CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The highly anticipated Corpus Christi Wine Festival returns to Heritage Park on Saturday, Nov. 23, marking its sixth annual edition with an expanded lineup of activities, wine selections, and entertainment.
Organized by local enthusiasts Frank Arriaga, Dave Berlanga, and Virginia Perez, the festival aims to foster a growing wine culture in Corpus Christi. Arriaga noted the event’s continued growth and expressed excitement for festivalgoers to experience the enhancements introduced this year. “Building a wine culture in Corpus Christi has been important to us. We’ve seen the event grow and are excited to continue improving it,” he said.
This year’s festival will feature many familiar elements, including food trucks, vendors, and more than 100 varieties of wine. Notably, the selection will include wines not typically found in Corpus Christi, offering attendees a unique tasting experience.
However, organizers have introduced several new features and upgrades to the event. Berlanga highlighted the expansion of the “Taste of Texas” area, which now extends into the park’s rose garden, and the enlarged VIP section, designed to offer more space for relaxation in a newly gated area. “We’ve made the VIP area larger, so there’s more room for everyone to enjoy a lounge-like atmosphere,” Berlanga said.
Arriaga also mentioned improvements to the festival’s infrastructure, including new, safer tents to ensure the comfort and safety of attendees. “We’ve upgraded the tents to prevent issues we had in the past with straps coming loose. It’s all about safety and enhancing the experience for our guests,” he explained.
A standout feature this year is the debut of the Dope Barbecue Lounge, a new space located at the center of the park. Designed to offer a unique spot for food lovers to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and catch some football, the lounge promises a laid-back vibe for festivalgoers.
In addition to the wine and food, the festival will offer live music from over a dozen performers, including headliners Donavon Frankenreiter and Bart Crow. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of interactive activities such as paint-and-sip sessions, face painting, and a special appearance by Texas Party Animals. For the second year, the group will bring three alpacas for families to meet, take photos with, and enjoy.
For those who prefer beer over wine, the festival will feature a dedicated craft beer area, alongside a highly anticipated chef showdown beginning at 4 p.m.
While Corpus Christi is not traditionally known for its wine scene, the festival aims to fill that gap. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to educate those who might not necessarily be wine drinkers,” Perez said, referencing the diverse selection of wines available at the event. “With over 100 varieties, it’s a great chance for people to explore new flavors they might not usually see.”
For Arriaga and his team, the festival is also about celebrating the social aspect of wine. “Wine is something we associate with friends and family,” he shared. “It’s about creating those moments together, and it’s nice to be able to facilitate that for others.”
Tickets to the festival are priced at $30, which includes access to tastings. Each tasting ranges from two to six tickets, while half glasses cost between four and eight tickets, and full glasses range from eight to 17 tickets. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the festival’s website. Organizers urge attendees to buy tickets early, as the event has a capacity limit and sold out in previous years.
The Corpus Christi Wine Festival runs from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Nov. 23. Organizers also encourage festivalgoers to plan ahead for transportation, advising the use of designated drivers or rideshare services to ensure safe travel.
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