Sunset At Hearst Castle
I had the opportunity to visit the central coast of Cali for the Sunset SAVOR the food and wine festival last month. The opening night was at Hearst Castle. What a beautiful and magical place. I loved learning the history behind the castle in their welcome center.
Step back in time to become an honored guest of William Randolph Hearst at his beloved “La Cuesta Encatada”, (Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill”), now known as Hearst Castle. This historic property, once the private summer residence for Mr. Hearst and his longtime paramour Marion Davies, is now a California State Park and elegant landmark of California’s Central Coast. Your experience begins as you step onto the coach that transports you up the gently winding road through Hearst ranchland. Listen to the tales of lavishly hosted retreats at the Castle and stories of the glory days of the 1920s and ’30s. Stepping off the coach, you will be surrounded by stunning gardens, original works of art, and romantic patio alcoves and esplanades.
Meagen Loring, chef and owner of Meagen Loring Catering, presents world-class cuisine for you to enjoy as you listen to live music from the San Luis Jazz Band and dance against the backdrop of Casa Grande, Hearst Castle’s main building. Taste award-winning wines from the Sunset International Wine Competition and make sure to visit guest chef James Siao from the Finch and Fork Restaurant in Santa Barbara.
Buick provided beautiful cars to take us the 6 miles up the mountain to the castle. It was a very comfortable and stylish ride up to the castle.
We could see the castle as we were winding up the road. I kept thinking about how they must of worked getting the supplies up when they were building it back in the day. It must have been a huge project.
The project was totally worth it though – it’s breathtaking! The event was all outside and the Central CA weather was beautiful. There were so many wines to choose from and they had all won Sunset International Wine Awards. There was so much food! I enjoyed Pomegranate Braised Lamb Belly, Couscous with Butternut Squash, Crispy Shallots, Raisins and Almonds, and Moroccan Carrot Salad (the carrot salad was amazing!). The Unfinished Terrace Cheese Station by Fromagerie Sophie was very popular. They had a selection of California and International cheeses and charcuterie. They even had desserts – Pumpkin Pie Trifle with Candied Pecans, Sweet Heat Brownies, and Raspberry Cake.
It was all so delicious.
The evening included a live band, dancing, food, and socializing all against a gorgeous back drop.
The castle had amazing views, my favorite was the view of the ocean where you can watch the sunset.
It was an amazing and memorable night – the perfect way to kick of Sunset’s SAVOR the Central Coast weekend!
Connect with Hearst Castle:
Connect with Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast:
Oh my goodness – the entire trip looks totally fab and so do you! I’d be smiling too while being surrounded with such beautiful scenery and you seem to be having lots of fun!. Thanks so much for posting the pics. Really lovely!
http://www.intheknowwithro.blogspot.com
Seriously what an amazing picture and wow the sunset and the wine.. Where do I sign up?
What a perfect event! I could not think of a more perfect setting, the amazing views & weather, the historic grounds, the food… oh i bet the food was incredible and lets not forget the wine. WOW sounds just perfect
SO awesome!!!! Love these pics, too! They belong in a Central Coast catalog!