Forty years ago, Richard Sanford planted Santa Barbara County’s first Pinot Noir, and ever since then, the region has excelled at the grape’s production. Considered a queen among wine grape varieties—albeit a finicky one—Pinot Noir inspires fierce loyalty in its devotees and often drives them to deliver impassioned flurries of poetry and praise.
As proof of the grape’s hypnotic power, thousands of fans have gathered on the Central Coast during the first full weekend in March for the last 11 years to celebrate the wonders of the iconic variety. Boldly dubbed the World of Pinot Noir (WOPN), the party lasts for several fun-filled days and covers all aspects of growing, creating, and enjoying the singular wine.
Slated this year for March 4 through 6, WOPN takes place at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach and at a variety of wineries and venues throughout the region. It includes two days of in-depth tasting seminars and grand tastings (each boasting a unique roster of wineries), as well as a featured tasting moderated by a guest Burgundian producer.
Presented by participating wineries, each extraordinary food and wine event taking place during the run of WOPN will feature an outstanding panel of sommeliers from across the country. To help fuel the action, local and international chefs will provide a bounty of gourmet appetizers, lunches, and gala dinners.
WOPN begins on March 4 with a complimentary kick-off seminar designed to set the stage for the weekend ahead. Guests choose from three seminars slated for later that day that include lively tastings and cover topics ranging from international styles of Pinot Noir to alcohol and balance, block-by-block discussions of select vineyards, and panels conducting a “smack-down” debate of the fiery Pinot-centric topic comparing Oregonian and Californian production.\
Friday afternoon, staffers from more than 90 wineries will assemble under tents erected on the Shell Beach bluffs for the Sea Grand Tasting showcasing a dizzying array of Pinot Noir from around the world. This dizzying expo includes a mouthwatering array of light hors d’oeuvres expressly created by local chefs to compliment the wine of the hour.
Dinner that night unfolds at Chamisal Vineyards, where Central Coast chefs prepare a feast from ingredients grown or produced within 100 miles (or less!) from the venue. Tickets include the multi-course meal, dancing, transportation to and from the vineyard, and admission to the after-party held at the Cliffs Resort.
At the Featured Burgundian Tasting on Saturday morning, offered by Allen Meadows of burghound.com, a panel of Burgundian winemakers explores the future of the French wine region. The festivities include wine tasting and a lavish winemakers’ lunch.
Two additional Saturday morning events organized to tempt the adventurous include a vineyard hike at Edna Ranch that promises panoramic views of Edna Valley and the ocean beyond, followed by lunch in the vineyard clubhouse. The second event is a tour and tasting—transportation included—at three local wineries.
Saturday afternoon, the Pinot Noir by the Sea Grand Tasting at the Cliffs Resort brings together nearly 100 wineries (all different from those at the Friday night tasting) under one set of tents. After the tasting, the Santa Barbara-style Paulée Dinner at Au Bon Climat winery finds celebrity chefs preparing eight stations of specialties to pair with Pinot Noir.
The next morning, rise and shine for the first-ever “Sunday Brunch Walk-Around Tasting” as more than 50 Pinot Noir producers pour their delicious wares. Sample innovative brunch and breakfast treats while getting to know some of the illustrious souls who pit their talents against the notoriously fickle grape.
Launched in 2001 as a showcase for the many marvels of Pinot Noir, WOPN has tripled in size from 60 winery participants to more than 200. Tickets sold are held to a strict number to ensure a quality experience for all who attend, and though tickets went on sale in October, many still remain for the various events.
The World of Pinot Noir is sponsored by a nonprofit organization established by a small, dedicated group of vintners from California’s South-Central Coast. Its mission to bring extraordinary Pinot Noir producers from around the globe together with Pinot Noir enthusiasts has yielded an annual extravaganza that grows in popularity each year.
K. Reka Badger is ready to bow to the queen of grapes. Join her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Feb 24 – Mar 3, 2011.
