California Wine Festival under sunshine and with a great selection of wine and cheese

The California Wine Festival kicked off its Beachside Wine Festival on Friday with a sunset rare and reserve tasting at its new venue, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Plaza Del Sol.

Saturday will be another day of tasting under the sun at Chase Palm Park Oceanside. Wine from over 50 wineries will be on display, as well as craft beer for the non-wine drinkers. With plenty of wine and craft beer, attendees can enjoy a live band throughout the day and enjoy tastings of olive oil and artisanal cheeses, to name a couple.

With a tri-tip competition from local restaurants and companies on the schedule, tri-tip sizzled on the grill and attendees were able to taste and submit a vote of their favored choice.

"We are doing a candied tri-tip, marinated for about three days we serve that with a house made kimchi and a charred pineapple relish," said Chef Sean Conway from Costa Kitchen & Bar.

With tri-tip in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, travelers were able to also enjoy the great weather. Attendees had the chance to discuss and taste the different tasting notes of wine from Napa Valley, Sonoma and many other regions.

"I have a glass of our hidden asset, which is a red blend, it's mostly Malbec Merlot and Syrah," said Michael Lewellen, owner of Lucas & Lewellen.

Attendees are greeted with California Wine Festival wine glasses and from there, they were able to go to each white tent and the tasting was endless.