Balboa Pavilion

Would you like cheese with that whine? Yes, I am whinning… and yes I got the tickets for free… there goes my free tickets from Ryan C from now on-​Ryan C., you’re still the man ha!
I would not have paid between 75 to 100 dollars for these tickets.
Ubered here from Irvine (80.00 and some change for round trip, plus a few stops on the way back) for some wine tasting, and thank you Unilocal for the pair of free tickets. The experience was okay, almost reminded me of a swamp meet type environment/​bingo night but add in a historical building and water! Event staff members were great, especially the lady that handed out the soveigner wine classes-​she was extremely sweet. Vendors were hit and miss (some lacked charisma), while others were amazing. Appetizers were not bad, but hardly came out. They listed 8 appetizers on their website, but only saw 2 when we were there… must have ran out, perhaps those folks with horrible manners taking 3 to 4 at a time (same ones that go to Costco during lunch time for a free lunch, munching on samples ha!) The best part was the Vinemark booth, guys were fun and full of energy unlike The Navarro booth who lacked energ, and had mediocre samples. Also, we found a family owned local business called Seven Barrels that sold Olive Oils and Italian Balasmics and bought a few bottles. Ran into a vendor who has an amazing idea of a bottle mijoto just add ice and mints (Go Hug-​O Sparking Wine!!!) Overall, my expectations were high, and unfortunately it did not deliver even though I know it’s their first year doing it at this location. I did like the fact the had a charity event raffle though which is always great!

Thanks Unilocal for the free tickets to this past weekends wine tasting event. My GF was complaining about how I never took her to any cool Unilocal events, the tickets put that to an end. The event was smaller than I anticipated, probably because it was the first year of the event. I thought the event was well organized and parking wasn’t much of a problem down by the park. Since I was driving I had to be careful on the number of different wines I could taste. I think my favorite out of the ones I tried was the pinot noir from la crema. The appetizers and cheese plates were good too, that helped with all the drinking.

The view! Definitely a nice place to host a wedding or an event, though something really needs to be done about the parking because the valet was completely terrible. Their service, attitude, and «do you need change» for a $ 20 for an already overpriced $ 10 valet (they didn’t honor the $ 4 for eating at the restaurant and staying under the 2 hour limit, be careful about that. They stated the «moment you step upstairs» they have to charge you the event price). just to move the car literally about six feet out. It ruined the rest of the night which I was already irked about.
The three-​stars is for the Balboa Pavillion Grand Wine Tasting, which was pretty, but there wasn’t any food or anything to munch on. I saw them bring two appetizer type plates from downstairs, which the person holding them would feed all of their friends. It just seemed a little unfair. I went to the restaurant downstairs to get a bite to eat since there were no snacks and they didn’t even honor the appropriate prix fixe price for the event, though that’s for another review. I didn’t really see any staff from the Pavilion itself so I don’t have anything to say there.
The venue was beautiful but I’d be hesitant to come back to this location.

Had the opportunity to attend the Balboa Pavilion Grand Wine tasting, raising money for Fish For Life. This was a really well organized event and the room was set up well to keep traffic moving while allowing you places to sit or gather at a cocktail table. There are lots of cool historic photos around the building of OC which were fun to look at. The harbor view was pretty especially when the sun came out! They had a good set up for über car pick up too! Good for those who sampled a lot of wine!!!
Upon arrival you received a commemorative wine glass. There were lots of wines to try and so it seemed like a good value for the money. I enjoyed trying wine by Carucci and Cholame Vineyard. The appetizers provided were really good too, specifically the watermelon with goat cheese and the bacon wrapped asparagus. Loved a chance to try Cupcakes from Smallcakes bakery on balboa island — many delicious choices. Check them out!
Worth checking out next time it comes around.

I was given two tickets to the Grand Wine Tasting event which is a fundraiser for Fish for Life. This is an organization that takes physically challenged kids out for a day of fishing. A beautiful building. The grand ballroom was all decked out. The event was well attended and the staff was exceptional. Tons of hot appetizers, cheese platters, and endless pours from wonderful California wineries.

Parking is impossible and valet was a little pricey, but if you are in the area already, it has a spectacular view!
Pretty good happy hour pricing, and solid selection of draft beers. I’d come again (but on foot or bike!)