We’re back with our quarterly roundup of curated wine events! Here, you’ll find culinary fests all over the country—and some international events, too—plus bonus resources to assist those interested in professional opportunities or ways to step up their wine knowledge. Dive in below!
JULY
WINE HOLIDAYS
July 12 – International Cava Day (July 12 annually)
July 27 – Shiraz Day (4th Thursday of July annually)
July 25 – National Wine & Cheese Day (July 25 annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
June 29-July 2 – Savor Big Sky (Big Sky, Montana)
- ATTEND FOR: A perfect marriage of wine and the outdoors. Programming includes events like a 2-mile hike up to a mountain top where you’re rewarded with a 3-course wine pairing lunch, and a Grand Tasting where you can “reserve a table peak-side” for optimal mountain views. There are plenty of fantastic indoor events, too, like the “Celebrate the Northwest” seminar focused on Washington wines, and the “Rosé All Day” seminar. Tickets: $45-$275
July 22 – “Cookout at the Vineyard” hosted by The Veraison Project (Healdsburg, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A good ol’ backyard-style cookout. What makes this inaugural event so special is the use of wine and food to build community, from the “Pre-Game” wine tasting to the family-style, sit-down barbecue dinner designed to foster fun conversation. Then, in true cookout style, the night will close out with a DJ set and guests shaking what their mamas gave ‘em. As an added bonus, part of the proceeds will go towards funding initiatives that support increasing opportunities for BIPOC wine professionals. Tickets: $100
July 23-30 – Wine + Culture Festival presented by The Hue Society, (Atlanta, GA)
- ATTEND FOR: A love letter to Black wine professionals and wine lovers in event form. This week-long fest kicks off with a gourmet chef-driven dinner at a private location and a “Ditch Day” where guests get to spend the day playing games like Spades and Uno, while sipping wine. Other activities include rooftop yoga with wine cocktails, masterclasses, a skate party, the Rose and Rosé Awards Brunch honoring Black wine professionals, and “R.I.C.E.” celebrating culinary moments centered on rice. Tickets: $25–$165; packages $250-$525
July 27 – “When We Gather” presented by Wade Cellars (Atlanta, GA)
- ATTEND FOR: A gathering making wine more accessible. If you missed attending the first iteration of this incredible multi-city food and wine tour last year, don’t fret—Wade Cellars is making sure you’ve got a second chance! The 12-stop series aimed at celebrating diverse voices in food and wine across the country kicked off in NYC on May 23 and goes through November 12. Each city stop has its own vibe and lineup of stellar talent.
July 28-30 – International Pinot Noir Celebration (McMinnville, OR)
- ATTEND FOR: All things Pinot Noir! This event is designed to appeal to wine lovers with a variety of interests and knowledge levels. Offerings include breakfast and dinners al fresco, vineyard tours, winery luncheons, small format tastings, various seminars, a “University of Pinot” course, and not one but two Grand Tastings. IPNC veterans always look forward to the Saturday night “Salmon Bake” under the stars. Tickets: $150-450 individual events; $1,695.00 full weekend package
AUGUST
WINE HOLIDAYS
August 1-31 – Finger Lakes Wine Month
August 1 – International Albariño Day (August 1 annually)
August 4 – National White Wine Day (August 4 annually)
August 13 – International Prosecco Day (August 13 annually)
August 18 – International Pinot Noir Day (August 18 annually)
August 28 – National Red Wine Day (August 28 annually)
August 30 – International Cabernet Day (August 30 annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
August 8 – “When We Gather” (Chicago); see July listing for event description
August 17-19 – Telluride Reserve Food & Wine Affair (Telluride, CO)
- ATTEND FOR: A unique experience perfect for extroverted introverts. With multiple events thoughtfully staggered throughout the course of the day, guests can choose how and when they’d like to engage. In addition to the Grand Tasting, highlights include a “Blending Baja in Bordeaux“ lunch (hosted at an altitude of 11,220 feet!), which will explore the exciting wines from up-and-coming wine region Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico and “The Mystery of Sicily” wine seminar, which will introduce guests to the volcanic terroir of the Mount Etna Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC), the first DOC of Sicily and one of the oldest in Italy. Tickets: $125-$750 for individual events, $1,500 for the “Reserve Access” package
August 17-20 – The Family Reunion Food & Wine event (Middleburg, VA)
- ATTEND FOR: An amalgamation of Black luminaries and legends in wine, food, and hospitality. It’s presented by Chef Kwame Onwuachi in partnership with Food & Wine and Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Hotels & Resorts, so it’s not a complete surprise that packages are already sold out. The best bet for those still desiring to attend is to contact the resort for possible cancellations. Tickets: Evening Passes $750-$2,852; All Access Pass $1,950; overnight packages from $4,990
August 29 – “When We Gather” (Phoenix); see July listing for event description
August 31-September 3 – The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic (Kamuela, HI)
- ATTEND FOR: Luxurious leisure time on the beach. We can’t think of a better way to honor the spirit of Labor Day than this inaugural fest. An all-star roster of both local and national figures includes James Beard Award winner Chef Tiffany Derry. Event highlights include a “Volcanic Vines and Wines” (so apropos for the location). To completely gild the lily, go for the “All-Access” pass, which includes “After Hours” meet-and-greets with the chefs, a VIP Champagne and caviar reception prior to the Culinary Classic Dinner, and an exclusive Sunday Brunch with the chefs. Tickets: $250-$3,000 (for All Access pass)
SEPTEMBER
WINE HOLIDAYS
September 1 – International Cap Classique Day (September 1 annually; Cap Classique is South African sparkling wine)
September 1 – National Chianti Day (1st Friday in September)
September 10 – International Port Wine Day (September 10 annually)
September 16 – International Grenache Day (3rd Friday in September annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
September 9-10 – Hudson Valley Food & Wine Festival (Rhinebeck, NY)
- ATTEND FOR: The best wine New York has to offer! Entering its 24th year, the Hudson Valley Food & Wine Festival centers around the vast amount of incredible wines being made in New York state, while also celebrating “the Hudson Valley’s culinary diversity, wine culture, and natural beauty.” Attendees will be treated to wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and tastings topped off by the ability to purchase bottles of any of the wines they love, right on the spot. Tickets: $25-$99
September 13 – “When We Gather” (Detroit); see July listing for event description
September 15-17 – Franciacorta Festival, Lombardo, Italy
- ATTEND FOR: Lots of bubbles! There’s also a healthy dose of Italian countryside lake, mountain, and vineyard views. What makes this event extra special is the ability to have a myriad of up-close-and-personal experiences: think visiting wineries on foot, bicycle, bus, or horseback. Each winery has unique activities for visitors to enjoy, some include meeting the winemakers themselves. Pricing for events varies and some vineyards may require reservations, so reach out to info@festivalfranciacorta.wine for direct assistance or you can call your personal travel agent to assist in creating the festival itinerary of your dreams.
September 17 – “When We Gather” (Grand Rapids, MI); see July listing for event description
Sept 20-24 – Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (Atlanta, GA)
- ATTEND FOR: A distinct taste of the South. Although the 2023 event schedule and ticket prices have yet to be released, 2022 programming included events such as the “Hattie B’s Hot Chicken” food and wine pairing; “A Night at the Americano” dinner of Italian fare paired with wine; and the “Tasting Tents”—all of which are reason enough to keep this fest on your radar. Sign-up on the event’s homepage to be the first to get 2023 details.
September 27-Oct 1 – Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (Santa Fe, NM)
- ATTEND FOR: Proof that New Mexico food deserves to be paired with great wines. This small grassroots event has blossomed into a five-day affair featuring more than 60 restaurants and 90 wineries. Programming includes a huge grand tasting, more than a dozen individual winery dinners at local restaurants; an 18-hole golf tournament where wine is served at every 3rd hole; an immersive “Reserve” walk-around wine tasting featuring over 100 wineries; and a glass performance comparison tasting by RIEDEL where you get to keep a set of the glasses. Tickets: $100-$195
EDUCATIONAL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Bonaccorsi Master Sommelier Exam Scholarship sponsored by Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
This $2,000 scholarship will go towards students sitting for the CMS Master Sommelier Exam, Tasting and Practical only (does not include the CMS Master Sommelier Theory Exam). Applicants must have a confirmed seat registered for the September exam in Houston.
Deadline: July 5. Apply here.
