California Wine Festival brings together hundreds of California wines, culinary samples and live music at coastal events. In Orange County, the series visits Dana Point in spring and Huntington Beach in fall. The remaining 2026 event is the California Wine Festival Huntington Beach on October 16-17 at Paséa Hotel & Spa.
California Wine Festival
Official California Wine Festival Website
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Upcoming California Wine Festival
California Wine Festival Huntington Beach
Date: October 16-17, 2026
Location: Paséa Hotel & Spa
Address: 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Friday, October 16 from 6:30-9:00 PM in the Paséa Hotel & Spa Sapphire Ballroom. This limited-ticket event focuses on rare and reserve wines with appetizers and live music.
Beachside Wine Festival: Saturday, October 17 from 1:00-4:00 PM, with VIP admission beginning at noon. The event features hundreds of California wines, regional craft brews, food samples and live music.
Age Requirement: All California Wine Festival events are 21 and older. Children and infants are not admitted.
Completed 2026 California Wine Festival Events
Dana Point
Date: April 24-25, 2026
Friday: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort
Saturday: Beachside Wine Festival, Sea Terrace Park
Santa Barbara
Date: July 17-18, 2026
Friday: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Saturday: Beachside Wine Festival, Chase Palm Park Great Meadow
Event dates, venues, participating wineries, food vendors and ticket availability can change. Confirm current details with California Wine Festival before attending.
California Wine Festival Tickets
California Wine Festival recommends buying tickets in advance because events may sell out. For Huntington Beach, tickets may be available at the gate at higher prices if the event has not sold out.
Beachside Wine Festival: General admission includes access to wine tastings, food samples and live entertainment. VIP admission begins one hour earlier and includes access to VIP benefits and areas designated by the organizer.
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: A separate limited-capacity Friday evening event featuring rare and reserve wines, appetizers and live music.
The organizer states that admission includes unlimited wine tasting privileges, a long-stem wine glass and a program. Water and spit buckets are available. Food and beverage offerings are sample-sized rather than full portions. Check the Huntington Beach event page for current ticket prices and availability.
What to Expect at California Wine Festival
Wine Tastings: Sample hundreds of wines and explore different varietals and producers. Guests may also have opportunities to meet winery representatives and learn more about the wines being poured. For more local tasting ideas, see our guide to wine tasting in Orange County.
Food: Participating restaurants and culinary purveyors serve sample-sized bites. Offerings vary by location and event and may include cheeses, breads, fruit, olive oils, appetizers, desserts and other specialties.
Live Music: Music accompanies the tastings, with the coastal venues providing a relaxed setting for the afternoon Beachside Wine Festival.
Rare & Reserve Wines: The Friday evening Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting is designed for guests interested in harder-to-find and limited wines paired with culinary samples.
Tips for Attending California Wine Festival
- Buy tickets in advance, especially for the limited-capacity Rare & Reserve Tasting.
- Bring a valid photo ID. All festival events are 21+.
- Pace your tastings, drink water throughout the event and use the provided spit buckets when desired.
- Plan transportation before the event. Use a designated driver, rideshare or other transportation option if you will be drinking.
- Allow extra time for traffic, parking, entry and required bag screening.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for outdoor portions of the festival.
- Review the winery and food-purveyor lineup in advance and note the producers you most want to visit.
- Talk with winery representatives and try varietals or producers that are new to you.
California Wine Festival FAQ
When is the California Wine Festival in Huntington Beach?
The 2026 Huntington Beach festival is October 16-17. The Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting is Friday evening, and the Beachside Wine Festival is Saturday afternoon.
Where is the Huntington Beach California Wine Festival?
Both 2026 Huntington Beach events are at Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Is California Wine Festival 21+?
Yes. California Wine Festival states that all festival events are restricted to guests age 21 and older, and children and infants are not admitted.
What does admission include?
The organizer states that admission includes unlimited wine tasting privileges, a long-stem wine glass and a program. The events also include sample-sized food offerings and live entertainment. Specific inclusions can vary by ticket type.
Is food included at California Wine Festival?
Yes. Participating restaurants and food purveyors provide complimentary sample-sized appetizers and other foods. Full-sized portions are not included.
What is the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting?
It is the festival’s limited-ticket Friday evening event featuring rare and reserve wines, appetizers and live music.
Where can I park for the Huntington Beach festival?
Parking options include valet parking at Paséa Hotel & Spa and nearby public parking. Rates and availability can change, so check the organizer’s current Huntington Beach FAQ before arriving. A designated driver or rideshare is recommended if you plan to drink.
Looking for more local events? Browse Orange County fairs and festivals and Taste of Orange County events.