Don't Miss an Exclusive Evening at Hearst Castle to Celebrate the Opening Night of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast

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Jun 26, 2012, 05:00 ET

Rare Evening Soiree at Historic Hearst Castle Nearly Sold Out

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For those who are busy with summer plans and think they'll be fashionably late in buying tickets to the event of the year on the California Coast – a glamorous evening at Hearst Castle with the editors of Sunset magazine – think again.

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Tickets to the opening night of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast – the West Coast's premier wine and food event which takes place Sept. 27-30, 2012 -- are nearly sold out. If you don't want to miss a rare opportunity to step back in time and rub elbows like a celebrity with the ghosts of historic Hearst Castle – from William Randolph Hearst and Charlie Chapman to Clark Gable and Greta Garbo – then buy your tickets now.

"Even if you've been to Hearst Castle before, there's nothing like the magic of this historic landmark in the throes of an evening party," said Hoyt Fields, museum director of Hearst Castle, California's most celebrated State Park. "Hearst was famous for his parties here on the 'Enchanted Hill,' but it was a rare treat then and even more so now."

Unless a guest has enough money to rent out the castle for their own event, they won't want to miss this fantastic opportunity to step back in time – for just $125. Guests will feel like a VIP as they sip wine under the stars and delight in tapas beside the famous Roman-style Neptune Pool. Lit up at night, the opulent pool serves as the magnificent backdrop for the opening night of the third annual Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, the premier wine and food event in California and the West Coast.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience features local farm-inspired cuisine to celebrate the rich history of locavore living that Mr. Hearst pioneered in the region. This farm-to-table philosophy continues today in many of San Luis Obispo County restaurants, such as the renowned Lido Restaurant at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach. Lido's pastries and events chef Maegen Loring will serve a special menu inspired by event sponsor Wine Coast Country, from freshly fished seafood to locally grown produce and meats from nearby farmers and ranchers. Eco-friendly wine lovers will appreciate the vine to glass theme carried throughout the event, featuring the best vintages from wine artisans throughout the region -- known for its commitment to sustainable practices. Guests can cap off the local immersion with the sounds of San Luis Obispo County's legendary rock band The Scarlet Furies.

"This event is one of my favorite moments at Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast," said Sunset wine editor Sara Schneider. "This place is so enchanting, whether you're sipping wine atop the hill, enjoying spectacular sunset coastal views or taking in the castle lights glowing in the mist. It's a wonderful kick-off to four-days of one-of-a-kind wine and food immersion experiences you won't get anywhere else."

A portion of ticket proceeds will go to support the Friends of Hearst Castle capital campaign for the continuing restoration of one of Hearst Castle's most beautiful artifacts, the Morning Room's 16th-century Spanish Mudejar coffered ceiling. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, and designed by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle was deeded to the State in 1957 and later opened to the public. In addition to eye-popping views of the San Simeon Coast, home to a world renowned colony of rare elephant seals, the castle features a world-renowned collection of European art and antiques. The main house, "La Casa Grande," features 115 beautifully appointed rooms plus guesthouses, pools, and 8 acres of cultivated gardens. It was also a most fitting site for hosting the many influential guests who stayed at Hearst's San Simeon ranch, from Hollywood celebrities to other luminaries such as President Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Lindbergh and more.

Fields points out that keeping this historic national treasure lovingly preserved for future generations couldn't be done without the Friends of Hearst Castle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument®, and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks, supporting preservation and interpretation of Hearst Castle, including its art, artifacts, architecture and grounds through membership, education, outreach and special events; enhancing understanding and appreciation, and thereby enriching the visitor experience.

Following the Hearst Castle event on Sept. 27, food and wine lovers have the opportunity to enjoy three more days—Sept. 28-30—of world-class events, from culinary adventure tours to grand tastings. Guests can get up close and personal and learn best-kept culinary secrets from superstars Ted Allen, Emmy® Award winner, author and host of the Food Network's "Chopped"; Aarti Sequeira, host of Food Network's "Aarti Party"; and "Top Chef Masters" Susan Feniger and Rick Moonen, both of Mandalay Bay.

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast takes place at the renowned Santa Margarita Ranch in San Luis Obispo County, home to the Paso Robles wine region. The event, organized by the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau and Sunset magazine, the premier guide to life in the West, also offers culinary adventure tours and great hotel deals for guests to stay and play. For more information on the event or to buy tickets, go to www.savorcentralcoast.com. For chef biographies, go to www.savorcentralcoast.com/media/.