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Chardonnay is California’s golden girl. With its delicious swirls of rich fruit and brilliant acidity, the grape not only represents the state’s most widely planted and produced varietal, but also the most popular wine in glasses across the United States.

June 29-July 1, SMVWINES presents The Chardonnay Symposium, an insightful weekend of education and exploration designed to enlighten wine consumers, industry professionals, and media on Chardonnay wine-producing regions and wine making styles and their effects on this versatile Burgundian varietal.

Friday, June 29, The Chardonnay Symposium committee is busy planning a weekend of Chardonnay-inspired events beginning with a winemaker welcome dinner on Friday.  Stay tuned for more information.

 

Saturday, June 30, The Chardonnay Symposium’s premiere, full-day event begins at 10:00 am with a morning educational session at Byron Vineyard & Winery featuring a distinguished panel of celebrity and winemaker experts, headed by Wine Enthusiast’s Steve Heimoff.  The panel will exploring important Chardonnay-specific topics from farming to cutting-edge winemaking practices.   The relaxed environment will provide an ideal time to sip wine and further discuss the nuances of Chardonnay with some of the wine industry’s most respected personalities.

The Grand Chardonnay Tasting takes place from noon-4 pm at Byron Vineyard & Winery beautiful facility nestled in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley. This expanded tasting will afford guests the opportunity to sample Chardonnays from over 50 wineries and pair them with gourmet foods provided by local restaurants and caterers.  Celebrity Chef’s will demonstrate Chardonnay food pairing secrets!  Full day tickets include the morning panel discussion, transportation, admission to the Grand Chardonnay Tasting and a Riedel wine glass. Tickets for the Grand Chardonnay Tasting event are included in the full day cost or may be purchased for separately.

Sunday, July 1, Santa Maria Valley winery tasting rooms and restaurants will offer a wide variety of events to be announced soon!

 

Proceeds from The Chardonnay Symposium will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, Blochman Elementary School and various non-profit organizations throughout the Central Coast through our Give Back program.