This week my wine column is dedicated to hand-picked wine-centric events in both Southern and Northern California. I emailed my contacts from LearnAboutWine.com and LocalWineEvents.com for their best upcoming events and added in why they are trip-worthy for you:
From LearnAboutWine.com
Here are three great events from founder and CEO Ian Blackburn that I’ve enjoyed multiple times offering multiple wines to taste – and I have never been disappointed. They include:
STARS of Napa will be May 14 at REPUBLIQUE. Go to STARSofNapa.com
STARS of Pinot will be July 24 at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Go to STARSofPinot.com
STARS of California Wine will be Nov 12 at REPUBLIQUE. Go to STARSofCalifornia.com
Go to Learnaboutwine.com for all the details on these and other wine events.
From LocalWineEvents.com
This is a great source that I’ve used for over a decade when I’m looking for interesting events to experience. Here are a few, and any further details can be found via the website:
Moraga Bel Air Estate Tour, Wine Tasting and Lunch will be held on two Saturdays: April 12 and 26. Enjoy a tour and tasting with lunch by Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Eme. (This has always been a private winery but lately I’ve seen their wines at the annual Masters of Taste event in Pasadena – mentioned below. Don’t miss trying these at the private estate tour or at Masters of Taste!)
Passport to Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County will be held April 25-27. “We invite you to join us and 25+ wineries per day for California’s Friendliest Wine Festival! Travel throughout 16 X 2 idyllic miles and enjoy sun soaked vineyards, laughter amongst friends, and unforgettable experiences in world-class wine, food, and live entertainment!”
Also at the Paso Event Center will be the annual Paso Wine Fest on May 15-18. Check out all those Paso Robles wineries you haven’t visited yet – all in one place!
Taste of Howell Mountain is slated for May 21 and held at the Charles Krug winery. Wine people know that Howell Mountain is one Napa’s coveted AVAs. “Treat yourself to world-class wines from 50+ Howell Mountain wineries at the 30th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain wine tasting and auctions!”
More
Masters of Taste presents Generous Plates: This exclusive event will offer guests an intimate and immersive dining experience featuring Two Exquisite Five-Course Tasting Menus created by some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated Culinary Masters. Accompanied by premier selections of Spirits, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from top-tier Beverage Masters, and delectable Desserts from L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, this night promises to be an unparalleled culinary journey.
If you love Santa Barbara and food you can’t miss the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience. “SBCE will return May 12–18, 2025, with over 60 exciting events, including: Exclusive dinners and wine tastings; Farm, food, and winery tours; Culinary instruction and cooking classes; Cookbook author events; The Grand Wine Tasting, featuring vintners from across Santa Barbara Wine Country at El Presidio on May 17.” https://sbce.events/events/
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
