The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival started as a way to showcase the many culinary, wine-making and cultural talents of this special stretch of California coast.

Schedule of Events:

October 31, 2024:

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

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 secret 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.

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

Amidst expansive views of the wild Pacific Ocean, we invite you to Alila Ventana Big Sur’s terrace for an evening under the starry night. Here, you’ll savor exquisite cuisine from our 12 culinary partners and indulge in libations from 20 champagne and wine producers. Live music  completes this memorable experience. Limited tickets available and do sell out fast.

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

Location: Alila Ventana Big Sur, 48123 California 1, Big Sur, CA 93920.

November 1, 2024:

10:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Hiking with Stemware

Here we take in the beauty of Big Sur as we invite you for a  moderate hike led by our knowledgeable hosts, where delightful surprises await. Along the way, we’ll encounter talented chefs and winemakers at breathtaking stops. After savoring each delectable taste, the group continues, often accompanied by these culinary experts, until we reach our final destination for a well-deserved lunch. It’s a harmonious blend of exercise, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable flavors!

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

This is an opportunity to become familiar with the intricacies of wines and the winemakers who create them. We’d love to meet the researchers of studies that say our palates for tasting wine is best in the morning. These are our people and we have no reason to doubt their astuteness. Therefore, we’d like to continue to test all their theories with our annual winemakers panel Friday morning. More details to come!

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

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

Our cherished festival friends and supporters, the Post Ranch Inn, extend a warm invitation. Join us for an enchanting afternoon of garden strolls, tantalizing food, and exquisite wine tasting celebrating this romantic varietal. Convenient on-site parking awaits you within the Post Ranch grounds (included in ticket price).

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

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

Join us for an exclusive, meticulously curated dinner experience led by our award-winning team of Sommeliers. Uncork the magic! We’ll open library wines and hand-selected gems that tell a story to be perfectly paired with exquisite dishes crafted by our talented chefs. It’s not just a meal—it’s an odyssey for the palate. Our sommeliers, renowned for their expertise, will guide you through this vinous voyage. Don’t miss out—raise your glass to a memorable experience and reserve your spot now. The Somm Dinner sells out quickly each year.

Convenient shuttles to and from Carmel are available for purchase separately.

November 2, 2024:

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

Nestled beneath the majestic redwoods, our friends at Big Sur Lodge partner with us to invite you to a unique brunch experience.  Savor exquisite dishes from their in-house Chef’s menu, perfectly paired with featured hand selected wines. Let your taste buds dance amidst nature’s grandeur. All levels of artists are welcome, as you never know what latent talents will emerge. A local Big Sur Artist will lead the class, with all supplies provided for your creative expression. Join us—it’s more than brunch; it’s an immersive fusion of flavors and artistry!

Location: Big Sur Lodge, 47225 California 1, Big Sur, CA 93920.

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

Get ready to paddle your way into philanthropy! Our weekend’s grandest fundraiser and the heart and soul of this festival—the Live Auction for Big Sur—is here.  A treasure trove of offerings awaits. From intimate dinners to music tickets, unique travel experiences, wine, lodgings, and captivating art, there’s something for everyone. Bid generously to support our community and beneficiaries. As the auction unfolds, Chef Anthony Kreske provides stellar bites and our Somms pour tasty libations. It’s a lively, fast-paced gathering where generosity meets excitement.

Admission is by registration only. If you’re inspired to bid well, join us!

Location will be announced at a later date but space is limited, so secure your ticket and paddle - it’s time to make a difference. Let’s raise those paddles and create lasting impact!

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

Under the ancient redwood canopy of The Henry Miller Memorial Library, join us and 300 kindred spirits for our weekend’s party event. Dive into all things swine with  plenty of  plant forward delights. Wineries, breweries, and libations will complement all those flavor sensations.  Diggin Dirt is back to shake up the dance floor.  Let’s boogie under the stars—it’s a night to remember!

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

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

Dates: October 31, 2024 - November 2, 2024

Location:

Various Locations,
Big Sur, CA 93920.

Buy Tickets

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