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!
JANUARY
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
January 8-14 — Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- ATTEND FOR: Recuperation from the buzz of the holidays. With 16 events to choose from over the course of six days, VLFWF features a Grand Tasting and chef-hosted dinners, curated moments like “Wok & Roll” (an Asian street food and music experience); a New World vs Old World “Wine Smackdown”; and the “Poolside BBQ” barbecue competition hosted by Food Network “Chopped” Champion Ed Randolph. Tickets: $50-250
January 10-15 – Cayman Cookout (Grand Cayman Island)
- ATTEND FOR: A veteran culinary experience featuring wonderfully diverse talent. How about a beautifully scenic bike ride around the island that culminates in an epic wine tasting with renowned Sommelier Aldo Sohm? Or a unique tasting of the hidden gem wines of Patagonia? We’re particularly excited to see James Beard award-winning chef and author Kwame Onwuachi hosting both an immersive storytelling-themed culinary demo, and the “A Tapestry of Heritage, Tradition and Flavors” luncheon. Tickets: $95.00-$5,000
January 19-February 11 – New Hampshire Winter Wine Festival at Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle, NH)
- ATTEND FOR: Maximum flexibility to get your food and wine on, with events held over four consecutive weeks. We love that this festival’s uniqueness lies in offering guests the opportunity to pick and choose the weekend(s) that appeal to them the most. There’s two separate “Big Tastings” (grand tastings), four different “Bubbles & Jazz” Sunday brunches, four different wine producer-hosted dinners, and multiple days of “Flight Nights” featuring tasting through wine flights. Tickets: $14.00-$250
January 23-28 – Key West Food & Wine Festival (Key West, FL)
- ATTEND FOR: Fantastic wine and food vibes through a focused cultural lens. The 2024 theme of “EspaÑa” features the food and wine of Spain, all with an art focus. Events include a “Tapas & Wine” lunch; the “Violins and Grapes” multicourse dinner featuring the artwork of Picasso; and the “The Wines of Gala” dinner centered around “surrealist fine dining” and the art of Salvador Dalí, plus a “Bodegas Güell” grand tasting celebrating the work of incredible architect Antoni Gaudi. Tickets: $225.00-$425.00, “EspaÑa Experiencia VIP” package is $2,800
January 25-28 – Sun Wine and Food Fest 2024 | Mohegan Sun (Uncasville, CT)
- ATTEND FOR: Elevated food and wine experiences with a side of Vegas casino-style glitz. Entering its 20th year, the Sun and Wine Fest aims to dazzle and delight with its all-star celebrity chef line-up and high-end programming, including a Dim Sum & Wine dinner; a “sit-down feast for the senses” experience with James Beard Award-winning Chef Todd English; a “Vintage Cru” wine tasting; and a brunch with Martha Stewart. If you love spirits as much as you do wine, the fest has you covered with multiple mezcal, scotch and bourbon tastings. Tickets: single event; $70-$550; hotel stay packages packages that include event tickets, $509.00-$1,269
January 26-28 – Naples Food & Wine Festival (Naples, FL)
- ATTEND FOR: A magical experience for the seriously hardcore, bonafide oenophiles! There’s a stellar roster of vintners, sommeliers, and chefs leading a wide variety of wine-focused event iterations and activities for this fest. Programming includes more than 15 vintner dinners hosted in private homes, a rare wines auction followed by a “Wine Down” sip and dance, and a champagne-fueled “Celebration Brunch.” Note: there’s no option to buy individual event tickets and you can only attend by purchasing entire festival packages. Tickets packages: $17,500-$40,000
FEBRUARY
WINE HOLIDAYS
February 1 — International Furmint Day (February 1 annually)
February 2 – Happy Birthday to South African Wine* (February 2 annually)
February 16 — International Syrah Day (February 16th annually)
February 18 — National Drink Wine Day (February 18 annually)
February 24 — Open That Bottle Night (the last Saturday in February annually; started by renown wife and husband wine journalists duo Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher to encourage you to enjoy that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
February 2-3 – Passion for Pinot (Palm Springs, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A laid back celebration of all things Pinot Noir in the desert. The positively sublime weather of Palm Springs in February makes it the perfect cold winter weather refuge, especially when you add fabulous red wines to the picture. P4P offers a Grand Tasting, plus the choice between two wine dinners, and two wine seminars. The “Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles: Outstanding California Sparkling Wines” seminar promises to be particularly intriguing by showcasing Pinot Noir-forward sparklers. Tickets: $135-$225
February 18 – New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival (Fairport, NY)
- ATTEND FOR: An opportunity to appreciate well-made wines that happen to be sweet. Sweet wines are often maligned—sometimes for good reason—but they definitely shouldn’t all be grouped together and regarded the same (there’s a reason that Jay-Z and Beyoncé recently posted themselves drinking Chateau d’Yquem). Hosted at Casa Larga Vineyards, guests have the opportunity to attend one of two separate three-hour sessions (or both!) where they’ll have access to wine seminars, curated food and ice wine pairings (including dishes where ice wine has been infused!). Tickets; $70 individual, $125 for 2 people (ticket prices may increase as festival nears)
February 24 – Black Vines (Oakland, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A vibrantly distinct—and fun—celebration of diversity in wine and art. Black Vines is abound with Black wineries and vintners, an event whose ethos is, “It’s not just about wine. It’s about community, culture, and sharing experiences.” Founded in 2010 by Fern A. Stroud, this event is the beauty of cultural equity and inclusivity personified. The best part is that Black Vines offers additional programming after the event and throughout the year in Oakland and Napa, giving wine lovers an opportunity to keep the fabulously fermented energy going. Black Vines was voted USA Today’s number one festival in 2021 so—especially since last year’s event sold out—you’d better get on it if you want to attend! Tickets: $175.00
February 24 – Oregon Chardonnay Celebration (Newberg, OR)
- ATTEND FOR: Fulfilling your white wine lover dream with some of the best Chardonnay in the country. Oregon has long established itself as a leader in exceptional wine production, evidenced by the fact that this Grand Tasting event will have over 50 Oregon wineries participating. Located about 45 minutes from Portland and 70 miles from the ocean in the town of Newberg, the celebration has promised to deliver locally sourced “perfectly paired bites” to accompany all of the different incredible Chardonnay styles and production. Fun fact: this event also serves as a tantalizing teaser for the complimentary flagship event known as the International Pinot Noir Celebration held in July (stay tuned for more in future editions of The Sip Schedule). Tickets: $125.00
February 24-March 3 – Vancouver International Wine Festival (Vancouver, BC)
- ATTEND FOR: A full week of wine and culinary revelry. With over 30 wine and food-fueled events specifically designed to “provide an informative, educational, and entertaining wine experience,” it’s easy to see why this wine fest is considered one of the best in the world. VIWF’s crowning glory is featuring 129 wineries from 12 different countries vying for guests’ palates. A few event highlights include the Bacchanalia gala dinner, “The Mediterranean Art of Living” seminar exploring the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, and the “Gusto d/Italia” five-course food and wine pairing dinner. Tickets: $45-$225
MARCH
WINE HOLIDAYS
March 3 — National Mulled Wine Day (March 3rd annually)
March 13 — International Riesling Day (March 13th annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
March 1-3 – Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival (Los Angeles, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: Culinary partying with a purpose by a PCH pier. Kicking off its inaugural year by the Santa Monica Pier, this three-day event plans to make a splash. With 90+ celebrity and local chefs like Chef Melba Wilson, James Beard Best Chef and Iron Chef winner Stephanie Izard, Iron Chef America and Chopped judge Geoffrey Zakarian, Crystal Espinoza of Guerrilla Tacos and Arica Thomas of Auntie Beulah’s Biscuits & Chicken, you know this festival is going to be spectacular. The event’s official non-profit partner is Regarding Her (RE:Her), “a national nonprofit committed to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in the food and beverage industry.” Tickets: $175.00 (GA), $275.00 (VIP)
March 2-3 – Freixenet Bubbles Fest (Ezequiel, Freixenet, Mexico)
- ATTEND FOR: A fizzy sipping fiesta in Mexico’s up-and-coming wine country. In case you haven’t heard, Mexico is having a moment when it comes to wine production, which is particularly evident when it comes to sparkling wine. Spanish brand Freixenet understood the wine assignment and recognized the promise of the region. They established a South of the border winery and have been one of the biggest advocates for sparklers in Mexico ever since. Bubbles Fest is a two-day celebration featuring deejays and live music, dancing, food, and more than 100 (!) sparkling wine labels from the region, and all over the world. Tickets: $28.00-$35.00 USD ($490-$590 MX)
March 6-10 – Charleston Wine + Food (Charleston, SC)
- ATTEND FOR: The experience of attending one of the most top-rated wine festivals in the country. Close to 100 events comprising multiple brunches, beverage workshops, wine lunches, dinners, tastings, culinary excursions, and signature events are what make this a highly-acclaimed festival. The lineup of professionals is just as fantastic and extensive, with a diverse roster of incredibly talented leaders in food and wine. Tickets: $75-$1,450
March 7-9 – Jackson Hole Wine & Food Winter Fest (Teton Village, Jackson Hole, WY)
- ATTEND FOR: Enjoying the last vestiges of a wonderful winter “wine-derland.” Although March is technically moving into spring weather, Jackson Hole still puts up chilly temp high in the 40s and lows in the teens, but the Winter Fest aims to keep you warm from the inside out! The three-day affair kicks off with a lavish Champagne and Caviar dinner; another hilltop dinner with views of the valley below; and a cooking demo + wine lunch. Be advised that tickets are selling fast. Tickets: $195-$695
March 13-17 – Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food (Nassau, Bahamas)
- ATTEND FOR: A party in paradise. Kick things off in proper style with the Opening Night Swirl Party, followed by the Nobu dinner with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself. Other fest highlights include the “Sparkles at Sunset” champagne tasting, an ocean-front “Rum Punch Lunch” with Chef JJ Johnson (chef-owner of FIELDTRIP in Harlem), and a trio of star-studded wine dinners. Cap the festivities off on Saturday night with Chef JJ and Chef Robert Irvine at the “Jerk Jam,” where you’ll be treated to grilled meats and seafood to be washed down with wine and tropical cocktails, while you rock out to live music by Wyclef Jean. Tickets: $44-$493
March 21-24 – Palm Desert Wine & Food (Palm Desert, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: Gastronomic access to almost 50 premium still and sparkling wines, more than 50 restaurants, and a slew of celebrity and local chefs. The event sets the tone fantastically from the jump with a four-course James Beard gourmet lunch to give you a marvelous taste of things to come. The fest also includes two Grand Tastings, a wine and cheese pairing masterclass, and a Sunday brunch with bottomless champagne. Tickets: $75-$225+
March 24-30 – Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (Hilton Head, SC)
- ATTEND FOR: Laid-back lowcountry culinary luxury at what’s billed as “the largest outdoor tented festival on the East Coast.” Hosted in the gorgeous Hilton Head, which is known for its magnificent beaches, this fest revels in southern charm and seacoast vibes. Events include a public tasting across the street from the beach, a Grand Tasting and the “Sip & Stroll, Stay Gold: A Lowcountry Wine, Food, and Music Experience” featuring the Double Gold award-winning wines from the event’s international judging competition. Tickets: $35-$150
March 25-29 – Chefs Making Waves Festival at Sea (embarkation: Miami, FL)
- ATTEND FOR: Sumptuous sipping while sailing the seven seas. Billed as the “tastiest vacation ever,” this wine and culinary cruise offers five days of jam-packed activities, with over 20 events. Chef talent includes Anee Burrell, Marcus Samuelson, Scott Conant, and Maneet Chuahan. One of the unique aspects of this cruise is it also features programming in its destination port of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas—beachside barbecue, anyone? Pricing: $1,350-$6,900 per person per cabin
EDUCATIONAL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
International Wine & Spirits Competition Emerging Talent Awards
Open to wine and spirits professionals of all levels, the Emerging Talent awards is a unique opportunity “for new and exciting voices within the industry” to uniquely make their mark in the world of wine. The winner of each of the six Emerging Talent awards (Wine, Wine Communication, Spirits Communication, Bartending) will be granted a £2,500 travel award that can be utilized to further their education and professional development within their desired field within the trade.
DEADLINE: January 26, 2024. Applications will be judged mid-February with winners being announced by the end of the month. Apply here.
The Veraison Project Future Leaders Grantee Program
This is a truly dynamic scholarship program focused on elevating experienced BIPOC members of the beverage industry who consider themselves to be motivated, leadership-driven and passionate. Future Leaders’ extensive, multilevel programming seeks to provide grantees “with the tools, resources and community to take that next step” in their professional career, including access to mentors, a program focused on wine entrepreneurship called “Oeno Camp” and a five-day immersion trip to France this summer.
DEADLINE: January 31st. Apply here.
The Veraison Project Bridge Program
This scholarship supports early-stage hospitality professionals with financial resources to cover expenses related to relocation and/or housing in relation to starting a new job in the hospitality space. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 and applicants must have already secured a full-time internship or full-time job offer in the wine industry.
Applications open in January. Get more info here.
Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Program, BC Chapter British Columbia, Canada
Available to women and non-binary applicants who are residents of British Columbia, have dedicated professional goals in the beverage industry and are “looking to either refine or expand their expertise at a credible educational institution of their choice anywhere in the world.” Scholarship amounts range from $250-$10,000.
DEADLINE: application closing date TBD; applications opened January 1, 2024 Apply here.
The Roots Foundation Rooted in France 2024 HBCU Scholarship
An incredible opportunity for an applicant who has or will receive their Bachelor’s degree between June 2014 and June 2024, or who has been employed in hospitality, the wine industry or business field within the last 10 years. The recipient will have their tuition plus room and board covered in the Burgundy region France, as they pursue a MBA at the Burgundy School of Wine & Spirits Business which equips “students to obtain a global vision in the wine industry and also gain management and financial skills in spirits and beer industries.”
Get more information here or you can apply here.
Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Scholarship Opportunities
Executive Leadership Program to Attend DISCUS Academy
For those looking to reach the next level in their already established leadership or executive career path (5+ years of management experience) within the beverage industry, WOTVS is providing three scholarships for an eight-month intensive called the DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States) Academy. The Cohort will receive training and education in the areas of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Business Development & Innovation, Leadership Development, and Community Building, equipping and positioning them to successfully attain high-level positions within the industry.
DEADLINE: 11:59 ET, January 15th. Apply here.
Developing Leadership Program to Attend DISCUS Academy
For women seeking to embark on the pursuit of a leadership role within the beverage industry, WOTVS is offering two scholarships to the DISCUS Academy. Similar in time commitment and format to the WOTVS Executive Leadership Program, but specifically designed to develop the leadership capacity of early-stage professionals, the Developing Leadership program focuses on identifying leadership styles, increasing interpersonal skills, and teaching “how to build and manage a high-performance team.”
DEADLINE: 11:59 ET, January 15th. Apply here.
