Chamisal Vineyards has opened a Miyawaki Forest to help its move to become a carbon negative winery. Set in Edna Valley, just south of San Luis Obispo, the 82-acre estate’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean helps provide a cooler climate, making it perfect for producing pinot noirs and chardonnays, as well as an ideal home for an annual lobster festival.
Last spring, Chamisal Vineyards general manager Fintan du Fresne began creating the first Miyawaki Forest at a U.S. winery by planting dozens of native oak trees (and other species) on the estate with carbon sequestration in mind. Credited to Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the eponymous foresting strategy looks to offset carbon emissions by planting fast-growing trees native to the specific environment. Chamisal Vineyards aims to be carbon negative in the near future, thanks in part to its new forest, which guests can chat with Fresne about during the Lobsterfest.
The Chamisal Vineyards 14th annual Lobsterfest will take place on July 22 and 23. Ticket holders will enjoy hand-shucked oysters, plenty of Chamisal wines, and a lobster feast. Fresne will curate wine selections and visitors will enjoy live music underneath the night sky.
Chamisal Vineyards planted its first grape vines in 1973. Today, it’s open year round from Wednesday through Sunday and one of the most beautiful spots to stop to enjoy a tasting in Central California. They offer three unique tasting experiences.
For more information or to book a tasting, head over to the winery’s official website.