The single most widely planted grape varietal in the United States is Chardonnay and it's not much of a surprise that it is also the most consumed wine. As Chardonnay is such a prized and sought-after wine, there's no better way to appreciate it than with a focused event celebrating the grape at this year's third annual Chardonnay Symposium.

The three-day event will commence on Friday, June 29, at Sierra Madre Vineyard (from 6:00-9:30) with a "BYOC BBQ." Bring your own Chardonnay and listen to live music, taste wine, and enjoy all with the comforts of a gourmet barbecue for $30.

Saturday, June 30, is the anchor event with a few options. Ticket holders to both the full day ($95) and grand tasting ($65 on the day of event, $55 before) will be treated to pick up/drop off transportation to and from the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria. The full day includes the morning panel discussion that is moderated by The Wine Enthusiast magazine's Steve Heimoff. Steve and his panel of winemakers will be in a relaxed atmosphere discussing aspects of terrior, Chardonnay, and what it's all about, while tasting two Chardonnays from each winemaker. 

This year's panel includes:

STEVE HEIMOFF, Wine Enthusiast
JENNE LEE BONACCORSI, Bonaccorsi Wine Company – Santa Rita Hills
BOB CABRAL, Williams Selyem – Russian River Valley
DIETER CRONJE, Presqu’ile Winery – Santa Maria Valley
JAMES HALL, Patz & Hall – Carneros Valley
ERIC JOHNSON, Talley Vineyards – Arroyo Grande & Edna Valleys
HEIDI VON DER MEHDEN, Arrowood Vineyards & Winery – Sonoma Valley
BILL WATHAN, Foxen – Santa Maria Valley
GRAHAM WEERTS, Stonestreet – Alexander Valley

(Photo Below - 2011 Winemaker Panel)  

The panel discussion last year was moderated by Steve Heimoff and was enjoyed by all attending as demonstrated by the laughter heard throughout,  audience applause, and following praise. It was educational in a beautiful vineyard location, with good humor and fantastic Chardonnays. Anyone interested in learning more about wine and maybe even discovering his own personal preference is sure to be satisfied at this amazing event.

Following the panel discussion and tasting will be the "Grand Chardonnay Tasting" beginning at 12:00 and going until 4:00. Over 50 wineries will be pouring Chardonnay from places like Oregon, Sonoma, Central Coast, and local Santa Maria Valley. This is a fantastic opportunity to focus on one grape, one day, and see how quickly you may take a deeper dive into your own palette of Chardonnays.

No need to worry about a picnic as some of the best gourmet food purveyors in the area will be offering up some exciting dishes paired with Chardonnay. Celebrity Chefs will provide Chardonnay food-pairing secrets. As the event closes, buses will transport event-goers back to the Radisson hotel.

(Photo Above - Left to right Chef Rick and Alfonso Curti)

Those interested in keeping the party going can purchase tickets ($50) for Kenneth Volk Winemaker Dinner from 4:30 to 6:30. Traditional Santa Maria oak pit-grilled BBQ by the famous Hitching Post paired with Kenneth Volk heirloom red wines is about as good as one could close out this kind of day.