
April 4-7, Pebble Beach Resorts
What you need to know:
Garagiste Wine FestivalThe Garagiste Wine Festival showcases small-production wines crafted by independent winemakers, and offers a unique opportunity to discover artisanal wines not typically available outside of the winery, or on niche-focused restaurant wine lists. This festival celebrates the passion and craftsmanship of these “garagiste” producers, who often operate on a smaller scale and pour their hearts into creating exceptional, limited-quantity wines.
One of the coolest things about this California wine festival is that the winemakers are on-site pouring the wines themselves. Attendees have the chance to sample a diverse selection of high-quality, handcrafted wines, and learn about the winemaking process, straight from the winemaker’s mouth!
If you haven’t been to Solvang yet, this is a great opportunity to visit this charming town. We recommend you stay at The Landsby, for a luxurious hotel stay.
What you need to know:
Dates & Location:
February 9-10 – Solvang
April 27 – Sonoma
June 22 – Los Angeles
November 8-9 – Paso Robles
The California Wine Festival is one of the most popular wine events in California. At each stop on this Southern California wine tour, thousands of wine enthusiasts gather to indulge in a remarkable array of wines and delightful culinary offerings. The diverse and plentiful selection of wines to sample is complemented by an equally impressive food component, adding to the overall appeal of the event.
Looking for a California wine festival in Santa Barbara, San Diego, or Orange County, give this event a shot. We really enjoyed our experience at the Huntington Beach stop.
One thing to note: this festival gets crowded! If you aren’t into crowds, try the Sunset Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting, which takes place the evening before the festival kicks off.
What you need to know:
Dates & Locations
If you love all things Pinot Noir, then the Passion 4 Pinot wine festival in Palm Springs is a must attend event. This California wine festival will have 70+ Pinot Noir producers all in one fabulous location: The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa.
What you need to know:
Dates & Location:
February 2-3, Westin Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs
There are so many great wine festivals in Santa Barbara, but our favorite has to be the World of Pinot Noir Festival. 150+ Pinot Noir wineries participate in this luxurious event. Whether you enjoy Burgundian-style Pinots from the Sonoma Coast and Oregon, or you love the rich palate of wines produced in warmer climates, this festival has it all.
2024 wineries include: Rhys, Sea Smoke, Foxen, Goldeneye, Evening Land, Etude, and Copain.
What you need to know:
Dates & Location
February 29 – March 2, Ritz Carlton, Bacara, Santa Barbara
Healdsburg Wine & Food ExperienceHealdsburg is home to some of California’s best wines, so you can expect to sip some incredible producers if you attend the 2024 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. The line-up of wineries and chefs is still being finalized, but based on last year’s participants, you can expect to try the regions best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet producers, as well as artisanal wineries experimenting with varieties like Riesling, Dolcetto, and more!
What you need to know:
Dates & Location:
May 16-19, Multiple locations throughout Healdsburg
We love the Pinot Noir of Anderson Valley. Visiting this region will remind you of Napa and Sonoma a decade or two ago. The wines are great, and you will still see the winemakers in their tasting rooms pouring for customers.
The Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is a celebration of this laid-back region’s gorgeous Pinot Noir.
What you need to know:
Date & Location
May 17-19, various locations including the Mendocino Fairgrounds, Lula Cellars, and Scharffenberger Cellars
What to wear to a wine festival?
With the exception of a few events like the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, California wine festivals are casual affairs. Women wear sun dresses, skirts or shorts with blouses, or jeans. Depending on the weather, men wear dressy shorts, slacks, or jeans.
If you attend a VIP tasting event as part of the festival, you will want to dress up a bit more. Men should consider wearing a jacket.
Are wine festivals worth it?
If you love wine, attending a wine festival is absolutely worth it. These fun events are the only place you can try dozens and dozens or producers in one place.
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