Archie McLaren is the man remembered for creating and sustaining the Central Coast Wine Classic, the top regional wine event, for over three decades. Over the years, this wine event raised over $3.2 million to support philanthropy for public radio station KCBX, the Healing Arts, Performing Arts and Studio Arts in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. He focused the spotlight on the extraordinary wines made in Central California and profoundly elevated their quality. He formed the lasting bond between local philanthropy groups and the wine industry; the wineries are major supporters of the charities in San Luis Obispo County.
Archie’s mission was to introduce wine lovers and collectors, as well as international wineries, to the local winemakers of the Central Coast. Archie believed that the wines of the Central Coast could hold their own against any wines in the world. He brought local wines and winemakers to the attention of international collectors, wine critics, and international winemakers by inviting them to wine auctions, barrel tastings, and elegant dinners in local venues from Hearst Castle to local wine cellars. Archie believed in food and wine education for those attending and accomplished this by offering food demonstrations and educational wine seminars at the annual Wine Classic. The wine auction items included lifestyle events, trips abroad, rare wine dinners, and trips with Archie as the host. By offering these auction items, he expanded the annual Wine Classic experience and party over the following twelve months. No one else was creating this type of wine auction experience.
The annual Wine Classic events began in 1985 and continued for thirty-three years. Usually, the event was celebrated for three or four days in San Luis Obispo County and included barrel tastings with local winemakers, dinners at Hearst Castle, Paso Robles, and Edna Valley wineries, and an all-day-long live auction. This Saturday auction was the major fundraiser of the event and was followed by the famous “Vintage Dinner” with classic Cuvée. The Cuvée was created by pairing local winemakers with winemakers from outside the county, perhaps from Napa, Sonoma, or as far away as France.
The Central Coast Wine Classic ended with Champagne brunches celebrated on Sunday mornings. Sunday afternoon concluded with a free wine tasting for the public, with over one hundred winemakers showcasing local wines. McLaren’s culinary friendships and patrons included Paul Prudhomme, Susan Spicer, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Gary Danko, Jacques Pepin, Christopher Eme, Laurent Quenioux, James Sly, Ian McPhee, Michael Hutchings, James Siao, and famous cookbook author Julia Child. Archie McLaren was a master at marketing and building a network of relationships to educate and elevate the California lifestyle and promote California wines. His grace and charm made him unforgettable. The final Central Coast Wine Classic was held in August 2017. Archie died of cancer at his home in Avila in February 2018.
