Schedule:

November 2, 2023

Magical Mystery Tour - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The only thing we can tell you about the Magical Mystery Tour is that it is definitely both magical and mysterious. As a guest of this event, you will not know the details until you have arrived at your destinations. We pick up our guests and take them to three separate locations that are not accessible to the average Big Sur visitor. The locations change from year to year with a new surprise in mind. Our tour host, as well as the hosts at each location will provide the “magic” with stories of what makes each place a unique part of the rich Big Sur history and community.

Of course there will always be something to sip and savor as you explore the wonder of each location. We recommend bringing an open mind, a trusting heart, a hungry appetite and comfortable shoes.

Lunch with Friends - 11:00 AM  3:00 PM - Private Property Big Sur

High above a ridge overlooking the dramatic meeting of land and sea, we gather for "Lunch with Friends", a collaboration of talented chefs, winemakers, and new and old friends, to start the Festival weekend.

This coursed lunch, set on a private property not usually accessible to most, features: Nicolaus Balla (COAST Big Sur) - Lady & Larder - John Harry (Private Chef) - Jessica Yarr (The Grove Felton - Jacob Burrell (Ninery Winery) and Ron Mendoza (Ad Astra).

Each course is paired with selected offerings by the winemakers of Rootdown and Beauregard Wineries. Limited to 40 seats. Shuttle will be included.

Opening Night at Alila Ventana Big Sur - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Venue:Alila Ventana Big Sur 48123 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

Welcome, welcome, welcome back to the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival with our premier opening night event.

Guests are greeted at the door by our founders and a celebratory glass of Laurent-Perrier and the night only gets better from there. Under the starry night and twinkling lights of the world-renowed Alila Ventana Big Sur terrace, we enjoy food from a diverse array of culinary partners and  champagne and wine producers.  With plenty of live music and entertainment, this is the event to dress up and show out.

November 3, 2023

Panel Tasting - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Venue: The Loft, Alila Ventana Big Sur 48123 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

Join us as we taste iconic cheeses from the Old World alongside examples from pioneering and award winning domestic cheese producers including Sarah Marcus with Brian Rose Creamery. We will expertly pair the cheeses with world class wines from Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Au Bon Climat. We will learn how traditions merge, evolve and compete in ways that satisfy our palates and challenge our sense of place in the world. The all female panel lead by industry veterans Sarah Simms of Lady and Larder, Sarah Marcus Briar Rose Creamery, Rachel Perez American Cheese Society, Morgan Clendenen Au Bon Climat and Naomi Smith Vice President of Sales Champagne Laurent-Perrier US.

Hiking with Stemware - 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM

It wouldn’t be a Big Sur Festival without a venture into the wilderness. Guests join us for a moderate hike led by one of our knowledgeable hosts where we will find a chef or winemaker at every turn. After each taste or sip the group continues on (usually joined by the chefs/winemakers as we go!) until we reach a beautiful location where a sit down lunch is served. A mild workout should always be rewarded with breath taking views and incredible flavors. Is this what they call roughing it?

Pinot Walkabout - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Venue: Post Ranch Inn - Sierra Mar Chef's Garden 47900 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

As our guests, you will arrive at the Post Ranch Inn, one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in the world. You are then led past the pond, through the art gallery and into the chef’s garden for the award winning  restaurant, Sierra Mar. Twenty different winemakers share with us  their passion for Pinot Noir, in all its forms. Hosted by Sierra Mar’s incredible Chef Il Hoon Kang  with a selection of other talented chefs throughout, this blooming garden setting is the perfect backdrop for an intimate and memorable day. Join us for the walkabout and be  inspired by this seductive grape.

Sommelier Dinner - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Venue: The Village Big Sur 46840 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

A special coursed out dinner experience led by our incredible award winning team of sommeliers. Library and hard to find wines will be opened and enjoyed and each is perfectly paired with a course from one of our chefs. This dinner is a journey for the palate and a deep dive into the world of wine with some of the most celebrated sommeliers in the industry.  Not to be missed.

There will be shuttles available to and from Carmel for this event. Please purchase those tickets separately.

November 4, 2023

Panel Tasting - Cold Climate Wines - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Venue: Big Sur Lodge Conference Center 47225 CA-1Big Sur, CA, 93920

For our second panel of this year’s festival we have five winemakers showcasing wines from California’s finest cold climate vineyards. Hosted by Mike Lucia of Root Down and Cole Ranch Wines, this panel will be informative, entertaining and intoxicating in all the ways. This event doesn’t have available parking spaces and will require guests to meet at a designated location for a shuttle pick up. More information on that is coming but get your tickets now as it is expected to sell out.

Bubbles & Brushes - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Venue: Big Sur Lodge 47225 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

Sommelier Alicia Cuadra-Cutler helps curate this event for you to enjoy brunch prepared by The Big Sur Lodge's Executive Chef. Bubbles, painting and more exquisite wine under the Big Sur redwoods with a talented local artist as your instructor.

Brunch starts promptly at 10am with the painting class immediately following. All necessary art supplies are provided and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Live Auction for Big Sur - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Venue: Loma Vista Gardens 47540 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

We come together to raise funds for our community and beneficiaries with incredible donated lots that can include items such as intimate dinners, music tickets, unique travel experiences, wine, lodgings, art and so much more. All for a good cause, always. This is the heart of the meaning of the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival. We hope you’ll join us for your chance to get a hold of something really special while giving back to this community we hold so dear.

By confirmed invitation only.  Reserve your request for an invitation below

Les Fruits de Mer - a Sustainable Seafood Dinner - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Venue: The Village Big Sur 46840 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

Chefs Timothy Eelman & Oscar Cabezas will be curating a refined light-hearted dining experience with a six course menu inspired by the mission of The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust with pairings and selections from the renowned Todd Mathis of DNS Wines. The menu will feature the very best and most ethically sourced seafood from the Monterey Bay and surrounding areas while raising our glasses the fisheries that procure it all. The intimate experience will be brought to you by the team from the soon-to-come Solstice Restaurant at The Village Big Sur.

Wine & Swine - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Venue: Henry Miller Memorial Library 48603 California 1Big Sur, CA, 93920

Feast on the beast in our final hurrah of the weekend. This event has a focus on all things pork (there will be vegetarian options) with wineries, breweries and libations to pair.  We are so excited to host The Vibe Setters for the first time this year and we can’t wait to boogey all night with you!

Shuttle to and from Carmel is available with limited space.  Please purchase those tickets separately.

Date: November 2 - 4, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Big Sur, CA 93920

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