The Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival is back May 26-28 for its 18th 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 Duckhorn Winery, Off Hours Bourbon, 818 Tequila and more. Here are four things to look forward to at the 2023 Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival!

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 & Spirits 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. Raise your glass as the boats cruise by, and cheers to a weekend well-spent in the city by the sea!

Tastings From Top Wineries

With several premier wineries in attendance, including Napa Valley’s Duckhorn, Paso Robles’ Lasorda Family Wines and Chateau Montelena, this annual event is sure to please the palates of wine connoisseurs. Kicking off the weekend’s festivities is Duckhorn’s five-course dinner on Friday night, which will feature its notable cabernet and merlot selections. Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan will prepare a spread of dishes ranging from Wild Morro Bay Smoked Salmon Roulade and Mishima Ultra Wagyu Ribeye to Meyer Lemon Cake with Grand Marnier Coconut Curd. During the Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, guests will be able to sample selections from DAOU and other wineries, as well as premium spirits.

Live Music + Aerialist Entertainment

Wine and spirits may be the highlights of this three-day weekend event, but guests can also anticipate an array of captivating live entertainment. Local bands are set to perform on both Saturday and Sunday during the Grand Tastings, so you can kick back and relax to the soulful melodies of a bluesy trio, as well as the captivating sounds of Faultlines, an acoustic folk singer-songwriter duo known for their fusion of modern pop and country roots. Balboa Bay Resort’s Bayfront Lawn will also host aerialist entertainment, where acrobats will show off their best mid-air tricks!

Macallan’s Pop-Up Speakeasy 

Enhance your wine and spirits tasting experience with a touch of sophistication at Macallan’s exclusive Pop-Up Speakeasy, The Speyside Lounge. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite flavors as you explore the exceptional range of Macallan single malt scotch whiskeys, accompanied by rare tastings and tantalizing tapas. Secure your spot for one of these tastings on Friday at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. This first-time addition to the festival is an absolute must-visit for all attendees, and you can experience its allure on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Written by: Kaylin Waizinger