These photos were taken Sunday afternoon at Ernie Howlett Park, in Rolling Hills, where close to 1,000 people gathered for the 11th South Bay Beer & Wine Festival. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro and Southbay Sunrise (Torrance), all proceeds fund community outreach programs within the South Bay and Harbor cities of Los Angeles.

The event featured craft beer, wine, food and spirits (for VIP ticket holders) from 100 vendors, live music, a pretty upscale souvenir tasting glass, and free parking. Combine that with an outdoor venue that includes zero asphalt, just nice, cool, green grass. It really takes advantage of our local weather. When it all comes together it becomes pretty easy to see why I have called this one of the best craft beer festivals within 100 miles.

With only 300 VIP tickets and 600 General Admission tickets available, and 100 vendors, I do not recall seeing any lines, except maybe at the porta potties, and even that is a “maybe.”

This year’s event began with overcast skies, and a slight chill; I even resorted to wearing a long-sleeved shirt under my t-shirt. Within a couple hours I noticed that I was not alone in shedding a layer of clothing, as the skies turned blue and the temperatures rose to the mid-70’s and it became another lovely afternoon in Rolling Hills.

While, by my count there were almost as many wineries in attendance as breweries, the breweries typically had two offerings, while the wineries had six or more varieties available; which may explain why the souvenir glassware was changed from the typical tasting glass one receives at a craft beer festival, to a white wine glass (luckily I was able to find a couple old-school glasses for my ease).

I was informed by my Rotary Club connection that Craft Beer Guy readers definitely took advantage of the promo code I provided, and I had several of you come up to thank me for that; I always appreciate that.

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of San Pedro, Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Rotary Club of South Bay Sunrise, and all the sponsors and volunteers on putting on another fun event. I highly recommend you go to your Smartphone’s calendar and save May 18, 2025 so you do not risk missing the next one. I hope to see you there. Cheers!

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