Pismo Sparkle: BUBBLYFEST by the Sea

Billed as the "nation's only sparkling wine festival," the October party promises ocean views, fine wines.

NEVER CHANGE: Pismo Beach and clams are such an enduring Golden State place-plate duo that they can make all other food-location pairings feel a little envious by comparison. True, sourdough and San Francisco are probably up there, too, and abalone and Mendocino County, but it is a challenge to spend a day toodling through the Central Coast's beachiest playspot without coming across multiple images of buckets and small shovels. We don't want the P.B. to ever change on this clammy respect -- Pismo Beach + bivalves 4evr ♥ -- but, in the spirit of dynamic duos, we also don't mind a new delicious liquid partner coming onto the slurping scene. It would be sparkling wine, which probably doesn't surprise you, as fancy beverages full of bubbles and seafood that arrives in shells is something, rumor has it, that discerning eaters rather appreciate.

SO... that BUBBLYFEST by the Sea, which is billed as "the nation's only dedicated sparkling wine celebration," is going to be as cozy with Pismo as a clam in sand makes beautiful sense. That several Central Coast winemakers'll be in town to pour their glitter-golden drinkable elixirs -- too much? Nah, you've probably trucked out "elixir" yourself while drinking fine sparkling wine -- makes beautiful sense, too. And the lovely fall weekend that this is all set for?

OCT. 24-26: True, that's just after Pismo Beach's venerable Clam Festival, so you can get your clam on the proceeding weekend and then grab a fancy glass of wine (or several). Some "40 producers of sparkling wine" are expected at the three-day bash, including Arroyo Robles Winery and Cass Vineyard & Winery. As for the tony to-dos? A grand tasting at Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel, a cocktail mixer at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, and a Sunday party at Dolphin Bay round out the first-ever BUBBLYFEST. And the beneficiary? Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. Here's a question to break the ice at those mixers: Are there more clams in the sand of Pismo Beach or more bubbles in a whole warehouse of sparkling wine? Number mavens, break that down as you beverage-up.

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