ALONG COMES MARY

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a week for me. I’m tired. Car troubles. Happy toddler moments. Sad toddler moments. Tantrums. Breakdowns. And we even threw in Daylight Savings Time. Almost every day this week I’ve been saying by dinnertime, “I need a drink.” 

I probably will sip something soon (hello, weekend). I do have a fun wine-y weekend to look forward to, though. LAWineFest is returning to Long Beach’s Harry Bridges Memorial Park on June 1 and 2. LAWineFest is Los Angeles County’s premier wine tasting event. Producers from around the globe converge for two days of wine exploration and fun, bringing everyone from the wine aficionados to the wine newbies together.

LAWineFest Returns to Long Beach

LAWineFest will feature award-winning wines, craft brews, and more. The outdoor event will be held adjacent to the historic Queen Mary. It provides a picture-perfect backdrop where wine exploration and education are balanced with live music, food trucks, and boutique shopping. And, even better, you’re sipping for a great cause. This year the LAWineFest has again partnered with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club as one of its charitable partners and an additional charity will be announced shortly.

“We are excited to be returning to the beautiful Harry Bridges park by the LA Harbor, and can’t wait to introduce Festgoers to this year’s list of established wineries, alongside newer producers pouring their incredible varietals in the general area and the VIP Garden. We’re also including several breweries, ciders, and a few surprises, just adding to the overall experience for our guests,” said LAWineFest director and CEO Scherr Lillico. “We’re so lucky to (have the support of) our sponsors, including Hotel Maya, the Queen Mary, Los Angeles Magazine, DEFENDER, Aqua Panna, and Hyatt Vacation Clubs, among others. 2024 is currently projected to be our largest Fest yet.” 

This year, guests can make a weekend of it by staying at the waterfront Hotel Maya or the iconic Queen Mary. Both are within walking distance from the Fest. Guests can take in all Long Beach has to offer in art and dining.

Wine it up in Long Beach this June

After an hour or two of sipping, savoring, and strolling, attendees can take a break and listen to live music with the Unofficial Slam Band. There will be plenty of cuisine from an array of food trucks and booths available for purchase. There will also be a large selection of lifestyle exhibitors, offering everything from wine, accessories to chocolates, jewelry, clothing, and candles.

LAWineFest hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking will be available at the Pike Outlets and Aquarium with free shuttles running constantly throughout the day. Designated Drivers, carpooling, ride-sharing services, and public transportation are highly recommended. 

The Low Down…

Tickets are now on sale for discounted prices for a limited time. Tickets at the door will be available, subject to capacity (last year tickets sold out early): 

• General Admission (at the gate): $100
  • Includes entry to the Fest, a commemorative souvenir stemless glass, unlimited* wine and craft brew tastings, water, and coffee.
    
• VIP Garden, Sponsored by Hotel Maya (at the gate): $150
  • General admission PLUS tasting wines from over a dozen gem Boutique Wineries, which means they produce less than 2,500 cases of wine each year. Further premium wineries, along with tasty snacks, some seating, and more. As a result, only 400 VIP all Access tickets are available per day so purchase early.
  • On Saturday only, you also can enter the Fest one hour early (at 1 p.m.). No early entry on Sunday.
  • Designated drivers are encouraged. Drivers will get to join their friends and all the non-alcoholic amenities of the day for only $25.
    
  • The legal bits: 
  • Must be 21 years of age to be on the premises.
  • No Pets – Certified service animals trained to help people with disabilities only.
  • *Wineries/Breweries reserve the right to limit consumption.

Fun fact: I cannot wait to reconnect with Wente Wines who will be pouring at the Fest. Remember my fun blind tasting with them in Livermore?

Learn more and grab tickets HERE. Cheers!