In October, local sparkling wine lovers flock en masse down south for Bubblyfest on Pismo Beach, where the bubbles flow freely at events both social and educational. After a sold-out first year, the event organizers added a variety of extra events and extended the whole shebang by two days. With over 50 local and international sparkling wine and champagne producers pouring, you’ll have more than enough bubbly to make the drive worth while.
With an impressive calendar of events for the long weekend, it’s hard to know how to narrow your schedule. Check out these four must-do events before grabbing your tickets for Bubblyfest.
Bubbly At Sunset: Sparkling Wine Dinner
Kick off your weekend in style with a four-course meal (with sparkling pairings, naturally) at Lido at Dolphin Bay. Executive chef Jacob Moss will prepare a curated menu of dishes specially designed to pair with non-traditional sparkling wine varietals, all set against the backdrop of a sunset over the Pacific. Need we say more? Thursday, October 1.
Excursionar, Presented by Laetitia Vineyard and Winery
Join an exclusive group for a “Field Trip Seminar” to the renowned Laetitia Vineyard and Winery in Arroyo Grande. Attendees will tour the Sparkling Wine Facility with winemaker Dave Hickey, watch the only two Coquard Presses in North America in action, go behind the scenes during Harvest, and finish with lunch at the Estate House, which will include sipping through all seven sparkling wine varietals. Winemaker Q&A to follow. Friday, October 2.
Cocktails and Corks
Channel your inner flapper and make your way to this Gatsby-inspired, jazz-filled evening fête at Dolphin Bay Resort. The event includes a selection of four unique sparkling wines and bites prepared by executive chef Jacob Moss of The Lido at Dolphin Bay. Your finest 1920s cocktail attire is encouraged at this hat-tip to hot jazz and cool bubbles. Friday, October 2.
Grand Tasting Saturday
Over 60 international sparkling wineries converge for the only dedicated Sparkling Wine Festival in the United States. This can’t-miss event is set at the stunning (and aptly named) SeaCrest Resort on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Attendees will enjoy unlimited tasting, light appetizers, and open seminars ranging from sabering workshops to champagne cocktail talks and more. Saturday, October 3.
Over 50 local and international sparkling wine and champagne producers will be onsite at the events, including Laetitita, Derby, Palmina, Brewer-Clifton, Gruet, Seasmoke, Clautiere, Rack & Riddle, Schug Carneros, Halcyon Wines, Signal Ridge, and Wilson Daniels.
