Saturday, March 22, 2014

2014 Chardonnay Symposium...in Pismo Beach!




Wine Enthusiast Moderator & Panelists Announced By The
5th Annual Chardonnay Symposium

March 27, 2014 (Pismo Beach, CA): The 5th Annual Chardonnay Symposium (TCS) hosted by Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach, from May 16-18, 2014, today announced their newly appointed panel moderator as Matt Kettmann, contributing editor for Wine Enthusiast, and 2014 TCS Seminar Discussion Panel of notable industry experts to include Brian Talley of Talley Vineyards, Larry Brooks of Tolosa Winery, AJ Fairbanks of Hyde de Villaine, and Chris Hammel of Bien Nacido. 
Matt Kettmann, replaces Steve Heimoff, as a contributing editor for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, reviewing and reporting on wines from the Central and South Coasts of California.

"Throughout the industry, Kettman is considered to be quite skillful, confident, vocal and thoughtful,” says Katie Bottrell, Director of The Chardonnay Symposium.  “He is just as well suited for an esoteric audience of winemakers as he is for an audience of Chardonnay enthusiasts, so, we are very happy to have him as TCS moderator this year. Add that to the spectrum of experience and area of expertise on this panel, and it’ going to be a very interesting discussion this year."

Additionally, he remains the senior editor of The Santa Barbara Independent. Kettmann has written about wine for the New York Times, Time Magazine, Smithsonian, Sunset and Wine Spectator and has organized regional food and wine events in Santa Barbara, a well as, moderated the Paso Robles CAB Collective Seminar at the California Wine Festival 2013.

Steve Heimoff has joined Jackson Family Wines as their new Director of Wine Communications & Education. “We are very grateful to Steve for all the support he has given TCS, including how instrumental he was been in developing this year’s panel discussion topic,” remarked Terence Concannon, Co-Director of the Chardonnay Symposium. “We wish him all the best and think Jackson Family Wines is very fortunate to have him on their team.”

The 2014 TCS seminar includes tastings of unique Chardonnays featuring a range of styles from top winemakers and a plated lunch. Seating is limited and $95 per person.
2014 TCS Seminar Panel Topic of Discussion will be:

Maintaining Terroir Expression in a Changing World:
Is climate change forcing the evolution of Chardonnay? Can vintners preserve traditional terroir expressions using viticulture and winemaking techniques? Or do those interventionist techniques themselves compromise terroir?
2014 TCS Participants include:



Grand Chardonnay Dinner May 16, 2014, Friday (7pm) -Lido’s talented Executive Chefs prepare a Wine-Country-Inspired Dinner paired with world-class Chardonnay wines. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Cal Poly Wine & Viticulture Program. Limited seating; advanced purchase required; $150.00 per guest.

TCS Seminar Panel Discussion May 17, 2014, Saturday (9:30am-12:30pm) - This year’s TCS seminar, Maintaining Terroir Expression in a Changing World, includes tastings of unique Chardonnays featuring a range of styles from top winemakers and a plated lunch. Seating is limited and $95 per person.

Grand Chardonnay Tasting & Silent Auction May 17, 2014, Saturday (1pm-4pm; 12:30pm VIP/Media Pass admission) – Artfully crafted fare for the event provided by Lido, Morro Bay Oyster Company,and Fromagerie Sophie. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will be donated to the Cal Poly Wine & Viticulture Program; $80 per guest.

Share Your Chard Party May 17, Saturday (6pm) - Tolosa Winery hosts a pauleé style celebration. Guests will enjoy an evening on the patio overlooking Tolosa’s breathtaking vineyards, indulging in fare paired by Lido at Dolphin Bay while sipping their favorite Chardonnay wines that they are encouraged to bring to share, and also, includes special bottlings and featured wines provided by attending producers. There will be dancing under the stars from local band Hayburner and round trip shuttle service from Dolphin Bay to Tolosa Winery available. Advance purchase required; $65 per guest.

May 18, 2014, Sunday - Many Central Coast wineries will offer ancillary promotions and events in conjunction with TCS to be announced.

For more information on TCS, please visit thechardonnaysymposium.com.  Also, join TCS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Media Contact:  John Sorgenfrei, TJA Advertising & Public Relations; john@tjaadvertising.com; or 805-541-6020.
About The Chardonnay Symposium (TCS):
For the past 5 years, The Chardonnay Symposium has brought together Chardonnay producers, winemakers, sommeliers, and wine journalists, as well as both food and wine enthusiasts from all over the world, for an in-depth exploration of the world's favorite grape and its impact on viniculture, tastemakers, and the market. TCS is the country’s premier event for education and celebration of Chardonnay wines, where participants can taste, explore, learn about, and appreciate this popular grape varietal. The 2014 TCS is hosted by Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach, offering stunning coastal views and just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, and California’s Central California wine producing regions of the Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles. Events include a Grand Chardonnay Tasting, focused educational seminar with representatives from top Chardonnay wineries, and a sumptuous multi-course Chardonnay dinner. In conjunction with TCS, many Central Coast wineries will offer special promotions and events to complete the experience. For more information on TCS, visit thechardonnaysymposium.com or email info@thechardonnaysymposium.com. Also, join TCS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 About the Dolphin Bay Spa & Resort:
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, a member of the exclusive Preferred Boutique Hotels, is located in Shell Beach (Pismo Beach), midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in San Luis Obispo County. Boutique wineries, Hearst Castle, world class golf, wildlife sanctuaries, historic missions and antique shops are within easy reach, making Dolphin Bay an ideal home base for day touring, and a wonderful place to retreat to at day's end.  Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is ideal for romantic retreats or family vacations. With 62 spacious, one bedroom and two bedroom suites featuring full gourmet kitchens, Lido at Dolphin Bay, The Spa at Dolphin Bay, and an array of activities, guests have all the comforts of home amidst the elegance of a Pismo Beach Hotel. The Dolphin Bay Spa & Resort has earned recognition as one of the Best Hotels in California by the prestigious national publication, U.S. News & World Report; it was among the top 3% of the 3,535 luxury hotels evaluated. For more information, visit thedolphinbay.com.  Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449; 805-773-4300.

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