Where to Travel for the Best Culinary Events This Year

Where to Travel for the Best Culinary Events This Year

Food festivals are known to showcase the best of the best, which is why this year, to get the most out of your annual vacation, plan it in accordance with the nation's premier, annual culinary events. Worth the trip for the scenery alone, from Ojai’s rolling hills, to Colorado’s breathtaking rocky mountains, these six food festivals are sure to enhance even the most impressive vacations.

Ojai Food + Wine Festival | Ojai, CA

Ojai Valley Inn

Tucked within the Topatopa Mountains in the mystical Ojai Valley, the iconic Ojai Valley Inn continues to redefine luxury, beckoning travelers since its opening in 1923 and now hosting its first ever Ojai Food + Wine festival. The inaugural festival will feature more than 50 top chefs and 100 wineries from around the world, from the legendary Chef Alice Waters and Chef Dominique Crenn to Chef Jon Yao and Chef Matthew Kammerer. From October 26 to 29, 2023, attendees can expect an all-star Michelin and James Beard awarded lineup along with future legends of the culinary world. Some chefs and personalities headed to Ojai in October include Nancy Silverton, Dominique Crenn, Alice Waters, Christopher Kostow, Gavin Kaysen, Michael Cimarusti, Josiah Citrin, Matthew Kammerer, William Bradley, Jon Yao, Justin Cogley, Daisy Ryan, Brooke Williamson, Antonia Lofaso, Nancy Oakes, Stuart Brioza, Nicole Krasinski, Neal Fraser, Evan Funke, Walter and Margarita Manzke, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat Parr, Carlton McCoy, June Rodil, Manfred Krankl, Will Harlan, Maggie Harrison, and more. Over the course of four days, Ojai Food + Wine will hold over 40 world-class events including a Grand Tasting at The Farmhouse on Saturday and Sunday, featuring 15 chefs each day and more than 100 wineries throughout the weekend with a spotlight on regional California wineries.Enthusiasts of food and wine can gain exclusive access via one of three ticket packages beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT on March 1 at ojaifoodandwine.com.

Aspen Food + Wine | Aspen, CO

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection | Aspen, CO

Hotel Jerome is giving guests unprecedented access to one of the most exclusive cultural happenings in town, the highly anticipated Aspen Food & Wine Festival.  With the Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport, guests receive insider access to an array of exclusive events and curated programming at the resort. From June 16-18, Hotel Jerome will host immersive culinary experiences, incredible wines, and innovative mixology.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival | Island of Hawaii 

Hawaii Food & Wine | Island of Hawaii 

For the 13th year, Hawaii welcomes the finest local and international chefs in a multi-weekend, multi-island culinary showcase: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. From its kickoff weekend (Oct. 13-15, 2023) on Maui and Weekend Two (Oct. 20-21, 2023) to the finale weekend (Nov. 2-5) on Oahu, locals and visitors alike can experience a diverse set of culinary perspectives from native Hawaiian Chefs, international wine purveyors, and critically acclaimed chefs from the continental U.S. Highlight and marquee events include an annual outdoor culinary festival at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel featuring an array of talent and its executive chef’s fresh island cuisine; interactive cooking and wine pairing classes; and tribute dinners to celebrated chefs from across the state who have made a long-lasting mark on the growth of Hawaiian cuisine.

Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival | Palm Beach, FL

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa | Palm Beach, FL

Set in sunny Palm Beach Florida, this December 7 - 10, guests are invited from around the world to Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival. Meet world renowned chefs, listen in on panels and sample dishes and desserts from South Florida's best restaurants as well as wine and spirit tastings from distributors, vineyards and more. Stay at the iconic oceanfront Palm Beach oasis, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa during the festival and enjoy a relaxing stay with accommodations for all. Join us for the annual Chillin’ N’ Grillin and watch our executive chef Neall Bailey pair mouthwatering grilled dishes with guest chefs, cool beverages and a beautiful ocean view.

Taste of Chicago | Chicago, IL

theWit Hotel | Chicago, IL

Universally known as one of the largest food festivals in the world, the Taste of Chicago (tentatively scheduled for July 7-July 9) attracts approximately 3 million people to the mid-July event. With nearly 100 food vendors catering to locals and visitors, seasoned chefs and instagram foodies, this downtown Chicago based festival is the perfect way to experience food of all types. For those traveling from out of town, book your room early at theWit Hotel located in the heart of the Loop, steps from the Chicago Theater, State Street Shopping and the Chicago Riverwalk. Steps away you can also find the popular State/Lake CTA station, with access to lines that will take you to spots across the city. For the foodies who can’t get enough, visit theWit’s premier restaurant State & Lake or grab some small bites and a cocktail at the ROOF, both under the culinary guidance of theWit Hotel’s Executive Chef Michael Taus. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate for another day full of food at the Spa@theWit.

Calistoga Food & Wine | Napa Valley, CA

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection | Calistoga, CA

Indulge yourself in world-class wines from 38 Calistoga wineries plus gourmet small bites from seven acclaimed Napa Valley restaurants...exclusively at the Calistoga Food & Wine Festival. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection is well renowned for its fabulous culinary program including participating restaurants Solbar, and Picobar. Solbar, is a Calistoga favorite and Picobar is a poolside Mexican restaurant, both led by Executive Chef Gustavo Rios and highlights of the Food & Wine festival right outside of the property.