Now in it’s fourth year, the California Wine Festival (CWF) has found a sunny beachside home in the quaint coastal town of Dana Point in Orange County. This year’s Wine Fest takes place April 19-20, and Executive Director Don Fritzen said, “We’re expecting another great Festival in Orange County this year!” “Orange County has 3 million plus citizens and most of them seem to love wine!” “We’re bringing back even more wineries from around the state and great food purveyors to meet the great demand here. We’re really excited about our fourth Festival here and the great momentum building in Orange County!”
VP of Festival Operations, Emily Kaufmann, has lined up an even wider variety of wineries from every wine region in California, as well as a group of wineries from Oregon to pour at the prestigious events, plus regional microbreweries and restaurants from around the County.
“We’re getting a greater response in our fourth year, Kaufmann said, “Many of the heavy hitters hang back to see what happens, and with a first three years selling-out, we’re having no trouble filling our festival with great winemakers and food purveyors.” Sponsors are paying attention too and Kaufmann is enlisting national sponsorships to showcase their companies at the events. “They see the quality and prestige of our brand, Kaufmann said, “and the type of clientele we attract here in Orange County. They want to be part of it.”
Tickets are available to be downloaded at home now on the Festival website, http://www.californiawinefestival.com.
Friday April 19, 6:30-9 pm – “Sunset Rare & Reserve” Wine Tasting, Marriott Laguna Cliffs
Vue Lawn This is the toughest ticket in town. California’s best winemakers dust off their rare and reserve level wine bottles in a wine lover’s fantasy night of sipping the ” REALLY GOOD STUFF” at a brand new and breathtaking venue, the Vue Lawn at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa overlooking Dana Point Harbor and Marina.
“We’ve got some really fantastic wines being poured again this year,” Kaufmann said. “Some wines being poured are impossible to find anywhere, so we’re extremely fortunate to have such a great collection of wines here for our guests.” A sparkling champagne reception greets guests who will then be treated to Napa trophy cabs, rare bottles of Sonoma reds, Santa Cruz and Sierra Mtn. areas finest Pinot Noirs and Syrahs, the trendy wines from California’s Central Coast, as well as a solid Santa Barbara County and Temecula contingency of top winemakers. Popular regional chefs will serve hot and cold gourmet appetizers while live music keeps things humming along. The rare chance to taste over 100 of these rare wines will be mirrored in the stunning views from high atop the Marriott’s Laguna cliffs location.
Saturday, April 20, 12 noon-4 pm – “Beachside Food & Wine Fest” Doheny State Beach, Orange County.
This wildly popular wine event is a Spring time high point in Orange County wine circles and the Dana Point–Doheny State Beach location attracts thousands beginning at noon for VIP and Early Entrance Pass holders – and 1 pm for regular ticket holders. Excited wine lovers can stroll the grassy beachside location for a day of sun, sea, wine, food and music where literally hundreds of premium California wines are served up along with the best of the regional microbreweries, gourmet foods and vendors of all things related to wine. “Upstream”, a busy Southern California Caribbean band, is back with their own brand of high energy fun fueled by their steel drum rhythms.
FREE NEW EVENT THIS YEAR!
Saturday, April 20, 4 pm-5:00 pm Beachside Win’down
The Wine fest may be over, but not the fun! Festival guests are encouraged to join the fun at the free “Win’down” post-Fest event right at the Doheny State Beach Picnic area next to the Festival. Organizers invite everyone to relax and refresh in the shade for an hour before driving home. Free bottled water and snacks will be offered and if the munchies really strike, a variety of hot and cold foods from local gourmet food trucks will be for sale.
Print-at-home and will call tickets are available on the Festival website (www.californiawinefestival.com). For more information, contact Emily Kaufmann, Emily@californiawinefestival.com; 805-886-5103.
Saturday Night Foodies 