Sip on the Sand on Southern California's Secret Strand

When you're looking for a weekend getaway equidistant between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, it's time to make sure Oxnard is on your radar. Nestled on the Pacific Ocean just 60 miles up Highway 101 lies a hidden secret that's about to get out. Get ready for the in-state staycation of your dreams.

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton , California’s only all-suite beachfront resort, announces the debut of a curated monthly Sommelier Showcase wine series at the celebrated signature restaurant Ox & Ocean , led by the resort’s Director of Food and Beverage and accredited level-three advanced Sommelier Ricardo Cubias. The series will occur on the third Saturday of each month complementing the restaurant’s ongoing Sunset Sip programming on preceding Fridays, a twilight tasting experience with an ever-changing rotation of partnering wineries throughout the region and beyond.

“ This series isn’t just about savoring exceptional wines, it’s an immersive journey that empowers guests to delve fully into the intricacies of winemaking, fostering an unforgettable and enlightening culinary journey unlike any other in Oxnard ,” explains Cubias. “ The debut of the Sommelier Series is our continued celebration of the rich bounty of agriculture present not only in Oxnard but throughout neighboring Santa Barbara Wine Country and beyond .”

Under Cubias’ guidance, guests will embark on a sensory voyage meticulously crafted for immersion in the world of wine. Extending far beyond the premise of a tasting, the series promises a profound exploration of wine culture, from the importance of proper glassware to the art of tasting note detection. Each month unveils a new chapter of study inviting participants to step into the shoes of a sommelier, illuminating the mysteries of grape varieties, the significance of regional variations in terroirs and the delicate intricacies separating reds and whites. From the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the timeless traditions of Old World viticulture, the series is a passport for the palate with a souvenir to take home: wine wisdom that will inspire personal preferences and collections for years to come.

The latest 2024 Sommelier Showcase series schedule may be found below:

• Saturday, April 20 at 4:00 PM: A Journey Through California’s Wine Regions
• Saturday, May 18 at 4:00 PM: Entertaining With Wine
• Saturday, June 15 at 4:00 PM: Old World vs New World and the Evolution of Grape Varietals and Winemaking Practices

Bringing a foundation laid in the vineyards of Europe, honed through rigorous education at the preeminent Court of Master Sommeliers, Cubias’ extensive knowledge has ascended him to the pinnacle of his craft. With over 25 years of collective experience in the wine and spirits industry, he previously curated the wine programming at several notable California hotels and resorts including the former St. Regis Los Angeles, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego and Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes.

The Sommelier Showcase series embodies the latest installment in Ox & Ocean’s esteemed wine, culinary and cocktail program. Showcasing the abundance of fresh products sourced from Oxnard’s abundant agricultural landscape and celebrating the convergence of land and sea, the restaurant’s elevated fare—offering an array of trustworthy classics and newcomers—is enhanced by an expansive cocktail program featuring innovative libations and inspired mocktail creations. With a list comprising 40 meticulously selected wine labels and an impressive cellar inventory of 2,000 bottles, the restaurant caters to every imaginable palate in its extensive variety. Poolside, the resort’s vintage airstream trailer Sugar Beats—a nod to Oxnard’s namesake and sugar mogul Henry Oxnard—features a musically-themed menu of elevated takes on California staples and seafood, while the resort’s cozy lounge, DIVE, features a full-service bar, vintage arcade and board games and ample space for private events.

General admission tickets for the upcoming series events are now available at $40 per person. To learn more and book your spot today, visit the website or book directly with Eventbrite .