More than 200 people enjoy cuisine from Emeril Lagasse at Hearst Castle Dinner

More than 200 people enjoyed some incredible food, great wine and a good cause.

Thursday night's Hearst Castle Dinner is part of the Central Coast Wine Classic and this year's event featured cuisine from TV star and Chef Emeril Lagasse.

The food sizzled and the wine glasses stood ready at the Hearst Castle Dinner Thursday night.

Organizer Archie Mclaren says it is an experience unlike any other.

"The venue is staggering, the chefs are world class and the interactions among these people, all of whom have similar interests and who love to share and love life style enhancements, it's going to be something they'll never forget," said Mclaren.

Working the main course and dessert Thursday was none other than TV Star and Chef Emeril Lagasse.

"We've been trying to get to the Central Coast here for a few years and so here we are," said Lagasse.

All this world class cuisine comes with a hefty price tag.

At $1250 a ticket, dining at Hearst Castle is not cheap.

However it is all for a good cause.

The proceeds benefit local non-profits.

"Over the past six years or so we've given away about $1.5 million to about 75 different non-profits in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties," said Mclaren.

A night full of good food and great wine, against a breathtaking backdrop.

In a place that even one of the world's most famous chefs can appreciate.

"It's beautiful of course, I'm a big fan of the region, wine region of course," said Lagasse. "Lots of the regional wine makers are good friends so I'm delighted to be a part of it."

The Wine Classic picks new non-profits to help every year.

Organizers say in the event's 26-year history, there has only been one year when they could not give each non-profit 100 percent of the funding it requested.

The Central Coast Wine Classic runs through Sunday.

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• emeril lagasse
• hearst castle
• central coast wine classic