The event is totally tent-covered in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the National Harbor hotels, restaurants and shops, and continues to be a true destination event. More than just a tasting, the Festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, smooth jazz, family fun as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
This year’s festival will include over 150 International wines, spirits and beers featured along with local and regional favorites. Guests will be able to sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass and the bottle, on-site at special event only low prices. Beyond the drink tastings there are many other highlights which include: a Cinco De Mayo Pavilion, Special craft beer tasting Bier Garten experience, Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting Experience, three stages of live music and smooth jazz, and so much more. It is the largest award winning wine festival of its kind in the Metro DC market.
This year’s organizers have turned up the heat on the Cooking Stage and brought in some award winning super star chef talent. Special appearances on the Cooking Stage include, Saturday: Chef Mike Isabella of Graffiato, Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper winner of Fox Reality television series Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Bryan Voltaggio of Volt/Range Restaurant, and Sunday with Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Chef Mike Schlow and Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo and Taco Bambo. All of these local, regional and nationally recognized chefs will offer meet and greets and cooking demonstrations.
Additional events include a live taping Saturday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m. of radio show Foodie and Beast with hosts Nycci and David Nellis. During the taping, guests will be included in a blind wine tasting with several of the area’s best wine experts. The show will air on Sunday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. on Federal News Network.
The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center will hold its annual Wine Dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse, on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a five-course meal paired with local Virginia wines from Barboursville Vineyards. The dinner costs $125 per person.
The resort also will be offering a Wine and Cheese by Sunset event at Pose Rooftop Lounge on Saturday, May 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy New World wines paired with gourmet cheeses, while enjoying views of the Potomac River and surrounding region from the resort’s 18th floor. The event costs $25 per person.
Gaylord National Resort will be one of the many featured culinary participants within the Food and Wine Festival, as well as offer two overnight packages for Saturday, May 3 that include one or two day access to the event.
The VIP Pier will offer wonderful food tastings for foodies to indulge their inner passions such as: Eleven Courses Private Chefs, International Cheeses, Fresh Pasta & Italian Specialties, The All American Slider and Brooklyn Hot Dog, Vegetable Crudités, Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Wings, Olives, and Nuts, specialties from the District Restaurant Group, and more.
Tickets are on sale now and range from a Grand Cru Two-Day All Access Pass at $199 per person, VIP Saturday $99 or Sunday $79 a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite. $30 designated driver ticket in advance.
To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.
Posted on Minxeats.com.