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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.

On Saturday, July 31st, SMVWINES presents The Chardonnay Symposium, an insightful day of education and exploration designed to enlighten wine consumers, industry professionals, and media on California’s various wine-producing regions and wine making styles and their effects on this versatile Burgundian varietal.

The premier, full-day event begins with morning informational sessions featuring important Chardonnay-specific topics from farming to cutting-edge winemaking practices. Guests may choose from one of two informational sessions. The lineup of speakers, selected from California’s most notable Chardonnay growing regions, includes Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, Brian Talley of Talley Winery, Denise Shurtleff of Cambria Winery, Richard Sanford of Alma Rosa, and Randy Ullom of Kendall-Jackson.

Full-day tickets cost $100 and include a choice of morning panel discussion, lunch, transportation, admission to the Grand Tasting, a Riedel wine glass, and gift bag. Tickets for the Grand Chardonnay Tasting Event are included in the full-day cost or may be purchased for $45 separately.

Full-day attendees are invited to Byron Winery from 12:00pm to 1:30pm for a gourmet luncheon catered by Testa’s Bistro & Catering, Bello Forno Catering, and The Far Western Tavern. The relaxed environment will provide an ideal time to sip wine and further discuss the nuances of Chardonnay with some of the symposium’s presenters and keynote speakers.

The Grand Chardonnay Tasting takes place from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Tres Hermanas Winery. This expanded tasting will afford guests the opportunity to sample Chardonnays from 40 wineries and pair them with gourmet foods provided by local restaurants.

On Sunday, August 1st Breakaway Tours and Event Planning offers attendees an additional Chardonnay adventure. Guests are invited to enjoy a vineyard tour or a winery tour to round out their experience.

For more information, including a detailed event schedule, visit www.thechardonnaysymposium.com or email info@thechardonnaysymposium.com.