9th Annual GiniFest Armenian Wine & Spirits

GiniFest is back for its ninth year, and it's one of the more genuinely distinct food events Los Angeles puts on the calendar each fall. The 9th Annual GiniFest® brings together Armenian wines, arak, brandy, and spirits producers for a six-hour tasting celebration at Armenian Arts in Glendale. The event runs Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3 PM to 9 PM.

What to Expect

Armenian wine culture goes back thousands of years, and GiniFest exists to put that history in a glass. Guests circulate among producers and pourers sampling wines made from indigenous Armenian grape varieties alongside arak (the anise-forward spirit common across the Caucasus and Middle East) and Armenian brandy. Past editions have drawn dozens of producers, a spread of food, and live music that keeps things moving well past the first pour.

The name "GiniFest" comes from the Armenian word for wine, gini. That's worth knowing before you go, because you'll hear it a lot.

The Venue

Armenian Arts at 250 North Orange Street in Glendale is a fitting home for this event. Glendale has one of the largest Armenian communities in the United States, and the venue sits at the center of that cultural geography. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, and the venue is accessible via the 5 and 2 freeways.

If you're looking for things to do near me on the weekend of October 11, this event is within a short drive of most of the LA basin.

Tickets and Price

Ticket information is listed on the Eventbrite page. Price was not confirmed in the source data at time of authoring; check the link for current ticket tiers and availability. The event has sold out in past years, so booking early is worth it.

Tickets on Eventbrite

Getting There

Address: Armenian Arts, 250 North Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203

By car, take the 5 Freeway to the Brand/Glendale exit and head north, or take the 2 Freeway south to Colorado Street. Street parking and nearby lots are available on Orange and Brand. Metro bus lines serve the Brand Boulevard corridor.

Why It's Worth Your Sunday

There isn't another event quite like this in greater Los Angeles. Armenian winemaking doesn't get a lot of shelf space at most bottle shops, and GiniFest gives you the chance to taste it in some depth, from dry whites made with varieties like Voskehat to robust reds from Areni Noir. If you've been to European wine festivals but haven't explored this corner of the wine world, the 9th annual is a low-stakes way in.

For more on Things Happening In Los Angeles this October, check the food and drink events calendar and the Los Angeles neighborhood guide.