Chardonnay Symposium Dates Announced
Join over 50 Chardonnay producers from around the world for 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 America’s favorite wine.
The Chardonnay Symposium is the only event of its kind in the United States focusing on the golden grape. Taste the world’s most celebrated Chardonnays alongside food pairings specifically designed to enhance the wine experience, with celebrity chef demonstrations and an educational panel session moderated by Wine Enthusiast’s Senior West Coast Editor, Steve Heimoff.
Executive Director of the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association, Chris Slaughter, says, “The response from both winemakers and consumers has been very exciting. The Chardonnay Symposium blossomed into a sold-out event this year, with interest from around the world. Consumers want to know more about their favorite wine, and winemakers are thrilled to tell their story. And, as the third established AVA in the country, we love the opportunity to share our historic Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay along with wines from a broad spectrum of regions.”
Winemaker Jonathan Nagy, who helms wine production at Byron Winery, the hosting winery of the Grand Tasting on July 20th, 2013, adds, “It’s been great to be a part of this growing event that puts a focus on Chardonnay. Since Chardonnay is what helped put the Santa Maria Bench on the map, it feels appropriate to be hosting an event that showcases Chardonnay from an amazing group of wineries from so many different grape growing regions!
The consumers are eager to learn about and try new Chardonnays; that’s what attracts so many great wineries to come every year. Well, that and Central Coast’s “easy going” lifestyle.”
Indeed, over the course of three days, consumers can experience break-out tastings and events at neighboring wineries, while the symposium culminates with a sweeping Grand Tasting on July 20th, 2013.
To learn more about the Chardonnay Symposium, to obtain a media pass, or to purchase tickets, please visit their website