How to Visit Long Beach Wine Month

Long Beach Wine Month is not just an event—it’s a sensory journey through Southern California’s vibrant wine culture, nestled in the unexpected heart of a coastal city known for its boardwalks, beaches, and maritime heritage. While Napa and Sonoma dominate the national wine conversation, Long Beach Wine Month offers an intimate, accessible, and deeply authentic alternative. Held annually in September, this month-long celebration brings together local wineries, boutique producers, culinary artists, and wine enthusiasts for a curated experience that blends coastal charm with vinous sophistication. Unlike traditional wine festivals, Long Beach Wine Month is designed for immersion: tastings in art galleries, vineyard pop-ups on the pier, wine-paired dinners under the stars, and educational seminars led by master sommeliers—all within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.

For first-time visitors, the idea of “visiting” Long Beach Wine Month may seem confusing. Is it a single festival? A series of events? A ticketed pass? The answer is all of the above—and that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan, navigate, and fully enjoy Long Beach Wine Month with confidence, clarity, and maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive tutorial will transform your visit from a casual outing into a memorable, well-organized experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Timing and Duration

Long Beach Wine Month takes place every September, typically spanning the entire month, with peak events concentrated during the second and third weekends. Unlike one-day festivals, this extended format allows visitors to pace themselves, explore different neighborhoods, and attend multiple events without feeling overwhelmed. The official calendar is released in early July on the Long Beach Wine Month website, so mark your calendar and begin planning at least 60 days in advance.

Key dates to note include:

• First Friday of September: Opening Night Gala at the Long Beach Convention Center
• Third Saturday: Wine & Dine on the Pier – a signature outdoor tasting event
• Last Sunday: Grand Finale Tasting at the Long Beach Museum of Art

Events occur daily, but the most popular ones are weekends. If you’re traveling from out of town, plan to arrive on a Thursday or Friday to maximize your time and avoid weekend crowds.

Step 2: Register for the Official Pass

The cornerstone of Long Beach Wine Month is the Wine Month Passport, a digital and physical access pass that grants entry to over 70 participating venues. This is not a ticket to one event—it’s your key to the entire experience. The Passport includes:

• Discounted or complimentary tastings at wineries, tasting rooms, and pop-up locations
• Exclusive access to limited-production wines not available to the public
• Entry to educational seminars and vineyard tours
• Special menu pairings at partner restaurants

To obtain your Passport:

1. Visit longbeachwinemonth.com during registration season (mid-July to mid-August)
2. Select your pass type: Individual ($75), Duo ($125), or Premium ($175)
3. Complete your profile with dietary preferences and mobility needs
4. Receive a digital pass via email and a physical card by mail (optional)

Passes sell out quickly—often within three weeks of launch—so set a reminder and register as soon as possible. The Premium Pass includes priority access to sold-out events and a curated gift bag with wine accessories and local artisan products.

Step 3: Map Out Your Itinerary

Long Beach Wine Month spans multiple districts: Downtown, the Pike Outlets, the Arts District, and the waterfront. Each area has its own flavor and event focus. Use the interactive map on the official website to plot your course.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary:

• Day 1 – Downtown Immersion: Start at the Opening Night Gala. Attend the “Wine & Women in Wine” panel at the Long Beach Public Library. End the night with a tasting at The Vine Room, a hidden gem with 50+ California small-batch wines.
• Day 2 – Coastal Tastings: Morning: Wine & Brunch at the Queen Mary. Afternoon: Bike to the Long Beach Wine Garden (a pop-up vineyard on the pier). Evening: Wine-paired seafood dinner at Mastro’s Ocean Club.
• Day 3 – Arts & Education: Morning: Tour the historic 1920s wine cellar at the Museum of Latin American Art. Afternoon: Attend a sommelier-led blind tasting workshop. Evening: Final tasting at the Grand Finale, with live jazz and sunset views over the harbor.

Pro Tip: Group events by proximity. Avoid backtracking. Use Google Maps to create a custom route with walking, biking, or rideshare options.

Step 4: Book Accommodations Early

Hotels in Long Beach fill up rapidly during Wine Month. Book at least 90 days in advance. Prioritize properties within walking distance of the event hubs:

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Direct access to the Convention Center and the Pike
• Hotel Maya: Waterfront views, bike rentals, and shuttle to wine events
• The Westin Long Beach: Modern amenities, pet-friendly, and close to the Arts District

Consider Airbnb or boutique inns in the Belmont Shore neighborhood for a quieter, more residential experience. Many hosts offer wine-themed welcome baskets and curated local wine lists.

Step 5: Plan Transportation

Long Beach is walkable, but events are spread across 10+ miles. Plan your transport strategy:

• Walking: Ideal for Downtown and the Pike. Wear comfortable shoes—cobblestones and boardwalks are common.
• Biking: Rent a bike from Breeze Bike Share. There are 15 stations near major tasting locations.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are reliable. Designate a driver if you plan to taste extensively.
• Public Transit: The Long Beach Transit Blue Line connects key areas. Use the Transit app for real-time tracking.

Pro Tip: Avoid driving yourself. Even one glass can impair your ability to navigate unfamiliar streets. Many events offer complimentary valet or shuttle services for Passport holders.

Step 6: Prepare for Tasting Etiquette

Wine tasting is an art. Follow these simple rules to maximize your experience and respect the producers:

• Spit, Don’t Swallow: Most venues provide spittoons. Use them. You’re here to sample, not to get drunk.
• Start Light, End Bold: Begin with sparkling and white wines, move to rosés, then reds. Save dessert wines for last.
• Ask Questions: Winemakers and staff love sharing their stories. Ask about grape varietals, terroir, and production methods.
• Take Notes: Use the tasting journal included in your Passport or download the Long Beach Wine Month app to log your favorites.
• Hydrate: Drink water between tastings. Many venues offer complimentary bottled water.

Step 7: Explore Food Pairings

Long Beach Wine Month is as much about food as it is about wine. Over 40 restaurants collaborate to create exclusive pairings:

• Seared scallops with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc at The Fish Market
• Truffle risotto with a bold Zinfandel at L’Antica Pizzeria
• Dark chocolate tart with a Port-style wine at The Chocolate Room

Some pairings require advance reservations. Check the event details on the Passport portal and book 7–10 days ahead. Look for “Chef’s Table” events—small, intimate dinners with multi-course pairings and direct interaction with the winemaker.

Step 8: Shop and Take Home Your Favorites

Many wineries offer Passport holders exclusive discounts on bottle purchases. Bring a small cooler or insulated bag to transport your wines. Some venues offer shipping services directly to your home—ask at the point of sale.

Don’t miss the “Local Vintners Market” held on the final weekend. Here, you can buy directly from producers, often at wholesale prices. Look for rare bottlings like:

• 2021 El Dorado County Grenache from a family-run vineyard
• 2022 Santa Barbara County Rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes
• 2020 Malbec from the Santa Ynez Valley, aged in French oak

Step 9: Engage on Social Media

Follow

LongBeachWineMonth on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Participating venues regularly post behind-the-scenes content, last-minute pop-ups, and giveaways. Tag your own posts for a chance to be featured on the official page and win next year’s free Passport.

Join the Long Beach Wine Month Facebook group for real-time updates, ride-sharing coordination, and recommendations from past attendees.

Step 10: Reflect and Review

After the event, take time to reflect. Which wines surprised you? Which pairings were unforgettable? Leave reviews on the official site and on platforms like Vivino or CellarTracker. Your feedback helps shape next year’s programming and supports small producers.

Consider writing a personal wine journal entry. Note the weather, the ambiance, the people you met. These memories become part of your wine story—and may inspire your next visit.

Best Practices

Start Early, Stay Flexible

The most successful visitors arrive with a plan but leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best discoveries happen when you wander into a pop-up tasting room you didn’t know existed. Keep your schedule light on the first day to acclimate to the rhythm of the event.

Know Your Palate

Before you go, take a moment to reflect on your wine preferences. Do you lean toward bold reds? Crisp whites? Sweet dessert wines? Knowing your palate helps you prioritize events and ask better questions. If you’re unsure, try a guided “Palate Profile” session offered at the Welcome Center in Downtown Long Beach.

Travel Light

Carry only essentials: your Passport, phone, ID, a small notebook, and a reusable water bottle. Leave large bags at your hotel. Many venues have limited space and no coat check.

Respect the Vintners

These are often small, family-run operations with limited inventory. Don’t ask for samples of wines not listed on the menu. Don’t take more than 3–4 pours per venue. And never ask for a bottle to be opened just for you—unless it’s a scheduled private tasting.

Support Local

Long Beach Wine Month highlights California wines, especially those from underrepresented regions like the Sierra Foothills, Santa Maria Valley, and Paso Robles. Prioritize local producers over well-known national brands. You’ll discover unique flavors and directly support sustainable agriculture.

Practice Sustainability

Use reusable tasting glasses when available. Avoid single-use plastics. Participate in the “Green Grape” initiative—return your used corks to designated bins for recycling into flooring and art installations.

Stay Safe

Hydration and pacing are critical. Eat before you taste. Don’t skip meals. If you feel lightheaded, sit down, drink water, and ask for assistance. Most venues have trained staff ready to help.

Bring a Friend—or Go Solo

Wine Month is equally rewarding alone or with company. Solo visitors often meet fellow enthusiasts and are invited to join impromptu tasting groups. If you’re with a group, designate a note-taker and agree on a rotation so everyone gets to taste everything.

Learn Before You Taste

Read up on California wine regions before you go. Knowing the difference between a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and a Santa Barbara County Syrah enhances your appreciation. Free online resources like Wine Folly and the Wine Scholar Guild offer beginner-friendly primers.

Document Your Journey

Take photos—but not of the wine bottles. Capture the ambiance: the sunset over the pier, the smile of the winemaker, the table setting at a dinner. These are the moments you’ll remember. Share them thoughtfully.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: longbeachwinemonth.com

The central hub for all information: event calendar, Passport registration, venue directory, downloadable maps, and FAQs. Updated daily during the event.

Long Beach Wine Month App

Available on iOS and Android. Features include:

• Real-time event updates and wait times
• Interactive map with GPS navigation
• Wine journal with ratings and notes
• Push notifications for last-minute pop-ups
• QR code scanning for instant access to tasting menus

Wine Apps to Enhance Your Experience

• Vivino: Scan labels to read community reviews and find similar wines.
• CellarTracker: Log your tastings and build a personal wine database.
• Wine-Searcher: Locate where to buy your favorite wines after the event.

Transportation Tools

• Google Maps: Custom routes with walking, biking, and transit options.
• Breeze Bike Share: App-based bike rentals with 15+ stations.
• Long Beach Transit App: Real-time bus tracking and fare payment.

Learning Resources

• Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine – Visual guide to grape varieties and regions.
• Wine 101 by MasterClass (YouTube): Free introductory videos.
• California Wine Institute: Educational materials on state wine production.

Local Guides and Blogs

• Long Beach Magazine – “Wine & Dine” Section: Monthly previews and interviews.
• Visit Long Beach Blog: Insider tips on hidden venues and off-the-beaten-path tastings.
• The Cork & Fork (Instagram): Daily event recaps and photo tours.

Shopping and Shipping Services

• Wine.com: Ships to California with same-day delivery from local partners.
• Local Wine Shops: The Wine Bar, Vino Veritas, and Cellar 42 offer curated selections from event producers.
• ShipItWine: On-site shipping service available at most tasting venues.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria’s First Wine Month Experience

Maria, a 34-year-old teacher from Phoenix, had never attended a wine event before. She bought the Individual Passport on a whim after seeing a social media post. Her plan: attend one tasting, take a photo, and leave.

Instead, she ended up at the “Wine & Women in Wine” panel, where she met a winemaker from Mendocino who shared her passion for organic farming. Maria tasted a rare 2020 Grenache that changed her perception of red wine. She bought two bottles, joined the Facebook group, and returned the next year with her sister. “I didn’t know wine could feel like community,” she wrote in her review.

Example 2: The Corporate Team That Turned a Retreat into a Celebration

A tech company from Irvine booked a team-building retreat during Long Beach Wine Month. Instead of a typical conference, they scheduled a private wine-paired lunch at The Waterfront Kitchen, followed by a guided tasting at a local vineyard. Employees were given Passport passes and encouraged to explore on their own. The result? A 40% increase in team satisfaction scores and a new company tradition: annual Wine Month trips.

Example 3: The Local Winemaker Who Got Discovered

David Chen, a former software engineer, started making wine in his garage in Orange County. He applied to Long Beach Wine Month as a “new producer” and was accepted into a pop-up tasting at the Arts District. He brought 50 bottles. They sold out in two hours. A wine critic from the LA Times attended and wrote a feature. Within six months, Chen’s label, “Coastal Soil,” was distributed in 12 states. “Without Long Beach Wine Month, I’d still be making wine for my friends,” he said.

Example 4: The Retiree Who Found a New Passion

At 72, Robert had never tasted a wine beyond a bottle of Chianti. He attended the “Wine for Beginners” seminar on the first Saturday. He learned how to smell the wine, identify fruit notes, and pair it with food. He bought a journal. He joined a monthly wine club. Two years later, he hosts his own small tastings in his backyard. “I thought wine was for young people,” he told a reporter. “Turns out, it’s for anyone who’s curious.”

FAQs

Is Long Beach Wine Month only for wine experts?

No. The event is designed for all levels—from curious beginners to seasoned collectors. Seminars, guided tastings, and beginner-friendly events are clearly marked on the calendar.

Do I need to be 21 to attend?

Yes. All tasting events require valid photo ID. No exceptions. Non-drinkers and minors are welcome at non-tasting events like art exhibits, live music, and educational panels.

Can I bring my dog?

Only service animals are permitted at indoor events. Some outdoor venues, like the Wine Garden on the Pier, allow leashed pets. Check individual event details.

What if I can’t attend the whole month?

You don’t need to. The Passport gives you access to events anytime during September. Pick the ones that fit your schedule. Even one or two events are worth it.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Over 80% of participating restaurants offer plant-based pairings. Indicate dietary needs during Passport registration, and you’ll receive a customized list.

Can I buy wine without a Passport?

Yes—at retail shops and some venues. But only Passport holders get access to exclusive tastings, discounts, and limited releases.

Is parking available?

Yes, but limited. Most venues offer validated parking at nearby lots. Rideshare and biking are strongly recommended.

What happens if it rains?

Most events are held indoors or under covered pavilions. The Grand Finale is indoors at the Museum of Art. Events are rarely canceled due to weather.

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

Passports are non-refundable but transferable. You can give your pass to a friend if you can’t make it.

How do I become a participating winery or vendor?

Applications open in January each year. Visit longbeachwinemonth.com/participate for guidelines and fees.

Conclusion

Long Beach Wine Month is more than a collection of tastings—it’s a celebration of place, community, and discovery. It challenges the notion that great wine must come from distant vineyards. Here, on the edge of the Pacific, in the shadow of the Queen Mary and the gleaming skyline of Downtown, wine is alive, accessible, and deeply human.

By following this guide, you’re not just attending an event—you’re becoming part of a story. You’re tasting the sun on a Santa Barbara grape, listening to a winemaker recount their harvest, sharing laughter over a glass of rosé on the pier as the sun sets. You’re connecting—not just with wine, but with people, with art, with the rhythm of a city that refuses to be defined by stereotypes.

Plan with care. Taste with curiosity. Respect the craft. Leave with memories—and maybe a few bottles to remind you of the time you discovered that wine isn’t about prestige. It’s about presence.

Long Beach Wine Month doesn’t just welcome visitors. It transforms them.