The La Jolla Art and Wine Festival: A Local Celebration for All

The La Jolla Art and Wine Festival is a vibrant showcase for artists from near and far, offering a perfect day for families and their furry friends. No need to leave the pups at home—this year, the dogs truly stole the show! And let's not forget the playful stilted dinosaurs that roamed the event. Rawr!

Featured artists spanned a wide range of media, from ceramics to live performances. Particularly captivating was Liz F. Fernandez, who was live painting a stunning abstract sunset in her booth. A Southern California oil painter, her work can also be found at the Siler Gallery in La Jolla. Another standout was JP Wackenstedt, whose pop realism paintings, often depicting her children, evoked a deep sense of nostalgia.

The beer garden served as the perfect resting spot amidst the bustling event. Vendors from all over eagerly invited guests to sample their wines, both local and domestic. With a stage front and center, we enjoyed a lively performance by the band Gillian’s Island, who brought a beach rock vibe to the party. The crowd was loving it, with almost everyone up and dancing. The irony of “Soak Up the Sun” playing reminded us that the marine layer rolled in thick that day, refusing to burn off in the afternoon!

We were too busy savoring the wine to notice the missing sunshine, especially with the St. Francis Vineyards’ beautifully decked-out Airstream. You could easily convince anyone to go camping in that rig, complete with wine on tap and a lovely host staff. Their selection was top-tier and delicious—too bad we only got five refills with our VIP experience; we could have used one more! Coming hungry was essential, as local favorites like Piatti’s and Duke’s showcased some of their best menu items, creating a delightful experience for both locals and out-of-town guests.

Further down Girard Avenue, we stumbled upon the silent auction, where patrons eagerly vied for stunning pieces on display. All proceeds from the event went to support public schools in the La Jolla area. Throughout the festival, fan-favorite inflatables, including a whimsical family of elephants, provided perfect backdrops for Instagram moments. Overhead, the not-so-friendly stilted dinosaurs entertained the crowd with playful antics and water guns, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities.

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