DTLA Wine adventurers are dusting off their fedoras in preparation for the ultimate grape escape. LAWineFest is turning the big two-oh, and this year’s expedition is going to be epic!
DT Weekly has charted a course for LAWineFest, laden with the world’s rarest and most captivating wines, to be unearthed like an ancient hidden grove of viticultural gems. On May 31 and June 1, Harry Bridges Memorial Park at the Long Beach Harbor will transform its grassy knolls into an action-packed, wine-fueled adventure land. And we’re here for it!
Ready to discover the culinary rituals hidden within a labyrinth of flavors and complex aromas with guest appearances by celebrity chefs Luis Torres and Wild Fork Food’s Wing Lam or partake in the pungent antiquity of local bries and cheddars gifted by Fior di Latte?
Photos courtesy LAWineFest
Whip up excitement side-by-side with fellow wine enthusiasts with offerings from San Antonio Winery, Jackson Family Wines, and elevated sips and pours with renowned sommelier Michael Jordan on Saturday, as he unlocks the secrets of La Crema’s Nine Barrel wines voted Wine Enthusiast’s Winery of the Year. Hang on tight to LAWineFest signature chalice to collect and savor sips from over fifty other unique wine and brewery alters at the event. Take a shot at winning prizes—including a legendary artifact, a Wings of Hope watch, valued at $4,100!
Want to unlock the secret levels of LAWineFest?
VIP Garden passes, sponsored by Hotel Maya, are $150 at the gate. This all-access pass gives you early entry on Saturday, plus exclusive access to over a dozen “gem” Boutique Wineries producing less than 2,500 cases a year, tasty snacks, comfy seating, and more. Rarer than a perfectly aged bottle of bubbly – There’s only 400 VIP available per day …and they will vanish quickly.
Photos courtesy LAWineFest
LAWineFest director and CEO, Scherr Lillico, is looking forward to this year’s event, telling DT Weekly, “Celebrating 20 years in LA is an incredible feeling! We’re beyond thrilled to clink glasses with our amazing community of guests, exhibitors, and wineries. Get ready for some mind-blowing experiences as we toast to two decades with an incredible lineup of wineries, breweries, and other fantastic sips. A huge shout-out to our incredible sponsors, including Hotel Maya, Los Angeles Magazine, Wild Fork Foods, Land Rover—Puente Hills, Oris Watches, the Queen Mary, and Acqua Panna and S. Pellegrino—you guys rock!”
Speaking of rock! Unofficial Slam Band is set to perform at the main stage.
Photos courtesy LAWineFest
Here’s a way to fill those satchels with everything from witty wine accessories to yummy chocolates, stylish jewelry, cool clothing, and fragrant candles. LAWineFest hosts a dazzling array of lifestyle artisan boutiques, a fleet of food trucks, and even an opportunity to risk it all with the perilous balance challenges of Jenga. The God of Sobriety testers.
Ready for a “wine-cation”?
LAWineFest encourages attendees to stay at the waterfront Hotel Maya or even aboard the iconic Queen Mary itself.
General Admission pass at the gate for $100, includes your entry, a cool commemorative souvenir stemless glass, unlimited* wine and craft brew tastings, water, coffee, and all the amazing Fest vibes. VIP honor is $150, and Designated Driver tickets are available for just $25. True heroes.
Photos courtesy LAWineFest
LAWineFest takes place 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and keeps the party going from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is located at Pike Outlets and Aquarium, and free Long Beach Transit.
Raise a glass! With countless gauntlets shimmering in the air, for every wine explorer from newbie to connoisseur (with a few exceptions: the event isn’t open for pets and anyone under 21), the LAWineFest grape escape awaits! www.lawinefest.com
