Dana Point wines up for the return of the California Wine Festival

Local wine lovers can get ready to sip back and relax as the California Wine Festival returns to Dana Point April 22 and 23.

“We are thrilled to be back in Dana Point where guests can enjoy the sunshine and stunning coastal views while sipping delicious wine as live music is playing,” said Emily Kaufmann, executive director at California Wine Festival. “That is what California is all about.”

The 21 and older event pops off on Friday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. The reception will spotlight sparkling wines, with samples of hard-to-find trophy wines and limited-production wines from California vineyards. Sips will be paired with hot and cold appetizers from local eateries, like Brio Tuscany Grille, Mozambique and Beach Fire Bar and Grill, while songwriting pop duo Kalina & Kiana will provide entertainment.

The reception will include a silent auction, with bidding open on wine-related prizes like exotic bottles, tasting tours and dining certificates. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, an organization that facilities instructional and safe beach days for siblings of children with special needs.

The tasting continues on Saturday, April 23, with an outdoor Beachside Wine Festival at Dana Point’s Seat Terrace Park from 1 to 4 p.m. (VIP and Early Entrance ticket holders will have access at 12 p.m.) Attendees will enjoy pours of more than 200 California wines and regional craft brews hailing from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Temecula. Confirmed wineries include Adobe Road, Austin Hope, Ehret, Frisby Cellars and Bernardus, Barlow Vineyards, Carol Shelton Wines, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Lloyd Cellars, Navarro Vineyards, Prager Winery & Port Works, Russian River Vineyards and Sojourn Cellars.

Glasses clink at a previous California Wine Festival.

(Courtesy of California Wine Festival)

For pairing purposes, bites of artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, fresh-cut fruit, shellfish and chocolate will be provided by South County restaurants and vendors such as Gemmell’s, Mahogany Smoked Meats, Waterman’s Harbor, Trevor’s at the Track and Shuck Brothers. Sponsors will host activities including a chance to check out the new 2022 Toyota Mirai and create customizable, insulated, wine tumblers. Steel drum band Upstream will set the vibe with live reggae, calypso and soca music all afternoon.

The festival benefits the Surfrider Foundation of South Orange County, an organization dedicated to protecting oceans, waves and beaches since 1984.

Information and tickets can be found at www.californiawinefestival.com.

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