Sip Your Way Into Summer With Exclusive Tastings and Waterfront Views
It’s that time of year again! It’s officially festival season, and our favorite kind of festival is the wine kind. Picture this: You’re sitting bayfront with views of the harbor drinking a chilled white with live music humming around you. This daydream can turn all too real if you snag tickets to the Newport Beach Wine Festival hosted at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort during Memorial Day Weekend this year.
During this exclusive event, wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike come together to revel in a festive atmosphere brimming with the finest wines, gourmet cuisine and stunning waterfront views. Prepare to indulge in a grand celebration of vineyard virtuosities, culinary masterpieces and the vibrant spirit of Southern California’s premier wine event. This year’s winetastic weekend will feature an elegant JUSTIN Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner, the Wine & Spirits Festival Grand Tasting featuring a variety of wineries and distributors and a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch. Enjoy the best pricing by purchasing your tickets in advance or making a room reservation. There’s nothing like a wine-sponsored staycation to rejuvenate the soul—here’s what we’re looking forward to this year!
1 | JUSTIN Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner
Dive into the elegance of fine dining paired with exceptional wines at the Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner. This exclusive event promises an evening of sumptuous flavors. Each course iwill be meticulously paired with a selection from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. Known for their rich heritage and award-winning wines, JUSTIN brings a touch of Paso Robles to Newport Beach, offering a palate-pleasing journey through bold reds and crisp whites. Guests will have the unique opportunity to learn about the intricate wine-making process from vine to glass. In addition, they’ll also enjoy a gourmet meal highlighting the best of Californian cuisine.
This dinner is not just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that marries the art of wine with culinary excellence. The event will feature guest speaker and master sommelier Joseph Spellman who can answer any and all questions related to our favorite way to unwind. Diners will also have the exclusive opportunity to taste new releases straight from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. There is a 6 p.m. reception followed by a 6:30 p.m. seating to enjoy the 4-course prix fixe dinner. Tickets are $215 per person (plus tax, service charges and fees), and attendees must be over 21 years old.
2 | Wine & Spirits Festival Grand Tasting
The Grand Tasting is a centerpiece of the Newport Beach Wine Festival, offering an expansive showcase of the world’s best wines. Step into a wine lover’s paradise where rows upon rows of wineries and distributors display their finest selections. From robust reds to sparkling whites, your taste buds are in for a global tour. This event is a fantastic way to sample a range of vintages and varietals, meet winemakers and discover new favorites.
Alongside the wines, Balboa Bay Resort’s culinary team will present a variety of dishes designed to complement your tasting journey. Mix and mingle while enjoying buzzy beverages from featured partners like JUSTIN, Daou, Macallan, Casamigos, Belvedere, Don Julio, Bulleit, Ketel One, Empress Gin and more! The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday, May 25 from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person (plus tax, service charge, and fees). Each includes light bites, live music and entertainment by the bay. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this Orange County event promises an enlightening and enjoyable afternoon.
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3 | Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch
Start your Sunday with a pop of luxury at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch. This lavish gathering is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend’s festivities. Indulge in an exquisite buffet featuring fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses and decadent pastries, all paired with Veuve Clicquot. The brunch offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music and picturesque views of the bay. It’s a chance to mingle with fellow wine aficionados and bask in the elegant simplicity of fine champagne. The event will feature seatings from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and costs $145 per person (plus tax, service charge and fees). It will include traditional brunch favorites, a carving and omelet station and two glasses of Veuve Clicquot.
4 | Stunning Bayfront Setting at Balboa Bay Resort
Balboa Bay Resort itself is a highlight of the festival, offering guests a breathtaking bayfront backdrop that complements every sip of wine and bite of food. This luxurious venue exudes a blend of coastal tranquility and upscale elegance, making it an ideal setting for a wine festival. The resort’s sprawling terraces and elegant ballrooms open up to panoramic views of the harbor. From here, guests can watch the boats bob by as they sip and savor an unforgettable weekend.
At Balboa Bay Resort, every moment is framed by the natural beauty and sophisticated charm of Newport Beach, ensuring that the festival is not only about tasting but also experiencing the unique allure of the location. The Newport Beach Wine Festival at Balboa Bay Resort offers a refined escapade that beautifully combines the pleasures of wine, food and stunning scenery. This Memorial Day Weekend, be prepared to toast to the good life. Every glass tells a story and every moment is worth savoring. Don’t miss out on a chance to be a part of it. Purchase your tickets here!
