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 29 – International Viognier Day (last Friday of April annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
April 4-9 – Easter Week Food & Wine event series (Anguilla, British West Indies)
- ATTEND FOR: Festive food and drink-fueled events co-hosted by two Black powerhouses in the culinary world: Tahiirah Habibi, an award-winning sommelier, and Rodney Scott, a Black James Beard Award-winning chef and pitmaster. The weeklong experience leads up to Easter and takes place in paradise—right on the beach at the Aurora Anguilla resort. Programming includes a farm-to-table wine pairing dinner on the lawn of the resort’s own hydroponic farm, a lobster and whole hog beach barbecue, and a beachside barbecued ribs lunch. Tickets: $10-$120+
April 5-8 – Taste of Vail (Vail, CO)
- ATTEND FOR: Distinctive signature events and seminars. This well-established wine festival is abundant with experiences like “Debut of Rosés” (featuring over 80 newly released rosés), a caviar and wine pairing event, a mountaintop wine tasting 10,350 feet above sea level, and a Bordeaux Blends seminar. Tickets: $50-465
April 14-15 – California Wine Festival – Dana Point (Dana Point, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: Beachside wine bliss. How does lounging on the sand, sipping “hard-to-find trophy wines” and noshing on culinary delicacies at sunset sound? This “Sunset & Rare Reserve Tasting” is just a taste (see what we did there?) of exceptional wine experiences to be had when you attend this wine-focused fest hosted at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, one of Orange County’s most alluring coastal locations. Tickets: $75-200
April 15 – Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour (Hollywood, FL), April 22 (Chicago, IL), and April 29 (Las Vegas, NV)
- ATTEND FOR: A reason to get your whole wine-loving squad together! With over 200 wines rated at 90 points or above by Wine Spectator, there’s sure to be both dozens of wines you already know and love, as well as those you’ve been meaning to try. Pro Tip: for $100 more than the price of a general admission ticket, VIP gets you an extra hour to taste and explore before the crowds converge. Tickets: $275-375
April 22-30 – Vancouver International Wine Festival (Vancouver, Canada)
- ATTEND FOR: A highly anticipated gathering that boasts being one the oldest and largest wine events in the United States. Showcasing 148 wineries from 17 countries via 30-plus events over eight days, this year the festival will feature South America as the spotlighted region. Unique programming includes a wine and tacos pairing, a Uruguayan wine tasting and a “Spring Fling Brunch.” Plus, bubbly lovers can rejoice because there’s going to be a global spotlight on sparkling wine. Tickets: $45-575
MAY
WINE HOLIDAYS
May 5 – 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 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)
May 25 – International Chardonnay Day (the Thursday before Memorial Day annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
May 15-17 – London Wine Fair (London, England)
- ATTEND FOR: Networking across the wine industry. This one’s strictly for wine professionals looking for a distinct opportunity to build their careers. Billed as “the most intelligent wine event in the world,” this London fair offers sessions, masterclasses and tastings that cover wines from across the globe. There’s even a digital component that not only delivers educational sessions, but also allows you to network virtually. Tickets: $35-60
May 17-21 – Nantucket Wine & Food Festival (Nantucket, MA)
- ATTEND FOR: A glimpse at why Nantucket is so special. The uber-wealthy island, about 30 miles South of Cape Cod, is home to a yearly wine festival that’s definitely one for the books. More than 50 events are being held, including a Chablis-fueled luncheon, a Champagne garden soiree at a private residence (featuring the very expensive Fleur de Miraval, no less), a “Dames Déjeuner” event (featuring an “all-star roster of women in the world of food and wine”), a gala, and a “Rosé Brunch En Provence.” Tickets: $150-800
May 18-21 – Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (Healdsburg, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A spotlight on culinary diversity and sustainable farming practices. The festival aims to “showcase the region’s makers—farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs—alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest regions of the world.” Healdsburg—in all its luxe, cozy, rustic chicness—houses a number of incredible Michelin star restaurants, so you know the dishes at this wine and food experience are going to be phenomenal. Tickets: $95-3,900
May 26-28 – Bottlerock (Napa, CA)
- ATTEND FOR: A Coachella experience for people who love culinary excellence and premium California wines. Famous actors, high-profile musicians, celebrity chefs and public figures of all kinds make it their mission in life to attend this event every year. Tickets: $189+
JUNE
WINE HOLIDAYS
June 10 – National Rosé Day
June 18 – Drink Chenin Blanc Day (3rd weekend 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 23 – International Rosé Day (4th Friday of June annually)
WINE + FOOD EVENTS
June 7-11 – New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) (New Orleans, LA)
- ATTEND FOR: A superlative event in one of the top culinary capitals in the world. In addition to the Grand Tasting and wine dinners, this experience boasts a wine competition, an interactive pizza-making class with wine pairings, a ”Burlesque Bubbly Brunch,” and an event called the “Tournament of Rosés” where guests will taste through exceptional rosés—both still and sparkling—from around the globe. Trust that when it’s all said and done, NOWFE won’t owe you a thing. Tickets: $75-215+
June 8-11 – Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (Maui, Kapalua, HI)
- ATTEND FOR: Luxurious oceanside vibes. At this weekend-long affair, hosted at the at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, guests can partake in events like a Champagne & Caviar breakfast, a gala-style Grand Tasting, a Broadbent international portfolio tasting with wines from France, Italy and Great Britain, and a wine & sushi/snacks pairing seminar—all in the company of passionate Master Sommeliers and talented winemakers. Tickets: $150-1,200
June 11-18 – The Black Food & Wine Experience (Bay Area, CA) )
- ATTEND FOR: A chance to celebrate “food, beverage, education and Black culture.” The Black Food & Wine Experience was created to shine a bright and well-deserved spotlight on the intersection of hospitality and Black excellence. The dynamic programming includes a Grand Tasting, a series of curated wine dinners co-hosted by Black winemakers in partnership with local restaurants, and a Food & Beverage Industry Summit designed to support the next generation of BIPOC food and beverage entrepreneurs. Tickets: $35-275
June 12-18 – Portland Wine Week (Portland, OR)
- ATTEND FOR: A wine event for all levels of oenophiles! Portland has a long-standing reputation for taking food and wine culture seriously while not taking themselves too seriously in the process, which is the same energy you can expect from this festival. Programming highlights include a “Women In Wine” panel discussion, winemakers luncheons, a Champagne brunch, and several themed “wine sail” events that will have guests sipping aboard a 74-foot sailboat. New events are still being added, so sign up for their newsletter to get new ticket details first. Tickets: $20-150
June 16-18 – Food & Wine Classic Aspen (Aspen, CO)
- ATTEND FOR: An “OG” wine experience in one of the most glamorous settings in the United States. While, unfortunately, this event is essentially already sold out, it’s worth your time to add your name to the waitlist—and to keep on the radar for next year! Ticket packages: $1,950-4,500
June 24 – Burlington Wine & Food Festival (Burlington, VT)
- ATTEND FOR: An event that caters to both consumers and industry professionals alike. The festival features “over 200 fine wines from around the globe” plus a trio of celeb chefs and dozens for restaurants and food purveyors to keep guests sated. There are two highlights that make this event really special. 1: The “Winemaker’s Roundtable,” where guests have the opportunity to partake in intimate conversations and tastings with winemakers, who will switch tables. 2: if you find some wines you truly love, you can order bottles right on-site. Tickets: $90-200 (based on 2022); sign-up for 2023 ticket release news.
EDUCATIONAL & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Master of Wine Application Funding by Wine Unify
Designed to address the economic barriers BIPOC wine professionals often encounter in attaining advanced wine education and certification credentials, Wine Unify will be funding the application fees for up to three individuals interested in working towards their Master of Wine (MW) credential.
Deadline: April 17. Learn more here.
Elevate Awards by Wine Unify
Wine Unify is literally putting their money where their mouth is with this second opportunity for BIPOC individuals seeking to level-up their wine education. The Elevate Awards application opens up on March 27 and will not only provide a fully-funded WSET Level II certification, but also one-on-one mentorship, study resources, glassware, a 12-bottle case of wine selected by Masters of Wine, and a Coravin. Best of all, award winners will get to become part of the Wine Unify family.
Deadline: April 21. Learn more here.
2023 General & Student Scholarships by The Roots Fund
The Roots Fund is on a mission to truly create commitment, community and opportunity among and for people of color so they get “all the education and support” they need to forge careers in the wine industry. The organization is offering 2 types of scholarships: The 2023 General Scholarship can be used for wine-related education and certifications, but also for language services and wine travel of any kind. The 2023 College Scholarship is designed to cultivate the next generation of BIPOC professionals by providing funds for students currently pursuing degrees in wine-related and hospitality programs.
Deadline: April 30. Apply here.
The “Cru 23” paid internship by Our Legacy Harvested
This program will be hosted from August through November at wineries in Oregon (including 2-week orientation/education) and will focus on developing BIPOC candidates in the areas of viticulture, harvest, and winemaking. The important dates:
- February 10th – May 1st | Applications Open
- May 7th – May 21st | Candidate Interviews
- May 31st | Interns Announced
Chablis Scholar Series by Black Wine Professionals x The Bourgogne Wine Board
The Chablis Scholar Series is an excellent opportunity for qualified wine professionals to get some deep-dive wine knowledge about Chablis, free of charge, with the added bonus of having the chance to travel to the region in person this summer.
The series will host three wine masterclasses led by a member of the Bourgogne Board and Black Wine Professionals. Registrants who attend and complete the class then become eligible to participate in an essay contest where winners will travel to Chablis from July 9-14 with Black Wine Professionals founder Julia Coney.
Essay deadline: May 8. Learn more here.
