Even though this event is taking place on April Fool’s Day, I promise you it’s not a hoax. Of course you may still not believe your eyes when you arrive at oceanside near Zuma beach to find a tent filled with top wineries from the southern Central Coast and food from dozens of top restaurants including Nobu. But that’s the appeal of a wine tasting event in Malibu, isn’t it. Instead of the pelting rain that attendees of the World of Pinot Noir event were treated to a few weeks ago, you get sand underfoot and balmy temperatures in which to sip your wine.

At least that’s the idea anyway.

The Third Annual Malibu Wine Classic brings residents of Southern California a chance to taste wines from over forty producers in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and surrounding areas.

I’ve never been to this event but apparently it is quite popular, so much so that the organizers have broken it into two separate sessions this year — an afternoon tasting from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and an evening tasting from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If it were me, I’d go early and make sure I got some SeaSmoke before it ran out.

The 3rd Annual Malibu Wine Classic
Saturday, April 1st, 2006
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sunset Restaurant
Westward/Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA
310.451.7600

Tickets are $75 per person in advance, and can be purchased via the web site. The event will likely sell out.