July 10th I had the pleasure of working the Central Coast Wine Classic dinner at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA. This premiere event has been one of my favorite gigs for years now. Sommeliers from across California come together in Cambria to work this special event led by Toby Rowland Jones and Seth Kunin, our fearless leaders.
This year was a bit different though, as our team included many of the brave resident sommeliers from Big Sur, along with Toby who had been fighting the fires for many days. We were all incredibly grateful that they were alright, but it has been an incredible struggle for them and the community. Toby received an award from friends and Central Coast Wine Classic Founding Director Archie McLaren and Carissa Chappellet after a photo essay Carissa prepared brought the audience to tears. I am so honored to know someone so brave as Toby.
After many heartfelt hugs and love was exchanged, we finished our duties for the night and the post-event festivities continued as normal as we sang karaoke at the Cambria Pines Lodge and had a good old hotel room party well into the night.
The events of the weekend feature wines from the area, but we also had the opportunity to taste some great Italian wines with Sergio Esposito from Italian Wine Merchants in New York, NY which were amazing.
The Central Coast Wine Classic benefits many local charities.
Make your reservations now for next year’s Hearst Castle Dinner! Dinner is always hosted by a “celebrity” chef, this year, Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood, last year Iron Chef Cat Cora! These chefs are always assisted by Hearst Castle Coordinating Chef, James Sly of Sly’s in Carpinteria, CA. Further activities abound at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa and the Shell Beach Resort. http://www.centralcoastwineclassic.org/
Marble Pool at Hearst Castle
RebeccaChapa.com 