In ink on my calendar, is June 2-5 when Pismo Beach hosts Wine, Waves & Beyond to benefit AmpSurf, a non-profit organization founded by Gulf War Veteran Dana Cummings (http://www.ampsurf.org). At this event, Central California’s Wine Country meets the breathtaking Central Coast. Some of the best Wineries, Breweries and Culinary Artists will be participating such as Ancient Peaks, Laetitia, Palmina, Chamisal, Firestone Brewery and Cayocas Beach Ale.There are a wide-range of lodging choices in Pismo and Shell Beach from which to choose. If you wish, you can park your car and never return to it until you are ready to go home which is how I prefer to spend many of my weekends getaways. You can stay in a modest, clean comfortable beachfront place like The Edgewater or you can spring for something much more lavish like Dolphin Bay. (http://www.classiccalifornia.com)

You can stay at the luxurious Cliffs Resort, an oceanfront resort with world class amenities, beautiful pools with topnotch poolside service and pristine beach access.  The Cliffs will be hosting Barrel to Barrel, a casual, festive event to taste the best of Central California wines and cuisine. Other classic California activities will include long board surfing competitions for amputee surfers, winemakers and brew masters; a classic Volkswagen exhibition; a surf film screening at the historic Fremont Theater and an awards ceremony.

The Cliffs Resort will also hold the Brew Master Dinner by Firestone Brewery, a sponsor and supporter of AmpSurf.  I asked event sponsor Chuck Carlson, Winemaker of Curtis Winery owned by the Firestone Family, why this event is so important to them and he said, “For Adam Firestone, a Marine, it’s personal; it’s an opportunity for all of us to support and help the vets that have done a great service for our country.”  (http://www.curtiswinery.com)

This Brew Master Dinner pairs Firestone handcrafted beers with dishes prepared by regional Executive Chefs. I can guarantee wine-lovers will walk away with a new appreciation for this art.  I am a wine snob, so I was given a tasting and was knocked-out by these pairings. They were so delicious and complimentary — I was truly surprised by how beautiful and enjoyable were these pairings. Some pairings will include Cayucos Abalone Cerviche, Meyer Lemon Marinade & Black Bean Relish with Firestone Honey Blond; Hearst Ranch Skirt Steak Tacos & Short Rib Taquitos, Pickled Exotic Garden Watermelon Radish & Kumquat Slices with Firestone Union Jack; Local Artisan Cheeses with Firestone Double Jack;  Whoopie Pies with Firestone Barley Wine. (http://www.firestonebeer.com/beers/)

I will surely be going to the Brew Master Dinner and I  hope to see you there. For infomation go to http://www.winewavesandbeyond.com. Go to AmpSurf’s Facebook page and “like” them to stay apprised of the latest happenings at http://www.facebook.com/ampsurf.org .