Let the Wine Tasting Begin!

The weather is turning, yet again, and with Memorial Day’s unofficial summer kickoff  last weekend, we’re eagerly looking forward to the joys of summertime bliss–barbecues, long days with good friends, and wine festivals galore! If you live in California or are planning a trip out west this summer, you might want to check out what wine festivals will be in or around your area. Here is a list of the various wine festivals, both big and small, throughout California. Happy Tasting!

Southern California – The Balboa Bay Club & Resort 7th Annual Food & Wine Festival, Newport Beach, June 3-6, prices vary based on event. LA Wine Fest, Hollywood, June 5-6, $65.o0 or $100 per couple. Coto de Caza World Class Wine Festival, Orange County, June 12, 2010. Members $125, Non-Members $150.00.   San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, San Diego, November 17-21

Santa Barbara County –  17th Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine & Food Festival, June 6, $90.00 presale, 100.00 at the door. Ojai Wine Festival, Ojai, June 13, $30.00 pre-sale, $40.00 at the door. Santa Barbara Wine Festival, June 26, $60.00-$80.00 based on membership. California Wine Festival, Santa Barbara, July 15, 16 and 17. Ticket prices vary based on purchase and event.

Central Coast — Wine, Waves, & Beyond, Paso Robles, Thursday, June 3- Sunday, June 6. Paso Pinot & Paella Festival, June 6. $65.00.  Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival, Atascadero, June 26, $40.00.  Winemaker’s Cookoff, Paso Robles, August 7, $75.00

Monterey County — Monterey Wine Festival June 10-12, Price varies based on event. Scott’s Valley Art & Wine Festival

Northern California — 2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, September 3 – 5, Ticket sales vary depending on event.  Bodega Bay Seafood, Art & Wine Festival, Bodega Bay, August 28-29. $12.00 pre-sale, $15.00 at the door. Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival, Silicon Valley, June 5 & 6. Pinot Days, San Francisco, June 27, 31st Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival, Los Altos, July 10-11. 4th Annual San Rafael Food & Wine Festival, San Rafael, August 14, $25.00 (Food & Wine) ($15.00 for food only tasting). Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival, August 14, $60.00. Russian River Valley WineGrowers Grape to Glass Weekend , Russian River, August 20-22, ticket prices vary based on event.