9th Annual Armenian Wine & Spirits Festival

Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the country, so it makes sense that one of the most distinctive tasting events of the fall happens here. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, the 9th annual GiniFest, billed as the Armenian Wine & Spirits Festival, takes over Armenian Arts at 250 N Orange St. It is a good pick if you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that go beyond the usual brewery crawl.

What to expect

GiniFest is built around Armenian wine and spirits, a category most LA drinkers rarely get to taste in one place. Armenia is often described as one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world, and the festival's poster leans into that heritage with grapevines, vineyards and a medieval-style pair of figures raising a cup and a fruit. The event page frames the wider mission as educating the public about Armenian contributions to humanity, so expect the evening to be as much about culture as about pouring glasses.

The organizers have not published a full vendor or pour list on the ticket page, so check it again closer to the date for details before you go. If you follow LA food festivals, this one stands out for its focus on a single culture rather than a mix of everything.

Plan your visit

Date and time: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3 PM to 9 PM. That is six hours, so you can drop in for the afternoon or stay through the evening.

Tickets: Eventbrite lists tickets at $108.55. Buy through the official listing linked on this page, and read the ticket terms there for age and ID requirements, which are typical for any wine and spirits event.

Daylight saving time ends early that morning, so clocks fall back an hour on the day of the festival. Double-check your phone updated before you head out.

The venue is in downtown Glendale. If you plan to drink, book a rideshare or look into transit options to avoid driving. Street parking fills up on busy days, so allow extra time.

Make a day of it

Since the festival starts mid-afternoon, you can pair it with a late lunch nearby. Glendale is known for its Armenian restaurants and bakeries, and eating beforehand is a smart move before a long wine tasting. If you are building a weekend plan, this is one of the upcoming events in Los Angeles worth blocking out early, so buy your ticket early.

Browse more food and drink listings on the food and drink page for other tastings across the county.