Traverse City Inaugural Food & Wine Event

Start: Saturday, August 23, 2025 9:00AM
End: Saturday, August 23, 2025 9:00PM

Guest chefs, cooking classes and demonstrations, wine tastings, and intimate dining experiences will highlight the first Traverse City Food & Wine, planned for August 20 – 24. The event was announced today by Traverse City Tourism, and events will take place at more than 20 locations throughout the region. Tyler Florence, a 29-year veteran of Food Network, will headline the event. Florence became a household name through a variety of cooking programs on the network. A two-time James Beard Award nominee, Florence has authored numerous books and owns highly acclaimed restaurants in San Francisco. Florence also worked briefly at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in his early career before joining the Food Network. Several other notable chefs will travel to town to participate in the event. The chefs include Mei Lin - a Top Chef winner, Food Network, and Dearborn native - who is currently serving as chef for Pure Michigan. Others in the talent lineup include Traverse City newcomers Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka, who spearheaded the acclaimed Marrow and Mink restaurants in Detroit; Ji Hye Kim, of Miss Kim’s in Ann Arbor; Kate Williams, of Lady of the House in Detroit; Omar Anani of Saffron De Twah in Detroit, Celina Tio of Belfry in Kansas City, Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson of the Traverse City icon the cooks' house, and Abra Berens of Granor Farm in Three Oaks, MI. Several of the chefs have been nominated for James Beard Awards, participated in Top Chef and other TV programs, and are nationally recognized. Traverse City’s culinary community will also be well represented with participation from the Cooks' House, Artisan, Nobo Riverside, Reflect Bistro, Aerie, Bistro Polaris, The Good Bowl, Chateau Chantal, and numerous other dining partners. “The region’s unique climate, the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and diversity of high-quality agricultural products create a culinary atmosphere worth celebrating,” said Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH), Traverse City Tourism President. Traverse City Food & Wine will feature events throughout the week, with a Grand Tasting taking place at the Traverse City Open Space on Saturday, August 23rd, from noon until 4 p.m. It will feature small plate tastings from both local and guest chefs, tastings of over 100 local wines and other craft beverages, cooking demonstrations, and interviews with acclaimed chefs. Over 30 events are currently scheduled, with more being added. The updated list of events can be found at Traverse City Food and Wine and includes education, tours, tastings, and elaborate meals. The event will kick off with an opening party at Delamar on Wednesday, August 20th. Other activities include: Four-course tasting dinner with Tyler Florence – Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Winery estate dinners and a winery-hosted summer cookout – Various locations The National Writers Series hosted conversations A 5k Run/Walk through the vines on the Leelanau Peninsula Educational tastings with food and wine pairings – Various locations Food & Wine Sails on the Bay – Wind Dancer and Nauticat Farm and winery tours – Various locations Cooking demonstrations at the Traverse City Farmer’s Market Sunday brunches, lunches, and progressive tastings – Various locations Event tickets will be available later this month. Traverse City Food & Wine is presented by 4Front Credit Union and organized by Traverse City Tourism.