Champagne lovers take note: BubblyFest by the Sea, offering Champagne and Sparkling Wines from all over the world, takes place next weekend in beautiful Pismo Beach and there are still a few tickets left. The 2015 event promises to be bigger and brighter than last year’s inaugural event, so you may want to see how much of October 1 – 3 on your calendar can be freed up. This is your chance to join over 60 wineries on California’s Central Coast for a Sparkling Wine Dinner, a Champagne Cocktail “Speakeasy,” educational Seminars, and/or a delightful Grand Tasting.
BubblyFest by the Sea kicks off October 1 with a 4-course meal at The Oyster Loft (175 Pomeroy Avenue, Pismo Beach), offering spectacular views of the sunset over the Pacific. Starting at 6 pm, you can enjoy an evening of amazing food paired with non-traditional Sparkling Wine varietals from Halcyon Wines, Opolo Vineyards, Riverbench and Solminer. Dinner begins at 6 pm, and tickets are $125 per person, but the guest count is limited to 40 so this should be an intimate and unique experience to remember. To purchase tickets, please go here.
On Saturday, October 3, BubblyFest by the Sea culiminates in their main event, a Grand Tasting featuring over 50 Champagne and Sparkling Wine Producers from around the world at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel (2241 Price Street, Pismo Beach). Attendees will enjoy unlimited tastings, light appetizers by The Cliffs Resort and Field to Table Catering, and concurrent seminars ranging from the history of Champagne to mixing Champagne Cocktails. The Grand Tasting takes place from 1 pm to 5 pm, and tickets are $70 per person.
Derby Wine Estates
Participating wineries include Buglioni Winery, Derby Wine Estates, Gruet Winery, Hagafen Cellars, Iron Horse Vineyards, Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Le Grand Courtâge, Palmina, Pierre Sparr, Rack & Riddle, Veuve Clicquot, and Weibel Family Vineyards & Winery. For more details, including a list of all participating wineries, and/or to purchase tickets, please go here.
In between those bookending events, BubblyFest by the Sea offers a variety of experiences on Friday, October 2:
Laetitia Brut Rosé
- From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery is holding a Sparkling Excursionar (sparkling wine excursion + seminar) where winemaker Dave Hickey will greet you with a live demonstration of bottle sabering, conduct a tour of the sparkling wine production facility, guide you through a tasting of their seven sparkling wines, and follow all of that with a delicious lunch catered by Chipwrecked. The Excursionar runs from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and tickets are $125 per person (and include transportation from The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach).
- From 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, a Winemaker Seminar guided by David Glancy (founder and Chief Education Officer of San Francisco Wine School) will take you through the History of Champagne and the New Age of California Sparkling Wines with tastings from Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart Champagne, Champagne Taittinger, Flying Goat Cellars, Riverbench and Halcyon Wines. Then, Mr. Glancy will facilitate a panel of Winemakers and industry insiders as they discuss topics such as Production, Style, and Future Trends for Sparkling Wines. This seminar at The Cliffs Resort (2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach) is $50 per person and includes cheeses and light snacks.
- From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, you can enjoy a jazz-filled evening under the stars as BubblyFest by the Sea returns with Corks & Cocktails, their popular Gatsby-inspired cocktail party. Festivities include Sparkling Wine Cocktails created by Gruet Winery, Jack Creek Cellars, Rack & Riddle and Vina Sympatica, light bites to nibble on, and musical entertainment from Hot Club of SLO. Attendees can also enjoy Sparkling Wines from Brewer-Clifton, Chronic Cellars and Pomar Junction, among others, in the Custom House Wine Cellar (404 Front Street, Avila Beach). Tickets are $75 per person, and 1920’s Cocktail Attire is encouraged.
For more details on these BubblyFest by the Sea opportunities and/or to purchase tickets please go here.
Whether you’re looking for three days of indulgence or just an awesome Grand Tasting, BubblyFest by the Sea is an opportunity not to be missed as it is the only Festival Series dedicated to Sparkling Wines in the United States. For lodging assistance, BubblyFest’s Stay & Play Page offers information and suggestions. You may still be able to take advantage of specials at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel (10% off 2-night minimum, Oct 1-Oct 5) or at The Cliffs Resort (free room upgrade and 20% off BubblyFest by the Sea tickets).
Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach
If you decide to attend, and are looking for other ideas in the area, you can find our Recommendations for the San Luis Obispo area here (and other Recommendations can be found by clicking on “Favorites By Wine Region” on the navigation bar above and following the drop-down menus). Or, if you need a Central Coast Sparkling Wine Guide, you can find an excellent map from Cali Coast Wine Country by going here.
Cheers!