Two Days of Oceanfront Sips, Sunsets and Serious Flavor
There are wine weekends, and then there are wine weekends with a view. The kind where your glass catches the sunset and you forget your inbox exists. That’s the energy behind California Wine Festival 2026, returning to Dana Point for two days of oceanfront indulgence. Set along the Pacific, this Orange County wine festival blends coastal ease with serious culinary cred. Think crisp pours, chef-driven bites and live music that lingers into golden hour. If your spring calendar needs a glow-up, consider this your sign. Pack the linen, call your group chat and prepare to sip your way through one of the most scenic California wine tasting events.
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Friday night sets the tone, and it does not hold back. The Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting unfolds on the Del Mar Lawn at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point. Here, ocean views stretch endlessly while the crowd leans polished but relaxed. Guests start with a sparkling wine welcome before moving into a lineup of limited-production pours. Expect bold Napa reds, elegant Sonoma blends and Paso Robles standouts. Featured wineries include Alma Rosa Winery, Cakebread Cellars, Goldschmidt Vineyards, and Ysidro Sake Spritz. Plus, a charitable silent auction benefiting the Sandy Feet Initiative adds a feel-good moment to an unforgettable evening.
The setting carries its own drama. Soft lighting glows as the sun dips, and the ocean becomes the backdrop for every sip. Appetizers and artisan cheeses arrive in perfect rhythm, each one designed to complement the wines without overpowering them. This is the night for discovering that one bottle you’ll talk about all year. Come early, stay late and don’t rush the view.
Beachside Wine Festival at Sea Terrace Park
Saturday shifts the energy from refined to festive, without losing an ounce of style. This Sea Terrace Park event transforms the area into a palm-lined playground for wine lovers. Guests can explore hundreds of California wines, from crisp coastal whites to structured reds that demand a second sip. The layout feels open and social, encouraging you to wander, taste and repeat.
Beyond the wine, the food lineup deserves its own spotlight. Top local chefs serve bites that reflect the region’s coastal influence, with fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors leading the way. Food purveyors include Bluewater Grill, Glasspar Oyster Bar & Tap Room and Krave Asian Fusion Restaurant. Live music keeps the mood high throughout the afternoon, adding extra bounce to each conversation. You’ll notice groups lingering longer than planned. That’s the magic here. Every detail feels seamless yet intentional, creating the kind of Dana Point wine event you won’t want to leave.
The Vibe: Where Coastal Meets Cultivated
What makes the 2026 California Wine Festival stand out is how it balances luxury with approachability. You’ll see polished wine collectors next to first-time tasters, all equally invested in what’s in their glass. The dress code leans coastal chic. Think breezy dresses, linen shirts and sunglasses that make it from golden hour straight into the afterparty.
The design of each space adds to the experience. From glowing string lights to open-air layouts, everything feels purposeful. Even the pacing works in your favor. There’s time to sip, time to snack and time to pause for that perfect ocean selfie. This Orange County wine festival invites you to settle in and stay awhile.
Why This Belongs on Your Spring Calendar
Spring in Dana Point already feels like a dream, but the California Wine Festival gives it a reason to celebrate. For anyone searching for the best wine festivals in California, this one checks every box. Scenic location, curated wines and a social atmosphere that feels elevated but never intimidating. Snag a single- or two-day pass (VIP available) on Eventbrite and choose your adventure, whether you’re popping in for sunset sips or craving a wine-filled weekend.
California Wine Festival
@calwinefest
Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Hotel & Spa
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – 1-4 p.m. (12 p.m. for VIP and Early Entrance)
Sea Terrace Park – OUTDOOR VENUE
Pacific Coast Hwy & Niguel Rd, Dana Point, CA 92629
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
