How is your calendar filling up for wine and spirit events? Truth be told mine has been a lot fuller since moving to Las Vegas. I keep adding in events here and in Los Angeles for us to cover. Today I’m sharing some of the events I’ve already signed up to attend, and a few I’d like to add in if I can. Thought you might want to take a look. These are not all of the upcoming festivals/tastings/seminars, but they all get our vote:
WSWA – Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Access Live (For trade and media. Public can purchase tickets.)
February 2-5
“WSWA’s premier industry event, formerly known as the WSWA Convention and Exposition, now brings all three tiers of the wine and spirits industry together under one roof, to better meet all stakeholders goals, bring attendees and exhibitors more value, and address key business challenges. After over 90 years, this event continues to be the place where business gets done and the industry comes together to collectively connect, innovate and grow. Join us in Las Vegas at Access LIVE 2026 to explore what’s new, learn about what is coming in the future, and reconnect with old friends. There is no other event in the industry that rallies so much expertise and networking as well as so many solutions and opportunities concentrated all under one roof!”
Garagiste Wine Festival
February 6-7, Solvang, CA
May 2, Sonoma, CA
“The 12th Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival is returning to the quaint town of Solvang in February 2026 to give you rare access to the region’s best small, hard-to-find winemakers. At this engaging event, you will discover and taste amazing, cutting-edge wines from our roster of high-quality, micro-production, commercial wineries from all over California’s Central Coast. Find out for yourself why we’ve been selling out our events for ten years and why we were named the #1 Wine Festival in the Country by USA Today! Meet the winemakers and hear directly from them about the ins and outs of their winemaking styles.”
https://www.garagistefestival.com
Blendfest on the Coast
February 19-22, Cambria and San Simeon
“Experience a taste of Paso Robles Wine Country along the beautiful California coast. Paso Robles BlendFest on the Coast – the only festival dedicated to blends – will take place Feb. 19-22, 2026, in San Simeon and Cambria with a selection of exciting events. Paso Robles’ winemakers love to blend wine, mixing varieties to craft something unique and delicious. BlendFest celebrates rule-breaking, traditional, and unconventional wine blends throughout the weekend.”
Bar and Restaurant Expo (For trade and media. Public can purchase tickets.)
March 24-25
“EVERY DETAIL SHAPES THE GUEST EXPERIENCE—AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE – From the bar to the back office, every decision impacts how guests feel—and how your business performs. Bar & Restaurant Expo is built for the people who make hospitality happen—owners, operators, managers, bartenders, chefs, and teams driving service and sales every day. In 2026, we celebrate 40 years of powering the hospitality industry—bringing hands-on training, real-world solutions, and proven innovations to help you grow smarter, faster, and more profitably. Join 10,000+ industry leaders and suppliers in Las Vegas to discover what’s next. In this milestone year, every moment counts—and the right ideas can transform your operation.”
https://www.barandrestaurantexpo.com
Universal Whisky Experience
April 22-24
“The Universal Whisky Experience proudly welcomes you to Wynn Las Vegas | April 22–24, 2026 for an extraordinary three-day celebration of rare whisky, exceptional spirits, and the stories that define them. This iconic event brings together the world’s most sought-after pours, master distillers, and passionate connoisseurs for an immersive journey into craftsmanship, culture, and flavor—set against the energy and elegance of Las Vegas.
From first sip to final dram, choose the experience that defines your Ultimate. The 1 Day Connoisseur Experience places you at the heart of curated tastings and intimate meet-the-maker moments. The 2 Day High Roller Experience elevates the journey with VIP access, private tastings, exclusive lounge entry, and special-release pours. For those who want it all, the 3 Day Legends Experience offers unparalleled access—rare and collector whiskies, pairing dinners, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal connections with the legends who craft them.”
Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience
May 14-17
“Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. Our goal is to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to the agriculture of Sonoma as it relates to the rest of the world.”
https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com
Ojai Wine Festival – The Annual Ojai Wine Festival
June 20, 2026 Ojai, CA
“The Ojai Wine Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Casitas, is a distinguished event for Southern California’s tasting scene. Featuring an impressive lineup of wineries, breweries, and spirits companies, along with engaging activities such as silent auctions, live music and dancing along with a gourmet food vendor & artisan market, it promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. We cordially invite you to attend this year’s 38th Ojai Wine Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the beautiful Lake Casitas Recreation Area. Since 1987, the Ojai Wine Festival has raised $1.7 million for community service and international projects. The Rotary Club of Ojai West Foundation focuses on philanthropy, enhancing education, healthcare, and youth activities locally. We support local projects like the Rotary Floating Classroom, the 3rd Grade Dictionary Project, and educational scholarships. Internationally, we contribute to projects in environmental protection, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and disease eradication, especially Polio.”
Festival Napa Valley
July 4-19
“Summer Season First Look: Celebrate Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary with unforgettable performances by international stars and rising talent, paired with Napa Valley’s unmatched food, wine, and hospitality. Secure access now to the Patron Experience (July 10-19) by purchasing a Multiday Patron Pass. Festival Fund donors receive priority reservation access. Taste of Napa early bird tickets on sale now! INDIVIDUAL TICKETS GO ON SALE MARCH 2026. Programs and additional schedule details to be announced.”
https://www.festivalnapavalley.org
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Also find events in your area from LocalWineEvents.com
And in Los Angeles from LearnAboutWine.com
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. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
