Waterfront food and wine classic turns private lounges into the main event

Newport Beach's eighth Pacific Wine & Food Classic paired more than 35 restaurants with 100-plus wines and dedicated VIP spaces.

The eighth Pacific Wine & Food Classic brought an expanded hospitality program to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort on September 12, putting service design and private lounge access at the center of the guest experience.

The event assembled more than 35 restaurants and 30 wine purveyors pouring over 100 wines. Premium cocktails, a live DJ, a silent disco and chef-led tastings gave visitors several distinct ways to move through the afternoon.

A new Bubble Garden focused on sparkling drinks, while the Paso Robles Grand Wine Experience added a regional tasting layer. Dedicated waterfront seating and private-lounge access created a quieter tier.

For clubs and luxury venues, the format illustrates a wider shift: successful events are increasingly built around multiple intimate zones, strong food programming and a clear difference between general admission and hosted premium access.