The International Chardonnay Symposium not only attracts winemakers, sommeliers, the trade and media. It is a must for wine enthusiasts who travel the globe and want to learn more about winemaking and tasting. There’s also ample time for exploring nearby Central Coast wineries and seaside resort towns of Pismo Beach and Avila Beach that offer downtown winetasting rooms, farm-to-table and seaport-inspired cuisine, boutique shopping, pristine beaches, surfing, kayaking, hiking and biking trails, and more.
Events open to the public include:
French Forum: Exploring The Wonders of French Chardonnay, (lunch included), Friday, May 13, 11:00am–1:30pm. Master Sommelier Bob Bath will take you on a guided tasting tour of the top Chardonnay-producing regions in France from Chablis to Champagne.
Wente Clone Comparative Tasting, Friday, May 13, 2:00pm–3:30pm. During the past 30-40 years, Ernest Wente selected vines that showed favorable trait, and re-planted them to establish the Wente Clone of Chardonnay. Today, the Wente Clone is widely planted throughout the western United States.
Pét-Nat, Sparkling Wine & Oysters Gala, Friday, May 13, 4:00pm–6:00pm.
Join 20 of your favorite producers as they showcase their Pét-Nat or Sparkling wine paired with freshly harvested oysters from Morro Bay Oyster Company.
La Paulée Dinner and Vintners Awards Ceremony, Friday, May 13, 7:00pm–10:00pm. La Paulée Dinner and Vintners Awards Ceremony is an elegant evening attended by consumers, winemakers, sommeliers, and enthusiasts celebrating top Chardonnay producers. The gourmet multi-course dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Craig Strong at Montage Laguna Beach. Winemakers will showcase their treasured library of select wines with guests.
Hone Your Chardonnay Blind-Tasting Skills, Saturday, May 14, 10:30am-12:30pm. Scent expert Larry Brooks, who has crafted Chardonnay for more than four decades, will help you sharpen your blind-tasting skills in this two-part seminar.
Pairing Chardonnay & Artisanal Cheese, Saturday, May 14, 11:30am–1:00pm. A world-class tasting of paired artisanal cheese with acclaimed Chardonnay from top wine producers.
Saturday Grand Tasting, Saturday, May 14, 1:00pm–5:00pm Among the vines, taste premium Chardonnays from the U.S. and around the world spanning the diverse flavor profiles. Enjoy small bites, cheese, a host of vendor booths, and more
Winemaker Dinners, Various Locations, Saturday, May 14, 7:00pm–9:00pm. Select from a host of intimate winemaker dinners at wineries, in the vineyards and top local restaurants. Click on the View Participants for participating wineries.
For more information on the symposium and events, click here.
