{"id":3803,"date":"2025-05-26T17:24:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T00:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backstagesocal.com\/?p=3803"},"modified":"2025-05-26T17:24:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T00:24:59","slug":"2025-nb-wine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backstagesocal.com\/2025-nb-wine\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival: Grand Tastings, Harbor Views, and 20 Years of Flavor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By JACKIE MOE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swirling, sipping, and savoring took center stage Memorial Day weekend as the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival returned for its 20th year, drawing food and beverage enthusiasts to the scenic Balboa Bay Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three-day celebration, held May 23-25, featured a series of elegant events, including a Friday night wine pairing dinner, Saturday\u2019s Grand Tasting, and a breezy Sunday brunch\u2014all set against sweeping views of Newport Harbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organized at one of Southern California\u2019s most picturesque waterfront resorts, the annual festival brought together a wide array of premium purveyors. Guests sampled exceptional wines from producers such as Veuve Clicquot and Chambers & Chambers, alongside artisanal spirits including Empress Gin and WhistlePig whiskey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendees strolled through the resort\u2019s bayfront promenade, tasting sea-to-table dishes from local chefs and engaging in conversations with distillers, winemakers, and culinary artisans. This year\u2019s Grand Tasting featured live music, lively energy, and a celebratory atmosphere that spilled onto the wraparound patio of A+O Restaurant | Bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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