Since its modest debut as a walk-around tasting event a quarter-century ago, the Central Coast Wine Classic has grown into a truly comprehensive festival.
I’d even go so far as to describe it as a “must-attend” event for any serious wine drinker.
The 25th annual CCWC is scheduled for July 9-12, with most events at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell Beach, Calif.
Here’s just a sampling of what’s planned this year…
* Thursday, July 9 — Dinner at Hearst Castle, featuring chefs Michal Richard, Cal Stamenov, Frank Ostini, Ian McPhee and Wilhelm Hoppe. Of course, special wines will be matched with each course. This is an ultra-exclusive event; one must obtain patron sponsorship in order to attend. That said, if you’ve got the dough, you’ve gotta go.
* Friday, July 10 — San Luis Obispo County Zinfandel Symposium. Among the featured wineries are two with which members of the wine clubs of Vinesse should be quite familiar: Castoro Cellars and Ancient Peaks. At $50, this seminar costs $1,200 less than the Dinner at Hearst Castle.
* Saturday, July 11 — The Rare & Fine Wine and Lifestyle Auction runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes a luncheon. $125.
* Sunday, July 12 — Central Coast Marsanne & Roussanne Symposium. Again, some names familiar to Vinesse wine club members will be featured, including Zaca Mesa, Stolpman and Curtis. $55.
You can view the complete schedule of events by logging on to centralcoastwineclassic.org, and you can obtain further information or register by calling 805-544-1285.
This event has come a long way since I attended Central Coast Wine Classic No. 1, and it just keeps getting better and better.
Next week: Dueling wine festivals.
