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!
APRIL
WINE HOLIDAYS
April 14 – Tannat Day (April 14 annually)
April 17 – World Malbec Day (April 17 annually)
April 27 – World Marselan Day (April 27 annually)
April 26 – International Viognier Day (last Friday of April annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
April 3-6 – Taste of Vail (Vail, CO)
- ATTEND FOR: A fab wine fest that’s existed for more than 30 years. Boasting more than 50 wineries and brands from across the country, this event is dedicated to providing innovative, chef-driven food and incredible wines (and beer and spirits, too!) to pair. Experiences include unique seminars like “Exploring Wine’s Texture through Art,”and distinctive experiences including “Debut of Roses” featuring over 100 rosés of various varietals, and an event where guests drink wine 10,000 feet up on a snowy mountaintop. Tickets: $85-$615
April 4-7 – Pebble Beach Food & Wine (Pebble Beach, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A lavish beachfront affair. This event strives to impress, with champagne-focused programming including a pairing seminar with caviar, a James Beard Foundation opening night reception and dinners with eponymous California wineries like Opus One and Heitz Cellar, two types of Grand Tastings, an outdoor seafood feast, a “Burgers, Bourbon, and Bordeaux” tasting, and a Southern Jazz brunch. Tickets: $250-$10,000; Packages: $3,000-$10,000
April 5 – The “WE” Gala by To Be Hosted (New York, NY)
- ATTEND FOR: A jubilant celebration of “Black culture in food, beverage and hospitality.” The WE Gala embraces talent from all corners of the industry—from chefs to beverage professionals to business owners to media—during an evening designed to shower these professionals with the accolades they deserve, but frequently don’t receive. Guests can look forward to an incredible menu, exceptional wines and cocktails, and dialogue on how to continue to elevate Blackness in hospitality. Tickets: $250
April 6 – Arizona Uncorked Wine Festival (Phoenix, AZ)
- ATTEND FOR: A fun, laid back evening perfect for your whole squad. The vibes (beats from a dope DJ will be present) are just right for this low-key outdoor wine affair that welcomes wine novices and connoisseurs alike. Close to 60 wineries will be generously pouring more than 100 wines. Tickets: $60-$75
April 15-21 – British Virgin Islands Food & Wine Festival (Various Islands, British Virgin Islands)
- ATTEND FOR: A new festival celebrating the island’s cuisine through talented chefs and food & beverage professionals from across the world. This inaugural event promises an exciting range of events including multiple wine course tasting classes, wine dinners, a mixology class, and an all-day pig roast beach party. Superb culinary skills will be on display, too, from chefs like Top Chef competitor Josie Smith Malave. This BVI island-hopping event will be hosted between Tortola, Jost van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda, giving attendees the opportunity to fully absorb all that each location has to offer. Tickets: $27-$1,500
April 19-20 – California Wine Festival Dana Point (Dana Point, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: An all-out feast for the palate, eyes, and senses. The Dana Point fest self-describes its vibe as a “Camelot-like village next to the sparkling Pacific Ocean.” There will be a “dizzying” amount of food paired with pours from over 30 wineries. The pinnacle of the festival is the “Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting” where guests will be lavished with a champagne reception followed by generous pours of cult status trophy wines, all with a front-and-center view of the beach. Tickets: $75-$205
April 20 – Rootstock: a Texas Wine Festival (Waco, TX)
- ATTEND FOR: A fest designed to celebrate the best of Texas wines, with an effervescent twist. For the first time, this annual wine fest will have a lineup exclusively featuring sparkling wines from over a dozen Texas wineries, including sparkling wine-making veterans such as Pedernales Cellars and McPherson Cellars. In addition to bites from food trucks and live music, the festival also features a 5-course VIP dinner. Tickets: $60-$160
April 26 – Wine Spectator Grand Tour (New Orleans, LA)
- ATTEND FOR: Wine with a side of jazz, gumbo, and red beans & rice. This long-running wine tour is making its first-time stop in NOLA. Armed with a keepsake Riedel wine glass and a tasting book with wine descriptions, attendees will be properly prepared to take on the challenge of navigating their way through over 200 wines rated 90-points and above by Wine Spectator. Can’t make it to New Orleans? The tour also includes stops in Las Vegas and Denver in May. Tickets: $275-$375
MAY
WINE HOLIDAYS
May 3 – International Sauvignon Blanc day (First Friday in May annually)
May 9 – World Moscato Day (May 9 annually)
May 17 – Pinot Grigio Day (May 17 annually)
May 23 – International Chardonnay Day (the Thursday before Memorial Day annually)
May 24 – The Anniversary of the “Judgment of Paris”—also a celebration of California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (May 24 annually)
May 25 – National Wine Day (May 25 annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
May 2-5 – POC Food & Wine (San Francisco + Berkeley, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A brand-new culinary fest that puts inclusivity at the forefront. Programming includes the “Palestinian Opening Family Meal,” the “Brown is Beautiful” after party, and the “Sip & Scratch” industry night. The star attraction? “The Main Dish“ where guests will be delighted with gourmet bites from James Beard-nominated and Michelin-starred chefs, paired perfectly with zero-proof cocktails and curated wines and spirits from POC-owned brands and producers. Tickets: $195-$250
May 4, 11 – Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV, and Denver, CO respectively)
- ATTEND FOR: See April description of Wine Spectator Grand Tour New Orleans.
May 18 – Food, Wine & Fete (Miami, FL)
- ATTEND FOR: A celebration of Caribbean culture and cuisine with a side of wine—and dutty wine—on the beach. Get ready for some soca, sunshine, and sipping at historic Virginia Key Beach Park, featuring a stellar lineup of chefs preparing diasporic delights, an array of wine and spirits, fun pop-up experiences, art, and a plenty of musical vibes. Tickets: $135
May 17-19 – Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival 2024 (Anderson Valley, CA – Mendocino Coast)
- ATTEND FOR: An assortment of reds, rosé, and sparkling vino with vineyard views. We love a wine fest with inventive programming and this one definitely delivers: AVPNF sets itself apart with a “Winery Open House” where guests can meander along Highway 128 to visit more than 20 wineries for bites, tours, and wine tasting (some of which are complimentary) as well as a “Technical Conference” with educational sessions on topics such as farming and sustainability. Tickets: $75-$525
May 17-19 – Willcox Wine Festival (Willcox, AZ)
- ATTEND FOR: A celebration of the wines of the up-and-coming Arizona region. Wilcox is responsible for 74% of the state’s entire wine production. In addition to a variety of red and white wine tastings, guests can also expect access to artisan food and food trucks, vintage wares, artwork and entertainment, making it the perfect laid-back summer afternoon. Tickets: $30-$45
May 22-23 – USA Trade Tasting (Chicago, IL)
- ATTEND FOR: An excellent professional development opportunity for industry trade professionals and wine loving consumers alike. This event is especially useful for those wishing to launch or grow a wine brand and/or business. For the first time, USATT is allowing consumers to attend the enormous Expo tasting normally reserved for the trade. That means oenophiles will get exciting access to wines they won’t often get to experience. Attendees will also get the unique opportunity to participate in small group sit-down tastings with winemakers, importers, and distributors. Tickets: complimentary-$150
May 23-26 – Anguilla Culinary Experience, Anguilla
- ATTEND FOR: “An epicurean festival celebrating life with friends.” The energy of this vibrant fest is definitely casual luxury with a twist, as evidenced by the seaside champagne and cocktail “Savor & Soiree Sensation” that includes cabaret entertainment; a luxurious alfresco farm-to-table wine dinner; and a rum punch mixology class. The experiential elements make this festival really shine, like the interactive “Johnny Cake”-making class and the “Salt Picking” class, where guests learn how to hand-harvest salt from a body of water. Tickets: $25-$275
May 25-26 – Tinto Bajio (Leon, Mexico in the Guanajuato wine region)
- ATTEND FOR: A fun opportunity to dive into the stunning wines of Mexico. “Tinto Bajio” translates to “low red” in English, but don’t let that fool you because there’ll be a variety of Mexican wines to be tasted, including those of the sparkling variety. What’s more: Leon is an under-the-radar city located in the heart of a wine region recently named one of the top seven spots for wine tourism in Mexico for 2024. Tickets: TBA
JUNE
WINE HOLIDAYS
June 8 – National Rosé Day (2nd Saturday of June annually)
June 8 – Drink Chenin Blanc Day (2nd Saturday of June annually)
June 14 – World Verdejo Day (2nd Friday of June annually)
June 19 – Juneteenth: while not an *official* wine holiday, Juneteenth has significant associations with celebratory food and drinks, especially those that are red in color. We suggest you drink red wines by Black winemakers and vintners to honor the day. (June 19th annually)
June 21 – World Lambrusco Day (June 21 annually)
June 28 – International Rosé Day (4th Friday of June annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
June 1 – Black Food & Wine Experience (Oakland, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A celebratory fête of diasporic proportions for foodies and fashionistas alike. The Black Food & Wine Experience will bring together a talented roster of Black chefs and Black-owned food, wine, and cocktail purveyors and brands. This year’s iteration will be an evening affair where guests can immerse themselves in a “tapestry of Black culture” at a fabulous, dress-to-impress “Sneakers Ball” themed grand tasting. Tickets: $200-$2,000
June 5-9 – New Orleans Food & Wine Experience (New Orleans, LA)
- ATTEND FOR: Interactive—and fun—wine education. What makes this festival so special year after year are the creative and thoughtful learning labs added to the traditional programming, like the wine blending Masterclass, a hands-on workshop where attendees can become winemakers for a day. Tickets: TBA
June 6-9 – Kapalua Wine and Food Festival (Kapalua, HI)
- ATTEND FOR: Premium and hard to find wines and celebration of the good life. Making a triumphant return after the wildfires that devastated the island, the Kapalua Wine & Food festival is jam-packed with activities to excite oenophiles and foodies alike. Highlights of the weekend include a gala-style Grand Tasting, featuring luxury wines, caviar, cocktails and mocktails, and the “Pigs & Pinot Hawaiian Style” winemakers seminar, cooking demo, and luncheon. Tickets: $150-$1,225
June 13-16 – Telluride Food & Vine Festival (Telluride, CO)
- ATTEND FOR: An inventive affair for wine lovers who don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s clear that food, fun, and fermented fabness at this fest are the order of the day, as evidenced by the cheeky names and clever themes of some of the events like the Eggs Benedict-fueled “Friends With Bennies” brunch with wine and breakfast cocktails and the super chill “Box (Canyon) Wine Party” where guests will be served “the best in box wines” at a cool, private pop-up. Tickets: $85-$1,100
June 20-22 – Jackson Hole Food and Wine Summer Festival (Jackson Hole, WY)
- ATTEND FOR: An impressive roster of chefs and wineries serving up exceptional programming overlooking mountainous bucolic backdrops. Wine lovers will be thrilled with the “Classico Chianti vs Brunello” tasting as well as a Texas-inspired “western walk-around tasting.” There will be yard games, live bluegrass, and barbecue from renown pitmasters, plus handcrafted hats available for sale. Tickets: $195-$850
June 22 – “Cookout at the Vineyard” by The Veraison Project (Healdsburg, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: Cool *grilling out* energy, views of the vineyards, and hanging out with lots of wine-loving fam. Silver Oak Vineyard in Alexander Valley serves as the bucolic backdrop for this cookout of epic proportions, complete with live music, a DJ, and a family-style feast featuring barbecue culinary excellence and BIPOC-owned wines. A portion of ticket sales will support The Veraison Project’s “Bridge Program,” a scholarship for individuals starting their career in the beverage industry. Tickets: $150-$200
June 27-30 – Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux, France)
- ATTEND FOR: A veritable wine wonderland for Bordeaux aficionados, gastronomy geeks, and Francophile fans. The fest cleverly groups the wines by pavilion: a Sauternes Pavilion, Médoc Wines Pavilion, Bordeaux Supérieurs Rouges Pavilion, etc. Plus with a plethora of food trucks and an on-site bodegas making 100% local ingredient dishes on the spot, guests will have an opportunity to do some fun food and wine pairing experimentation. There’s cool entertainment too, including a “Wine Pong” tournament. Tickets: €23
June 28-29 – California Wine Festival Carlsbad (Carlsbad, CA)
- See April description of “California Wine Festival Dana Point” for event details. This is part of a series of four luxury-driven festivals across the state.
June 29 – Festival Vino sin Fronteras (Tijuana, Baja California, MX)
- The unique opportunity to delve deeply into Mexican wines and gastronomy. Translating to “Wine Without Borders,” Vino Sin Fronteras is a palate-pleasing convergence of over 50 wineries and 30+ restaurants designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the wines of Valle de Guadalupe (a wine region in the Ensenada municipality of Baja California, Mexico) and cuisine known as “Baja Med,” traditional Mexican dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Tickets: $80
EDUCATIONAL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Veraison Project Oeno Camp
This is a hands-on experience held in Charlottesville, Virginia designed to provide a deep dive into the world of Virginia wines. It’s ideal for various professionals across the wine industry, including writers, content creators, hospitality and retail professionals, educators, and podcasters.
DEADLINE: April 8th. Get more info here.
Somm Foundation
Brooks Winery Harvest Internship
Interested in being a winemaker or vineyard manager? This month-long opportunity is definitely your ticket to success. This is a paid position that includes room and board and a collaborative environment that prioritizes education, inquisitiveness, and fun. Core responsibilities include fruit maturity assessment, daily fermentation management and analysis, assisting with pressing operations, and fine-tuning your skills as a winery DJ. Apply here.
DEADLINE: 11:00 pm PST April 15th.
Unger Advanced Sommelier Exam Scholarship
This scholarship provides $1,000 to applicants with a demonstrated financial need to assist in paying for the Tasting & Practical components of the Advanced Sommelier Exam (Advanced Theory not included). Get more info here.
DEADLINE: 11:00 pm PST May 15th.
Delicato Family Wines Full Scholarship Program
This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for a BIPOC college student interested in pursuing a future career in wine. The recipient will get a full ride to the college of their choice in California or any historically Black college and university (tuition, room and board, books, fees, and all other related educational expenses are included). Benefits also include a paid summer internship, a mentorship program, and career placement for a guaranteed full-time position after graduation with Delicato for a minimum of two years.
2024 She Can Fund Scholarships by The McBride Sisters
Here’s what you can expect from this year’s She Can Fund Scholarships:
- Ten aspiring professional women will be provided the opportunity to pursue certification through the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers program.
- Two mentorship opportunities with co-founder Robin McBride and other industry leaders to guide and support emerging talents as they navigate their careers in the wine industry.
- Two Business of Wine Immersion Trip giveaways for two deserving students from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), featuring a transformative immersion experience in the wine industry, including insights into the hospitality industry, grape growing, and winemaking.
DEADLINE: May 31st. Get more info here.
Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Multiple Scholarship Opportunities
Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund scholarships
For 2024, the Foundation will offer four funding opportunities:
- Master Sommelier Scholarship ($10,000)
- Masters of Wine Scholarship ($10,000)
- Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship ($10,000)
- Fuel Your Dreams Scholarships ($1,000-$3,000)
DEADLINE: 11:59 pm ET April 30th. Get more info here.
Professional & Leadership Development
This scholarship is unique in that it’s designed to cover the various expenses associated with the kind of professional development uniquely received at industry wine, hospitality, spirits, and brewing conferences and events. Awardees will be given up to $2,000 to cover travel, conference fees, and hotel lodging up to three nights.
DEADLINE: 11:59 pm ET June 30th. Get more info here.
WSET Certification
In partnership with Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), WOTVS is providing scholarships designed to improve visibility of women in wine and spirits. Amounts range from $300-$7,500 to assist recipients with obtaining level 1-4 certification.
DEADLINE: 11:59 pm ET June 30th. Get more info here.
Continuing Education Scholarships
This opportunity provides funds for recipients to pursue career development activities such as executive coaching, professional public speaking programs, business management courses, and more. Scholarships are open to individuals actively working in food, wine, hospitality, and/or viticulture.
DEADLINE: 11:59 pm ET June 30th. Get more info here.
The Roots Fund 2024 Harvest Internship
This internship provides the opportunity to work a paid 2-3 month long domestic harvest or 3-5 week-long international one, both of which include housing and transportation.
DEADLINE: TBD Get more information by emailing careers@therootsfund.org. Apply here.
