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.