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Posted June 2006
Celebrating Wine
Central Coast Wine Classic, July 13-16 CENTRAL COAST—Some
of the biggest names in wine and food—as well as thousands of their
fans--will head to California's Central Coast this summer for the annual
Central Coast Wine Classic, July 13-16. The event highlights growers
and vintners from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara and is one of the highest-grossing
auctions in California.
More Wine Festivities in July
On July 22, more than 100 wineries from throughout the state will pour
400 different wines at the second annual California Wine Festival
in Santa Barbara. Entitled "Reds, Whites and Blues", the
event includes live blues music, a silent auction featuring rare
wines, wine-tasting weekend vacations, gourmet dinners for two, and
more. All-Events ticket holders will be admitted to the Private Reserve
Sunset Tasting Friday night and gain a full hour early admission
from 12-1 pm at the Saturday Wine Festival. General public admitted
from 1-4 pm. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door. Call 800.850.4370
for more information. |
The Classic, now in its 22nd year, hosts a variety
of events throughout the weekend--from a $1,000-per-plate
dinner at Hearst Castle to public barrel tastings
and a bike race. Annual attendance is estimated
to be more than 7,000. Similar to annual events
in Napa and Sonoma, the annual fete is a chance
for winemakers, locals and fans of the region's
wines to gather, eat, drink and celebrate—as well
as raise funds for local charities.
On Thursday, more than 50 wineries will pour unreleased
wines directly from the barrel at Cliffs Resort
at Shell Beach ($40), from 2 to 5pm. That evening,
Charley Palmer of Aureole, Michel Richard of Citronelle
and Christophe Bellanca of L'Orangerie will cook
for an exclusive guest list at Hearst Castle. (Patron
sponsorship required).
Friday morning begins with the Second Annual Central
Coast Cycling Classic ($75), hosted by Carissa
Chappellet. The tour twists through Avila Valley
wine country for tours and tastings and a picnic
luncheon. Also on Friday, Master Sommelier Jay
James from Southern Wine & Spirits in Las Vegas,
hosts the annual Pinot Noir Symposium featuring
wines of the Edna and Arroyo Grande valleys and
Paso Robles, at the Cliffs Resort at Shell Beach
($75). In addition to several other demonstrations
and lectures, local wineries will host exclusive
dinners ($85).
The auction takes place on Saturday and will include
a number of rare and fine wine selections from
around the world; art and museum visits; travel
packages and hard-to-acquire regional wines. Proceeds
from the auction, which have exceeded $800,000,
go to arts, wellness and public works programs
throughout the region.
If you go:
If you would like reservation information or a
printed brochure for the 2006 Central Coast Wine
Classic, please email archie@slonet.org or call
805.544-1285. Information on the Web is at www.centralcoastwineclassic.org.
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