Garagiste Wine Festival: 10th Annual Urban Exposure

A Tasting Experience Like No Other

Imagine stepping into a room buzzing with over 40 micro-wineries, each offering a kaleidoscope of flavors—more than 100 wines from 20+ grape varieties in a single afternoon. Unlike festivals that focus narrowly on one region or varietal (think Pinot Noir or Napa Valley exclusives), Garagiste Festivals throw the doors wide open. You might taste a bold Trousseau Gris from Sonoma, a funky Carignan from Mendocino, or a sparkling Picpoul Blanc from Paso Robles—all in one place. This diversity is unmatched, pulling from nearly every California AVA, from Santa Barbara to the Napa and everywhere in between. It’s a treasure hunt for wine lovers who crave the unexpected, from Cabernet and Chardonnay to a quirky blend or a grape you’ve never heard of.

The festivals don’t just stop at variety—they prioritize access. Most garagiste wineries lack tasting rooms or broad distribution, making these events your exclusive ticket to their creations. Early access options like the “Rare and Reserve” tastings elevate the experience further, offering library wines, club-only releases, and barrel samples that even die-hard collectors covet. With limited ticket sales, the crowd stays manageable, ensuring you can savor each pour and chat with the winemakers without elbowing through a mob.

As with all Garagiste events, only the winemakers and/or owners (often the same person) will be pouring the wines. Come meet the artists who are making some of the most exciting and innovative wines in the world!

• Limited ticket sales so no waiting 15-20 minutes for a taste! Spend less time standing and more time exploring these amazing wines.
• Indoors with A/C so you are comfortable and the wines aren't warm...and you don't get sun-burned.
• Open seating for all ticket levels, so you can relax a bit between tastes and ponder what you've been enjoying.
• A Silent Auction filled with the good stuff - great wine! Want to take some vino home? This is a great way to find amazing bottles.
• Complimentary cheese & charcuterie plates, and bottled water!
• Need a break? Visit our artisan vendors for sampling & shopping.
• Plenty of onsite parking for just $6

ALL EVENTS at Glendale Civic Auditorium - 1401 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA

SATURDAY - JUNE 21st - Please note different starting times below...

VIP SEMINAR & TASTING 11:30am-5pm: The day begins with one of the most popular features of the Garagiste Festivals, its engaging, educational and unique winemaker panel and tasting seminar (see details below), along with a box lunch provided by Vintage Wine + Eats. After lunch enjoy access to the Rare & Reserve Hour which includes library, club only or reserve wines, only being poured during this first hour of the Festival (1-2pm). Includes all perks of Early Access & Grand Tasting tickets.
ONLY 50 Tickets Available!

RARE & RESERVE EARLY ACCESS 1-5pm: Come early and get to taste the best of their best, as our wineries treat our Early Access guests with over 40 library, club only or reserve wines, only being poured during this special time period. The festival’s Grand Tasting follows from 2-5pm with an additional 100+ wines featuring over 25 different varietals. These tickets are limited to ensure Early Access guests enjoy a more personal, less-crowded tasting experience. 150 Tickets Available.

GRAND TASTING - 2-5pm: Join us from 2-5pm and taste with over 40 winemakers pouring 100+ wines and 25+ varietals. Complimentary cheese and charcuterie plates will be provided by Vintage Wine + Eats along with bottled water and a keepsake crystal logo glass from Stolzle. Artisan vendors will also be on hand with additional samples and shopping.

SILENT AUCTION: Our “All Wine” Silent Auction will be going from 1-4pm and is the ONLY way guests can take home these amazing wines. Don’t miss out on these unique bottles and special offerings from your favorite wineries! All proceeds from the auction go to support the Garagiste Scholarship Fund at Cal Poly SLO.

VIP SEMINAR DETAILS

A Deep Dive Into Mourvèdre: How Place Affects Style

This classic Spanish varietal has been around since the beginning of CA winemaking and is finally starting to gain respect across the state as more than just a blending grape. While it adds complexity to the GSM blend, it can definitely stand on its own with a bounty of body and flavors to please every palate.

This seminar will explore the many sides of this world-renowned grape and what each region / AVA brings to the bottle from Northern CA to Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. No longer a mystery to CA wine lovers, Mourvèdre is a wine to be savored and sought out. Get the dirt from our panelists as they share their winemaking secrets to working with this grape and taste the magic that is Mourvedre.

Panelists: Alexandra Henkleman (Omega Road Winery / Livermore AVA), Mike Stiekema (Stiekama Wine Co./ Paso Robles AVA) and Larry Schaffer (Tercero Wines / Santa Barbara AVA)

You must be over 21 years of age to attend any Garagiste Festival event. NO infants, strollers, or animals allowed in the event building. No Exceptions. Tickets are non-refundable, but transferable. All sales are final.

Also check out other Festivals in Glendale, Workshops in Glendale.