California cuisine focuses on locally sourced ingredients with good reason. So much is grown in the verdant valleys, from grapes for amazing wine to the produce of the central valley and seafood from the endless coastline. California literally has it all. Moreover, with the diverse population, innovative flavors emerge, making it a true culinary haven. Check out these food and drink festivals this summer to sample the best of California’s varied tastes.
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
Probably one of the most anticipated events in the Inland Empire, this festival offers the magical opportunity to experience early morning hot air balloon flights. There is also musical entertainment, wine tasting, arts & crafts, and lots of food. Temecula Valley has an impressive collection of wineries to visit, check them out here.
Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
Who knew that 99 percent of the artichokes in the US come from California? Celebrate the iconic vegetable in Castroville located in Monterey county, known as the artichoke center of the world. Get ready to taste the flavorful thistle flower in a myriad of ways: grilled, fried, and even in cupcakes. Furthermore, you might find it interesting that Norma Jean Mortenson, aka Marilyn Monroe, was named the first honorary Artichoke Queen in 1948.
San Diego International Beer Fest
Held every year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego, this is the biggest craft brew festival on the West Coast. With beers, meads, and ciders from nearly 200 breweries, there is something for every brew-lover. Between tastings, head to expert lectures and discover all the beer-themed merchandise available.
California Wine Festival
California is renowned for its exceptional wines, and the stunning Central Coast is home to some of the world’s finest. At this two-day event in Santa Barbara, winemakers collaborate with musicians, gourmet chefs, cheese makers, and craft brewers to showcase the most incredible California flavors to oenophiles and enthusiasts alike.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
As the world’s largest garlic festival, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, The Gilroy Garlic Festival has been a celebration of the flavorful allium for nearly forty years in Gilroy, California. Over three days of garlicky food, music, arts, and crafts, attendees consume nearly two tons of garlic each year.
Latin Food Fest
Since its debut in 2013, this San Diego festival has become the largest celebration of Latin food in the US. Originally designed to showcase the monumental influence of Mexican cuisine from just over the border in Baja, California, the two-day event has expanded to include culinary delights from South America, the Caribbean, and Spain.
LA Food & Wine Festival
LA’s premier culinary event celebrates the many tastes of the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene. The festival offers chef dinners and experiences all over town which can be purchased à la carte.
