Best Food and Wine Festivals
The Urbanna Oyster Festival in Urbanna, VA
November 15, 2022-April 15, 2023 As the Oyster Capital of the East Coast and home to the “Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth,” the riverfront town of Urbanna, Virginia is the site where the Virginia Oyster Trail first began. And the Urbanna Oyster Festival. All things oysters are represented here, with more than 50 vendors serving up every type you can imagine: raw, steamed, fried, roasted and Rockefeller. The town shuts down for the 2-day affair and local oystermen (and women) gather to share their knowledge—and flex their muscles—in the festival’s oyster shucking contest. While extremely competitive, it’s pure fun for the the audience who’s given the delicious task of eating these little mollusks as fast as they’re cracked open. Pair yours with local wine tastings, or head to the micro-brewery garden for some regional craft beers. Where to Stay: The Tides Inn Located on a private peninsula in Irvington, surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, The Tides Inn boasts 70 guest rooms and suites, exclusive access to the Chesapeake Bay marina and a full-service spa. For adventure seekers, there’s also a 18-hole Golden Eagle Golf Course, sailing school and more. They also pride themselves on their wide variety of ecology experiences from oyster excursions to crabbing expeditions with resident ecologist, Will Smiley. To sum it up: The Tides Inn is the ideal sanctuary for oyster lovers during the fest.
Newport Winter Foodies Stroll in Newport, RI
December 9th & 10th, 2022 and February-April, 2023 Many of Newport’s most popular restaurants are participating in a winter food tour along the historic Thames Street this year, taking place on December 9th & 10th. Enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by wine pairings for a cozy evening, Newport style. Can’t make it in December? Don’t worry, tours will also run from February-April on Saturday evenings, beginning at 6:00 PM. And the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee will be also hosting a European-style Christmas market filled with festive treats, holiday cheer and artisan wares perfect for gifting, from December 10 - 11. Where to Stay: The Brenton Hotel In coastal Newport, Santa arrives by boat for the annual tree lighting ceremony on December 3rd at Bowen’s Wharf and The Brenton Hotel is just a short walk away, making it the perfect place to stay while in the City by the Sea. This charming luxury hotel transforms into a holiday wonderland with three special packages to ensure you’ll be merry and bright throughout your trip. The Brenton Believes Package, with rates starting at $289 per night, applies 10% of the room revenue towards a gift certificate to use at a local shop or restaurant. The Yule Feel Festive Package, with rates starting at $314 per night, includes tickets for two to the legendary mansions dressed in holiday finery, breakfast for two and complimentary parking at the hotel. And with the Ring in 2023! Package, with rates starting at $459 per night, you can party all night at Newport’s downtown hot spot, knowing your bed is just a short elevator ride away.
New York City Wine & Food Festival in New York, NY
October 12-15, 2023 New York City Wine & Food Festival will be taking place October 12-15, 2023 next year and is considered the largest food and wine festival in the city with more than 80+ events. NYCWFF is best known for its walk-around tastings in celebration of America’s favorite foods, intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, late night parties, hands-on classes, wine tastings and more. Where to Stay: Conrad New York Midtown Take a bite out of the Big Apple and book a stay at the festival’s headquarter hotel Conrad New York Midtown to receive:
2 VIP tickets to the NYCWFF festivalDinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Dabble, including a taste of the brand new plant based caviar tasting menu Multi-hour custom Culinary Tour of Manhattan with the iconic foodie himself, Famous Fat Dave Welcome foodie and wine lovers amenity
We also love The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, which is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This NYC landmark hotel has captivated travelers since 1930 and is home to some of the most well-appointed guest rooms and suites NYC has to offer. There’s world-famous Bemelmans Bar downstairs for live jazz nightly (plus night caps), recently redesigned Dowling’s for throwback dishes from another era (think martinis, burgers, wedge salads and Steak Diane flambéed with Cognac), even The Valmont Spa and Yves Durif Salon, so you never really have to leave—except for the Fest of course. And their Rosewood Explorers program aims to please the youngest guests with an array of special services, kids’ menus and fun events.
Alma Festival in Ibiza
November 2-5, 2023 Ibiza’s Alma Festival is a three-day spiritual experience filled with music, wellness, and guided sessions led by acclaimed experts, but it’s also an incredible weekend packed with culinary offerings. The highlight: community dinners hosted at The Beach Caves, Six Senses Ibiza’s flagship dining destination. You can also savor Master Chef Eyal Shani’s seasonal and locally-sourced cuisine at HaSalon Ibiza and indulge at plenty of on-site pop-ups fit for foodies like The Farmers’ Market (an authentic selection of natural and sustainable specialty items, from wood-fired pizzas to traditional coffees and treats), The Orchard (an intimate dining venue that blends classic, local cuisine with Mexican-Peruvian cocktails) and Pharmacy Bar (a nourishing mixology experiences comprised of organic, made-to-order juices, elixirs, wines, and spirits). Where to Stay: Six Senses Ibiza Alma marks the beginning of the cool season and there’s no better place to embrace the Spanish island’s ‘live-and-let-live’ mentality than Six Senses Ibiza, which is one of the few Balearic resorts open during the winter months. Enjoy their mellow and sunny winter from the comfort of your own Private Residence or Mansion, spend your days floating in the sublime at crystalline waters at Cala Xarraca and take part in excursions rooted in music, art, sustainable fashion and wellness that has become synonymous with the island.
BottleRock in Napa Valley, CA
May 26-28, 2023 What do you get when you gather a bunch of oenophiles, foodies and musicians in one place? BottleRock Napa Valley, which features the world’s top musicians, master sommeliers, celebrity chefs and dozens of the region’s finest vintners, restaurateurs and brewers. Let’s put it this way: There’s nothing like a food festival in wine country. Be sure to get a good spot in front of the Williams Sonoma culinary stage, where top chefs and celebrities are paired up for epic cook-off mashups. Where to Stay: Vintage House at The Estate Yountville This charming property is only 10 miles from the action in Napa and located in the heart of Yountville, surrounded by restaurants, bars, shopping, parks and of course: more wineries. With complementary bikes to cycle around town, a pool, luxurious spa and bungalow-style abodes by SB Architects tucked in between the lush landscape of The Estate, it’s the ideal refuge when you’re not at the festival. Be sure to check out Chef Michael Chiarello’s Bottega for dinner, Coqueta for tapas, The Restaurant at North Block for lunch or patio cocktails, RH Yountville for the prettiest al fresco meal under twinkling chandeliers and if you’re feeling splurgy, the The French Laundry.
Sound On Sound in Bridgeport, CT
September 24-25, 2022 Sound On Sound has been years in the making and kicks off for the first time in Bridgeport, Connecticut this fall, with performances by Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, The Lumineers, Dave Matthews, The National, Gary Clark Jr and many more headliners. In addition to some epic entertainment, SOS is also drawing quite the foodie crowd, considering their food and libations lineup includes signature cocktails from top-tier alcohol brands like Redemption Whiskey’s Seaside Punch, Tito’s Sparkling Lemonade and Dos Hombres Mexcaloma. As for the best food truck and restaurant eats at this fest, be sure to hit the following stands for buttery lobster rolls, dazzling donuts and finger-lickin’ BBQ: Hoodoo Brown BBQ, Donut Crazy, The Tasty Yolk, Fire Engine Pizza Co., Crispy Melt and Lobster Joint. Where to Stay: The Surfside Hotel Whether you’re coming in early on Friday for Ringo Starr, or hanging out late Sunday for Dave Matthews, The Surfside Hotel is a great local option for where to stay—with last-minute availability. Located right on the water, they have a laidback, beachy vibe and will be offering transportation to and from the grounds on their Weekends with Bernie shuttle, plus a full roster of activities to keep the party well going after the last set. Check out onsite restaurant Little Pub for a post SOS after party with late-night food, drinks and fun, or get a good night’s rest in their surfer-inspired, waterfront rooms and join them for morning yoga or an early massage before the festival.
Taste of Chicago in Chicago, IL
June & July, 2023 The nation’s biggest food festival, Taste of Chicago, takes place in the Windy City and there’s a remarkable number of breaking culinary trends on display here. Stop by its grounds in a prime spot right in Grant Park overlooking Lake Michigan and you can watch chef demos, visit the kiddie corner and dine to your heart’s content. Yes, there’s Chicago deep-dish pizza and Eli’s cheesecake to partake in, but there’s also dim sum, kimchi cheese fries and candied bacon. Whatever your favorite dining option, odds are, you’ll find it. By the way: Did we mention it’s free? Note that while meals are accompanied by music, you’ll need tickets to get into the Petrillo Band Shell. Where to Stay: Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Make home base Hotel Zachary, when you’re not tasting your way through Chi-Town. With next door access to Wrigley Field, 10 restaurants and bars onsite, plus stylish rooms and suites (including the Ballpark Loft with floor-to-ceiling views of the stadium, a library wall and massive bathroom), this sporty hotel is the best place to crash in comfort between tastings. Also worth checking out while you’re in town: The Bar at Hotel Zachary for killer craft cocktails, Big Star for tacos, tequila and honky tonk, Beatnik on the River for the best brunch with waterfront seating and eclectic, Moroccan-inspired vibes, three-Michelin-starred Alinea for a serious gastronomic experience, Johnnie’s Beef for iconic Italian beef sandwiches and Skydeck Chicago, for their Pie in the Sky special where you can devour the cheesiest, crispiest slices on ‘The Ledge’—1,353 feet above Windy City.
Wine & Food Fest in Hudson Valley, NY
September 9-10, 2023 The annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest takes place every September, the weekend following Labor Day, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds and celebrates all things wine. At this event catered to true oenophiles, you can get to know New York’s finest wineries, mingle with grape growers and wine makers to learn about the area’s bounty, try a New York craft distilled spirit or beer and taste your way through HV’s beloved restaurants, food trucks and food purveyors (farm-fresh cheeses, farm-raised meats, salsas, baked goods, maple syrup…you name it, it’s here). Where to Stay: Hasbrouck House Nestled in Stone Ridge, NY, a mere 20+ minutes from the fairgrounds, you’ll find a refuge so idyllic and quaint—you’ll never want to check out. Hasbrouck House is an 18th century Dutch Colonial stone mansion in this historic hamlet, known for its rustic-chic accommodations, farm-to-table restaurant Butterfield, casual outdoor burger and salad shack, Butcher & Bar and 100-year old swimming pool. They’re adjacent to 50 parks for scenic lake-side hikes, close to Phoenicia, Woodstock, and the Mohonk Preserve, and feature a complimentary breakfast program like no other, with gourmet doughnuts and coffee each morning, or perhaps, local cider. This summer, they’ve launched Sunset Flix on the bluestone patio for free films, food and fun through October. And as if the reasons to book aren’t appealing enough, they have lots of different packages and deals to make visiting even more affordable. Choose from: Dine & Stay, Relax & Unwind, Midweek Retreat or Extended Weekend discounts.
National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI
July 1-8, 2023 More than 75 percent of the nation’s tart cherries are grown on farms surrounding Traverse City, so it’s no surprise this small Michigan city is home to the largest Cherry Festival. Come to town and you can get cherry pie and pick cherries on nearby grounds, and you can also enjoy the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform flying feats, listen to country and rock music and watch fireworks. Naturally, there’s both cherry wine and cherry beer to be had here too. Where to Stay: Delamar Traverse City This hotel offers posh digs on Lake Michigan with waterfront accommodations, daily breakfast, an onsite restaurant with live music Thursday through Sunday at Artisan and private boat cruises along the crystal clear waters of the Grand Traverse Bay. Spacious family rooms also boast one king bed and twin bunkbeds with a half wall, for a bit more privacy. As for where else to eat while in town, there’s farm-meets-brewery Farm Club, Mama Lu’s for gourmet tacos with insanely addictive sauces and Boathouse Restaurant for fine dining by the docks.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, CO
June 16-18, 2023 For many James Beard award-winning chefs, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is festival to go to. Thomas Keller calls it the “superstar” of food festivals, and no wonder: The event draws the country’s best chefs and winemakers. Tickets to the event are pricey, but for foodies and wine aficionados alike, it’s a must-see occasion. Where to Stay: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection Chances are, if you’re in Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic, you appreciate the finer things in life. Enter: Hotel Jerome, which is one of Aspen’s leading boutique hotels. They’re pretty much known as HQ for the fest and even feature a Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport for the occasion. With the passport, you’ll get insider access to exclusive events and curated programming, plus an evening with acclaimed Chef JJ Johnson to celebrate Black stars across the epicurean landscape. This summer, Hotel Jerome’s Grand Ballroom also transforms into a Summer Cabaret with a seated chef’s dinner followed by a special theatre production. And then there’s Aspen’s most popular speakeasy: Bad Harriet for lite bites and cocktails inspired by powerful women throughout history.
Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, KY
September 14-17, 2023 You can sample more than 20 different bourbons, mingle with celebrated distillers and enjoy delicious cocktails at this popular Bourbon & Beyond event in Louisville, Kentucky. But wait, there’s more: Visitors can also enjoy demos from celebrity chefs, food from local restaurants and concerts from national rock, blues and bluegrass acts. As the tagline for this fest suggests, it’s “a perfect blend of bourbon, food and music.” Where to Stay: 21c Museum Hotel As the first “museum hotel” of its kind, a stay at 21c Museum Hotels is unlike any other. The award-winning hospitality concept was born in Louisville and is a pioneer at merging museum and hotel worlds to create a new kind of travel experience. So if you’re an art aficionado (or just in the area to sip bourbon—no judgment), we highly recommend checking into the 91-room hotel that’s outfitted with both local and worldly works, by both upcoming and legendary artists. They’re also home to Proof on Main restaurant, but we’re big fans of The Wild Swann in The Grady Hotel and Porch Kitchen & Bar as well.
Wine + Food Festival in Charleston, SC
March 1-5, 2023 Chefs, authors, and winemakers all descend on this five-day foodie extravaganza in Charleston, South Carolina, to take in some of the country’s best culinary and dining delights. CWFF features all the demonstrations, samplings and book signings any foodie could want, and the event also celebrates the city’s food and cultural heritage, as Low Country cuisine takes center stage here. Where to Stay: Zero George Charleston is always a good idea for a couples trip (as is a wine and food fest), so look no further than the Holy City’s most romantic hotel when choosing your accommodations. Zero George is a true gem and can’t be beat in terms of privacy, stunning suites with cozy piazzas and old-world vibes with modern day amenities and service. The best part? A European continental breakfast and evening wine + cheese hour are included in your stay. Don’t forget to save room for Zero Restaurant + Bar—Chef Vinson Petrillo’s seasonally-inspired love letter to Charleston through cuisine.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, FL
February 23-26, 2023 With more than 400 chefs, winemakers and distillers on site, this gourmet food festival attracts a lot of star power to South Beach, Florida. SOBEWFF also offers visitors five days of fine dining and drinking in one of the most scenic settings possible and invites show goers to sample some of the best food and beverages in the country. Where to Stay: W South Beach Keep the festivities going over at W South Beach, where party-worthy penthouses and spacious suites await. Their recent $30 million renovation can be seen in every corner of the property—from the spa and pool, to the communal areas—and every guest is assigned a Whatever/Whenever team member upon check in to (literally) provide whatever you want, whenever you want it. Mr. Chow may only an elevator ride away downstairs, but we’re also fond of Cecconi’s Miami, Joia Beach, Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann and the always buzzing Juvia rooftop.
Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, LA
July 23-28, 2023 It’s the world’s biggest spirits festival, offering everything from pop-up martini bars to bartenders’ breakfasts with pairings to classes on beer, whiskey and more. The Tales of the Cocktail festival brings together spirits professionals and cocktail enthusiasts for an unforgettable week in New Orleans—and all the stories that come with the trip. The focus, of course, is on (alcoholic) beverages, but there are coffees, smoothies and various staple foods to sample too. Where to Stay: ONE11 Hotel ONE11 has changed the hotel game in NewOrleans with its debut as the French Quarters’ first new hotel in over 50 years. The 8-story, 83-room boutique hotel resides in the historic Sugar District Waterfront and evokes a bygone era, in what was once the heart of the NewOrleans sugar processing industry. Well-fitted accommodations are complemented by an incredible swimming pool and courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, plus a vibrant rooftop featuring panoramic views of the French Quarter and Mississippi River. Batture Bistro + Bar is their sleek, yet casual, hub for craft cocktails and NOLA-style nibbles and don’t miss Compère Lapin, The Carousel Bar & Lounge, Seaworthy and Josephine Estelle at the Ace Hotel.
Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest in Des Moines, IA
February 26, 2022 There are bacon fests, and then there’s the Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest in Des Moines, Iowa. Noted as one of the best events of its kind in the U.S., thousands of pork aficionados from around the world manage to chow down 15,000 pounds of bacon during its day-long festivities. If ever you needed a way to celebrate coming off a diet, consider it the place to be. Where to Stay: Hilton Des Moines Downtown With its central location in downtown Des Moines, you’re that much closer to the bacon. The hotel is within walking distance of Historic East Village and Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater and they provide free airport shuttle service. When you’re not pigging out, you can relax in the indoor pool or grab a bite at Park Street Kitchen. PS, if you’re looking for more foodie fun in Iowa, A to Z Foodie Trail features 26 stops in a loop that includes Pella, Leighton, Oskaloosa, Knoxville and Pleasantville. Next: The Best State Fair Food Recipes
