Far More Than a Dinner

The third annual NOBLE Wine & Dine weekend was, by every measure, unforgettable. Over a sun-drenched weekend in Newport Beach, hundreds of VIP guests converged on the Pendry Newport Beach for a two-day celebration of culinary excellence — a Grand Tasting on Saturday followed by a Farewell Brunch on Sunday. The event showcased the very best in culinary artistry, world-class wines, artisanal cocktails, and luxury brand activations.

It was an honor to welcome celebrated chefs, winemakers, and sommeliers from around the world — among them the legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck, the visionary behind globally acclaimed restaurants including Spago and CUT. A multiple James Beard Award winner and two-Michelin-star chef, his influence on modern gastronomy is without equal — and his presence lent the weekend a distinction all its own.

Guests arrived in style, greeted by a striking display of luxury vehicles, a red carpet perfectly designed for the moment, and captivating acrobatic dancers who set the tone for two days to remember. Beyond the draped curtains, they entered a grand salon transformed into an immersive social experience — a space where attendees mingled with acclaimed chefs and world-renowned winemakers while exploring a curated selection of luxury brand activations.

Both days opened with exquisitely curated dishes prepared by an exceptional roster of chefs: Chef Wolfgang Puck, NOBU Newport Beach, Chef Michael Reed of Poppy & Seed, Chef Riley Huddleston of The Mayors Table, Chef Ben Martinek of Pendry Newport Beach, Chef JoJo Ruiz of SET Steak & Sushi, Chef Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix, Chef Erik de Marchi of Osteria, Chef Jessica Roy of 608 Dahlia, Chef Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden, Chef Oliver Wolf of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, and Olive Wood Pizza.

Guests had the singular opportunity to watch each dish come to life, engaging directly with the chefs and discovering firsthand the inspiration behind every culinary creation. Standout ingredients included grass-fed wagyu from First Light Farms, grass-fed lamb from Lumina Farms, premium duck from Maple Leaf Farms, and an abundant offering of Imperia caviar. Visit Newport Beach brought the experience to a fitting close with an espresso martini and dessert pop-up, perfectly complemented by an array of extraordinary tarts and confections from Chef Dorothy Chao.

Each dish was carefully paired with exceptional wines from distinguished vineyards, including Arrow & Branch, Double Diamond, Ruffino, Pahlmeyer, Lithology, Prestance, Walson Holland, Eleven Eleven, Lingua Franca, Mount Veeder Winery, Morlet Family Vineyards, Wiens Cellars, and Rusack. Guests also savored meticulously crafted cocktails featuring Golden Eagle Vodka, Skorpios Tequila, Peroni, and a surprise tasting of LOUIS XIII Cognac — an inspired touch that elevated the evening to another register entirely.

Throughout the evening, guests explored a diverse array of luxury brand activations — from artisanal knives by Aura California and rare timepieces from Happy Jewelers to kitchen innovations from Howard’s and Monogram Appliances. Alexander Marine created an elegant yacht-inspired lounge, while FirstTeam® Real Estate welcomed guests into a stylish space to explore their premier real estate services. A dedicated Yaamava’ bar showcased a selection of premium beverages and specialty cocktails crafted with Lynxx Bourbon. A silent auction benefiting CASA OC rounded out the evening, with all proceeds directed toward the organization’s exceptional community work.

Guests reveled in a spectacular atmosphere complete with live music, a marching band, a DJ, and animated conversation among old friends and new. As the evening drew to a close, attendees gathered to hear from the founders of NOBLEMAN and honored guest Chef Wolfgang Puck, who was presented with the Chef of the Year Award and proudly unveiled his cover on NOBLEMAN Issue 29.

The third annual NOBLE Wine & Dine was, by every measure, a resounding success. The organization extends its deepest gratitude to every guest and partner who made it possible — and is already looking forward to what the next edition will bring.