IN THE HEART OF CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL COAST, PISMO BEACH IS CLASSIC CALIFORNIA TO THE CORE, WITH WINE, WAVES, AND A RATHER AWESOME EVENT CALENDAR.
Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway 1 and Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo County, Pismo Beach offers seven miles of white sandy beach and plenty of things to do for days on end. Besides beach walks, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and other water sports, hiking and biking, golfing, shopping, and dining, there’s wine tasting! In fact, Pismo Beach is less than 10 minutes from the vineyards of Edna Valley.
Rinse the sand off your feet, hop in the car, and before you know it, you’re in wine country. Follow the quiet country roads and stop at the wineries that call to you. You’ll taste wines that have benefited from one of the longest grape-growing seasons in the world, due to the coastal influence. Many award-winning wines—primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other coastal aromatic varietals and blends—are being produced in Edna Valley.
Pismo Beach now hosts The International Chardonnay Symposium, a convergence of the world’s top Chardonnay producers for an in-depth exploration of the grape’s impact on viticulture, tastemakers, and the market. This year’s symposium, which takes place from May 12 through May 14, will be bigger and better than ever. Unlike a typical wine festival, The Chardonnay Symposium’s primary goal is to educate and inform dedicated wine enthusiasts, be they industry professionals or devoted consumers, about current trends in Chardonnay production and culture around the world. The roster of intriguing new seminars includes: Wente Clone Comparative Tasting, A Perfect Pair: Chardonnay and Cheese, and What’s Oak Got to Do with It? Each seminar is conducted by a panel of professionals before an audience who is invited to sample and ask questions. Plenty of surprises, including the first Legendary Family of Chardonnay Award and the results of the Sommelier Wine Competition unfold during the course of the three-day event.
When it comes to events, Pismo Beach is a happening place. In late spring alone, there are two other popular events on the calendar. On April 23, the 12th Annual Taste of Pismo brings great food, wine, and people together on the cliffs overlooking the sea. And Pismo Beach’s classic five-day surf and wine event, Wine, Waves & Beyond celebrates the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. This fun, laid back happening runs from April 27 through May 1 and celebrates the magic of wine and waves with tastings and more, including a longboard surf contest at scenic venues throughout the county. Throughout the year, the official Pismo Beach Event Calendar is filled with a wide array of events like the Classic Car Show in June, Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast in September, and Harvest on the Coast in November. Another wonderful thing about Pismo Beach is its accommodations. From luxurious oceanfront resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals to RV resorts and campgrounds. There’s something for everyone.
To learn more visit classiccalifornia.com; thechardonnaysymposium.com.