7 Reasons to Attend the 2025 Newport Beach Wine Festival This May
Raise your glass to panoramic harbor views—this Memorial Day weekend calls for an unparalleled celebration! The Newport Beach Wine Festival is back May 23-25 for its 20th year and will take place at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort. This prestigious event gathers wine and spirits enthusiasts from far and wide to explore a vast selection of exceptional wines and artisanal spirits from purveyors like Chambers & Chambers, Veuve Clicquot, WhistlePig, Empress Gin, and more. Here’s what to look forward to at the 2025 Newport Beach Wine Festival!
A Stunning Setting With Sweeping Bay Views
Possibly one of the most scenic cities in the state, Newport Beach is home to more water than land, making it the perfect place for just about any event. And with Balboa Bay Resort playing host to the Newport Beach Wine Festival, guests are in for three days of sun-soaked fun by the bay. The resort sits on the water’s edge, offering 180-degree views of Newport Harbor, and guests can select from 159 guest rooms and suites, each designed with luxe, coastal-inspired touches like Frette linens, espresso wood accents, and custom shams. From plush accommodations to the wraparound patio at A+O Restaurant | Bar—serving up sea-to-table fare and craft cocktails—Balboa Bay Resort is the perfect setting for this epic Memorial Day weekend event. Raise your glass as the boats cruise by, and cheers to a weekend well-spent.
Jean-Charles Boisset Winemaker Dinner (Friday, May 23)
With several premier wineries in attendance, including Veuve Clicquot and Napa’s Chambers & Chambers, this annual event is sure to please the palates of wine connoisseurs. Kicking off the weekend’s festivities is the JCB Winemaker Dinner on Friday, May 23. Hosted in the elegant Lighthouse Room at Balboa Bay Resort, this exclusive evening begins with a reception followed by a beautifully crafted four-course dinner by Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan and his culinary team. Each course is expertly paired with selections from renowned French vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, a celebrated leader in sustainable winemaking and Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 “Person of the Year.” Guests will enjoy engaging wine discussions and impeccable flavors in a refined, harborfront setting. This 21+ event begins at 6:30 p.m. sharp, and cocktail attire is required.
Grand Tasting (Saturday, May 24)
Ready to experience Newport Beach wine tasting in all its glory? The weekend’s Grand Tasting will take place on Saturday, May 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of sun, sips and seaside vibes as you sample top-tier Southern California wines and varieties from big names like Veuve Clicquot and Chambers & Chambers. Guests will also have the opportunity to taste craft spirits from WhistlePig and Empress Gin and indulge in crave-worthy bites from beloved local restaurants like Cucina Enoteca and Gus’ Fried Chicken.
Set against the sparkling backdrop of Newport Harbor, this event features live music, entertainment and a vibrant, coastal atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Memorial Day weekend. Upscale casual attire is recommended, and don’t forget your sunnies—this is one fest where you’ll want to soak up the sunshine.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch (Sunday, May 25)
Sunday kicks off in style with the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch. This sumptuous affair is your ticket to capping off the weekend with a touch of elegance. Dive into a lavish buffet of fresh seafood, handcrafted cheeses and sweet pastries—all complemented by the renowned, crisp bubbles of Veuve Clicquot. With lively tunes setting the scene and breathtaking views to match, the brunch not only promises delectable bites but also a feast for the senses. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and revel in the luxury of premium champagne. Available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the experience is priced at $145 per person and includes beloved brunch staples, a carving and omelet station, and two glasses of Veuve Clicquot to toast to the day’s delights.
An Opportunity to Give Back
Beyond the glasses and gourmet, this Newport Beach event offers a meaningful opportunity to give back. Proceeds benefit the Balboa Bay Club Scholarship Fund, a local non-profit organization that’s been changing lives for over 20 years. Known affectionately as the 1221 Club—named after the Club’s iconic Coast Highway address—the fund supports graduating seniors from Newport-Mesa High Schools, helping them cover the rising costs of higher education. With over $1.7 million awarded to date and scholarships reaching up to $13,000, this initiative is powered by private donations, member support and beloved fundraisers like this one. So come sip, savor and support!
Member and Guest Perks You’ll Love
Balboa Bay Club members and resort guests enjoy special pricing for the Newport Beach Wine Festival—just one more reason to celebrate by the bay. Resort guests can call 949.630.4801 with their reservation number or email reservations@balboabayresort.com to purchase tickets. (Heads up: there’s a seven-day cancellation window!)
Want to elevate your weekend? Book the resort’s Penthouse to Port package for the ultimate coastal escape. From a luxury rental car waiting at John Wayne Airport to a private yacht cruise with Krug Champagne and caviar, this two-night experience is all about effortless indulgence. Stay in the harbor-view Penthouse Suite, enjoy a custom dinner for two (in-room or waterfront), daily breakfast anywhere you like, spa treatments and a $500 shopping spree at the Bayfront Boutique. It’s all the best of Newport—wrapped into one unforgettable stay.
More Opportunities for Fun in Newport Beach
While the Newport Beach Wine Festival promises an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend full of Southern California wine, the fun doesn’t stop there. Newport Beach is a coastal playground with something for everyone—from adventure-seekers to laid-back sun-chasers. Cruise the harbor on an electric boat, watch the legendary wave riders at The Wedge or paddleboard the calm waters of the Back Bay For a nostalgic twist, ride the historic Ferris wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone or hop on the ferry to Balboa Island for a frozen banana from Sugar ‘n Spice. You can also enjoy some shopping at Lido Marina Village, explore the tide pools in Corona del Mar and watch blue whales breach just offshore. There’s no shortage of ways to make your weekend here unforgettable. Whether you’re here for the wine or staying a little longer, Newport Beach delivers the ultimate coastal experience.
