Find Out Why Blending Your Own Wine at This Festival Isn’t the Only Reason We’re Excited

Wine Lovers, You Won’t Want to Miss This Event

Written By: Tiffany Carter & Amanda Brenner

Summer is coming, and what better way to toast in the new season than attending Balboa Bay Resort’s 15th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival? This three-day event blends wine tasting with quintessential Newport Beach experiences. “Balboa Bay Resort is an iconic location right on the waterfront making it an ideal location to taste some of the finest wines,” Resort Marketing Director Elizabeth Stefan said. “There will be options to enjoy tastings this year on both the land and on the bay.” For the full experience, the Balboa Bay Resort is offering a Festival Experience ticket, which offers admission to three of Saturday’s or Sunday’s events at a savings of up to $70.

May 25: Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel Winemaker Dinner and Reception

This exclusive dinner event at Waterline Newport Beach will feature a five-course dinner expertly paired by Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom. Wine glasses will be filled with various varietals from celebrated Napa Valley vineyards, Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel, and paired with delectable dishes like Japanese Wagyu, Duck Confit Stuffed Suppressione and Butter Poached Lobster Tail.

May 26: Wine Blending Class

“This year, we are partnering with The Wine Militia to host a wine blending class,” Stefan said. “Guests will be allowed to craft their own wine, be judged by a panel of experts and take home their own bottle.”

May 26: Afternoon Wine and Food Fest

Enjoy live music and bay views at the festival’s main tasting event. The Afternoon Wine and Food Fest will feature over 100 varietals from over 20 premium and award-winning wineries, paired with hors d’ oeuvres by Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom. “This year we will be having an Italian Station complete with a Risotto Wheel and Caprese Paninis….personally, I can’t wait,” Stefan said. Additional food stations include a poke station, grilled taco station, sushi station and ice cream sandwich station.

May 26: Champagne Harbor Cruise Aboard the Ambassador Yacht

Grab your captain hat for a relaxing harbor cruise on Balboa Bay Resort’s own private yacht, The Ambassador. This beautiful sunset cruise will feature Champagne paired with decadent desserts—an enchanting evening that will truly sparkle.

May 27: Mumm Sparkling Wine and Seafood Buffet Brunch

Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom will offer up a number of buffet selections for pairing at Waterline Newport Beach with a little help from Mumm Napa Valley.

May 27: Wine Tasting Duffy Boat Excursion

Enjoy a 90-minute Duffy ride through Newport Harbor with an intimate wine tasting! The wine selections and tasting guides will be curated by The Wine Militia, a trained group of elite wine specialists.