MY PICKS: Wine Events and Festivals from LA to Napa

For this issue of élite Magazine, I’m taking you on a journey beyond Santa Clarita to explore some of California’s most exciting wine events. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a serious collector, these hand-picked experiences—from LA to Napa—offer unforgettable tastings, expert insights, and top-tier hospitality.

Top Picks from LearnAboutWine.com
Founder and CEO Ian Blackburn curates some of the best wine-tasting events in Southern California. I’ve attended these personally and have never been disappointed. Here are three worth marking on your calendar:

•STARS of Napa – May 14 at REPUBLIQUE – STARSofNapa.com
•STARS of Pinot – July 24 at The Peninsula Beverly Hills – STARSofPinot.com
•STARS of California Wine – November 12 at REPUBLIQUE – STARSofCalifornia.com
For more details on these and other upcoming events, visit LearnAboutWine.com

Must-Experience Events from LocalWineEvents.com
For over a decade, I’ve relied on LocalWineEvents.com to discover unique tastings and festivals. Here are a few that stand out this season:

• Rhone Rangers Experience – March 22 – Paso Robles Event
Center Learn about Rhône-style wines, from the popular Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre (GSM) blend to lesser-known gems like Marsanne, Roussanne, and the rare Bourboulenc. This is a must for expanding your wine knowledge.

• Moraga Bel Air Estate Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch – April 12 & 26
Enjoy an exclusive tasting and tour of this once-private estate, paired with a Michelin-starred lunch by Chef Christophe Émé. If you miss the tour, you can still sample Moraga’s wines at the Masters of Taste event in Pasadena.

• Passport to Dry Creek Valley – April 25–27 – Sonoma County
Experience 25+ wineries per day in one of California’s most charming wine regions. Expect world-class wine, gourmet food, and live entertainment as you explore the stunning 16-mile valley.

• Paso Wine Fest – May 15–18 – Paso Robles Event Center
A perfect way to explore Paso Robles’ best wineries all in one place. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, this event showcases why Paso is a must-visit for wine lovers.

• Taste of Howell Mountain – May 21 – Charles Krug Winery, Napa
Wine people know that Howell Mountain is one of Napa Valley’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 “Can’t-Miss” Culinary & Wine Experiences
• Masters of Taste – April 6 – Rose Bowl, Pasadena
an annual food/wine/spirits event held on the field of the iconic Rose Bowl. The chefs are the main attraction, and it’s a great opportunity to sample foods from the restaurants you may have never visited. And there is always more wine and spirits than even I can sample in one day! We love this event! https://mastersoftastela.com/

• Santa Barbara Culinary Experience – 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/

About the Author: 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.

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