Sunsets turn copper over Paséa Hotel & Spa, and Surf City’s breeze carries a hush you only hear right before the first pour. On October 17–18, the California Wine Festival returns to Huntington Beach with a new engine in the VIP Pavilion: Sommsation—a tech-forward, sommelier-led platform that treats wine like a live, curated performance.
From Tech Roots to Terroir
“Wine is one of the oldest industries and one of the least infused with technology,” says Danielle Diliberti, Sommsation’s CEO. “We built a platform so discovery isn’t luck—it’s design.” Her team draws from a network of ~60 experts—master- and pro-level sommeliers, growers, makers, and industry veterans—who vet every bottle. “Everything we pour is expert curated and direct from the winery. No shelf fatigue—just intention.”
At the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting (Oct 17) and the Beachside Wine Festival (Oct 18), Sommsation pairs rare and reserve-level wines with chef-driven bites, planned together—not afterthoughts. “We sit with the chefs weeks in advance,” Diliberti explains. “Every station has a purpose—what’s in your glass belongs on your plate.” Expect side-by-side comparisons, blind tastings, and QR codes to save pairings, re-order bottles, and bring the experience home.
Making Wine Approachable
The vibe is serious fun, not gatekeeping. “We want a newcomer to feel seen and a geek to feel challenged,” Diliberti says. “If you know you love a big Cab, we’ve got you. If you don’t know what you like, we’ll lead you by flavor, not fear.” Expect approachable on-ramps—sparkling intros, texture-first flights—and deeper cuts for the obsessives. One highlight: Carnival Winery debuts a new sparkling wine with a Sonoma artist’s label, poured exclusively at VIP.
In the VIP Pavilion, discovery is the core promise. “Our secret sauce is the curation,” Diliberti explained. “The wines don’t sit in a warehouse or on store shelves. They come direct from winemakers, curated by sommeliers, and often tied to a theme or pairing. That’s how we make the experience feel alive—you’re tasting a story, not just a glass of wine.”
Why It Matters
For the California Wine Festival Huntington Beach, the partnership builds momentum. With Napa, Sonoma, Paso, Santa Barbara and more represented, Huntington Beach gets a weekend where small independent producers share the stage with legends—and every pour has context. Sommsation turns VIP into a conversation with ocean views: curated, connected, and unforgettable.
To end on a sweeter note, Sommsation’s playbook mirrors what SoCal wants: experiential hospitality that lingers. “A festival is a chapter, not the book,” Diliberti says. “We meet you at Paséa, then continue your journey—pop-ups, private dinners, cellar deliveries—wine country, delivered.”
Get Tickets Now: California Wine Festival – Huntington Beach
📍 Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
📅 October 17–18, 2025 | ⏰ Friday 6:30–9 p.m. (Sunset Rare & Reserve), Saturday 1–4 p.m. (VIP entry at 12 p.m.)
🎟️ Tickets: Pre-sale includes all wine & food samples + 18-oz keepsake wine glass. Prices vary by event tier (GA, VIP).
🔗 californiawinefestival.com | Know more about the Sommsation Brand at sommsation.com
📲 Follow: @californiawinefestival | @sommsation
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Sommsation
