“Drink heavily with locals whenever possible.” — Anthony Bourdain
Oh Tony, how we will forever miss you and your international antics. Traveling locally and abroad, always finding himself in the dark corners of the world where the food was unique and the conversations wealthy.
It was no secret that Bourdain’s go-to move was to find the food, drink with the locals, and absorb as much from the environment as possible. In his legacy it is up to everyone with a mobile mindset to fully ensconce themselves in the localities of wherever they visit. Discover the food and the people and all of the grand things which make that area of the world so special.
I propose the fastest way to cover these bases is to find the nearest food and wine festival, book yourself a room at the nicest place still taking reservations, and get to know the riches of the region.
Here are a few that shouldn’t be missed. You’re welcome in advance.
NOLA Wine and Food Experience
April 2020
If I failed to mention the Crescent City in a lineup of wine and food events, I would likely be shamed from writing another word ever again. It’d be nearly criminal. As penance, I would make my way down to New Orleans for the Food & Wine Experience — which is the only way you can describe anything that happens down in the Big Easy: an experience. This event happens every April, when the city is still riding high off Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Break, and who knows what else they come up with a parade for. You’ll want to keep your energy up.
I Love Gamay!
May 3-6
Part of the Portland Wine Festival, and all about that funky Portland Vibe, I Love Gamay is a celebration of the Oregon Gamay varietals. Only approach if you are adventurous and properly insured against the casualties of having a good time with those from down under. This festival is focused on one varietal of grape you aren’t likely going to find on the menu. Need more? Willamette is just down the road!
Savor Idaho
June 9, 2019
Yes, go to Idaho. Tell them I sent you. There is a reason both Ernest Hemingway and Patty Duke chose to be laid to rest in the great state. Let Savor Idaho draw you into Boise on June 9, 2019 and get a full course of the driest whites and richest reds. You’ll kick yourself that you have avoided Idaho for this long. Promise.
Aspen Food And Wine Classic
June 14-16, 2019
“Rip up all city streets with jackhammers [and] sod the streets at once. All public movement would be by foot and a fleet of bicycles, maintained by the city police force.” Aspen has come a long way from the days when Hunter ran for sheriff. Now the staggeringly beautiful high-mountain town is host to Food & Wine Magazine’s Classic each summer. A selection of world-renowned chefs, winemakers, and restaurateurs descend on the town for a weekend of divine opulence. Get it while the getting is good.
Kentucky Wine And Vine
June 15, 2019
Throw out what you might know about Kentucky. Now go pick it back up because everything Kentucky is worth having. Located in the heart of Jessamine County — where the country’s first wineries were built — is the Kentucky Wine and Vine. Vinters, smokers, food pairings, and live music. I’m sure if you ask, nicely, someone will help you finish the day with a spot of bourbon, too.
The Pacific Food & Wine Classic
August 17-18
“One of the best food & wine festivals in the world you don’t want to miss!” The best? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your VIP tickets and your SPF and head down to Newport Beach to rub elbows with those who know what’s best for you. At the worst, it will be the best collection of food and wine in Southern California, and you’ll have to eat it on a white sand beach. Life can only go up from there.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Aug. 29 – Nov. 23, 2019
Here is your stress-free Thanksgiving plans for this year: get yourself to Epcot for the grand finale of the International Food & Wine Festival. Eat your fill, grab a room, and spend Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday enjoying everything else Disney has to offer. The event is built around dozens of events for everyone in the family who is interested in trying something new.
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
Sept. 22-29, 2019
On your way to the end of the world, take a quick left and do a stop in Santa Fe. Their Wine and Chile event goes beyond a festival; it’s a Fiesta in every right. Local, regional, and everything in between will be poured. And if you haven’t paired wines with a healthy side of New Mexican chile, then you haven’t lived.
Savannah Food & Wine Festival
Nov. 4-10, 2019
Southern charm and hospitality in a way only Savannah knows how. The mantra is simple: eat, drink, repeat. That’s all you have to do. The festival will provide more than enough sustenance of southern food, barbecue, wine, and spirits to make sure you never have the same thing twice.
San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival
Nov. 10-17, 2019
While most of the country is bracing for another briskly brutal winter, I would advise you head south and west to the place where the sand never freezes for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Dozens of events, hundreds of wineries and chefs, and seven days to sample every bit of it.
