The California Wine Festival, Southern California’s premier wine and culinary celebration, returned to Huntington Beach on October 17–18, 2025, for a weekend of oceanfront indulgence. Against the luxurious backdrop of the Paséa Hotel & Spa, guests sipped, savored, and celebrated the best of California’s wine country just steps from the sand. The two-day event offered fine wines, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and breezy coastal views—all framed by the palms of Surf City USA.
“We were thrilled to return to Huntington Beach, where the coastal setting and warm community make this festival truly special,” said Emily Kaufmann, Executive Director of the California Wine Festival. “Paséa Hotel & Spa provided the perfect backdrop to showcase exceptional wines from across the state. It was a weekend of oceanfront indulgence, gourmet flavors, and, of course, unforgettable wines.”
Holistic Spirits
Holistic Spirits
The Beachside Wine Festival transformed Paséa’s oceanfront event lawn into a lively tasting experience where guests explored an impressive lineup of wineries representing the state’s most celebrated regions. Attendees sampled hundreds of premium California wines and craft brews while enjoying gourmet food offerings that reflected the diversity of the state’s culinary scene. Among the featured participants were Ackerman Family Vineyards, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Kubani Wines Napa Valley, Priest Ranch, Rancho De Philo, Goldschmidt Vineyards, San Simeon Wines, and Silva Road—each pouring a curated selection that showcased the diversity and craftsmanship of California winemaking.
The day also featured some wonderful options beyond wine including: Holistic Spirits Co., a trail-blazing spirits brand, that offers a holistic” drinking experience by blending botanical extracts. 4 Copas was the first tequila to offer an organic tequila brand, that is not only certified organic, but also kosher and one taste and you will experience the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Above Board is a wellness-driven spirits brand offering low- and zero-sugar liqueurs that offer incredible flavor, with flavors such as: cream, coffee and orange, which are all great in a cocktail or just to sip straight.
4 Copas Organic Tequila
Culinary offerings were equally inspired, with gourmet bites from partners such as Cucina Alessa, Heirloom a Modern Farmhouse, Farm Fresh Home Foods, and Traeger, alongside creative purveyors offering unique local products. Guests discovered handcrafted candles from Glassell Candle Company, boutique apparel and accessories from Golden Tribe Boutique, and flavorful pours from Smog City Brewing Company. At the festival, Duke’s of Huntington Beach also made a splash, bringing their signature coastal cuisine to the festival’s seaside setting as well as Rogue Cookers, who drew attention with their bold, smoky flavors and creative grill-side presentations, adding a rustic, fire-kissed flair to the oceanfront tasting experience.
Smog City Brewing Co.
The VIP Pavilion, powered by Paséa Hotel & Spa and Sommsation, elevated the experience with exclusive access to rare wines from world-class independent wineries. VIP guests enjoyed curated food and wine pairings, blind tastings, luxury seating, and unique giveaways, making it the ideal haven for serious wine enthusiasts.
Live music set the tone throughout the weekend. Friday evening featured the soulful acoustic stylings of Chris Copeland, creating a relaxed, seaside atmosphere, while Saturday brought energetic performances from Adam Lasher, a former American Idol finalist, on the main stage. John Dean entertained guests in the VIP Pavilion, ensuring that every corner of the festival carried its own rhythm and charm.
San Simeon Wines
This year’s festival was supported by an impressive lineup of sponsors. The Almond Board of California, the event’s Diamond Sponsor, served up delicious almond-inspired bites perfectly paired with local wines. Traeger, Icelandic Glacial, Pacific City, Priest Ranch Wines, Highflyer, Leaf Filter, Renewal by Andersen, and System Pavers also contributed to the event’s success. Together, they helped create a celebration that honored craftsmanship, community, and the signature flavors of the Golden State.
Rogue Cookers
Official After Party Fun at Old Crow Smokehouse
From the first pour to the final sunset, the California Wine Festival – Huntington Beach once again proved why it remains one of the region’s most anticipated coastal events. With its winning blend of fine wine, gourmet food, and oceanfront ambiance, it offered guests an unforgettable taste of California’s laid-back luxury.
Glassell Candle Co.
Golden Tribe Boutique
About California Wine Festival
California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. A nationally recognized event series, it aims to showcase the beautiful wines, foods and landscapes of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California Wine Festival has grown to become one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state. Committed to sustainability, 90% of the waste from the festivals was diverted from the landfill in 2024. The festival has also raised funds for local charities across California, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Surfrider Foundation and more. Join upcoming festivals in Carlsbad, Santa Barbara and Dana Point.
For more information, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com and follow us on social media:
(Photos Courtesy Stephan Martin)
Dining and Cooking