Indulge in the culinary delights of Pebble Beach Food & Wine, featuring a star-studded lineup of chefs, renowned wineries, and spirits galore. Experience a weekend filled with delectable dishes, fine wines, and unforgettable events. Don't miss out on this epic comeback of the renowned festival on the Monterey coast.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine: A Star-Studded Culinary Extravaganza
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Pebble Beach Food & Wine, a renowned festival on the Monterey coast, made its much-anticipated return after a four-year break. Food enthusiasts from all over California and beyond flocked to this three-day extravaganza, which took place from April 4 to April 7. The festival boasted an impressive lineup of over 150 esteemed wine and spirits producers and more than 100 distinguished chefs from across the United States. As lucky attendees, we had the pleasure of indulging in the culinary delights and experiencing all the goodness this foodie fest had to offer. Here's a recap of the highlights!
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
A Culinary Star Powerhouse
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Pebble Beach Food & Wine pulled out all the stops with its star-studded lineup of chefs. The roster included James Beard Award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and familiar faces from television, such as Andrew Zimmern, Nancy Silverton, Jeremiah Tower, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
On Saturday, we attended the festival's main event, the Tasting Pavilion, a three-hour tasting experience featuring renowned sommeliers, mixologists, and award-winning chefs from around the country. We had the pleasure of sampling a wide array of delectable dishes, from lobster rolls by Delilah in Los Angeles to grilled veal sweetbread comp de potato mousseline by The Meatery in Seaside, CA. Other culinary delights included blue cheese bites on sundried apricots and hand-painted bonbons, providing a sweet ending to a weekend filled with pure indulgence.
Local Insight: Adding caviar to unexpected dishes is a popular trend, and Pebble Beach Food & Wine embraced this delicacy wholeheartedly. Fish roe adorned pastries, deviled eggs, and even Wagyu beef carpaccio!
Tipsy Hour: Wines and Spirits Galore
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Pebble Beach Food & Wine lived up to its reputation as a libation lover's paradise. Wineries and spirit brands showcased their finest offerings, including a wide selection of reds, whites, and craft cocktails. One ingenious solution we noticed was the use of wine glass necklaces, allowing attendees to sip, stroll, and sample without the hassle of juggling a glass and a plate of delectable food.
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Among our favorite libations from the weekend were the Miss Illinois cocktail from Century Grand and UnderTow in Phoenix, which featured Hendrick's Gin and dill to accentuate the cucumber and rose notes. We also had the pleasure of trying the refreshing Pomegranate G&T at the Hendrick's Gin activation, featuring the limited edition Hendrick's Grand Cabaret, a gin inspired by Parisian flavors like stone fruit and herbs. Notable wineries included Bella Union from Napa, Cliff Lede Vineyards from Yountville, and the family-owned Hampton Water Rosé.
Events and Activations That Wowed
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Throughout the weekend, the festival offered a diverse range of events, including themed lunches, dinners, seminars, and walk-around tastings. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in in-depth wine seminars, such as "100 Years of Napa History in One Day," or enjoy food-focused options like the "Burgers, Bourbon & Bordeaux Happy Hour," set against the backdrop of the signature fire pits at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
However, one of the standout experiences of the weekend was the opening night event with Nancy Silverton, titled "Coast to Coast with The James Beard Foundation." This indoor soiree featured a star-studded lineup of 25 chefs from coast to coast, all recognized by the James Beard Foundation. We were treated to an array of decadent bites and beverages that have lingered in our dreams ever since.
Giving Back to the Community
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Pebble Beach Food & Wine is not just about indulgence; it also has a philanthropic side. The event is presented by The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports youth in Monterey County. Over the years, the foundation has granted over $12.7 million to local charities.
( Credit to: Localemagazine )
Additionally, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is a charitable partner of The Roots Fund, a non-profit hospitality organization that oversaw the sommelier program at this year's event. The Roots Fund aims to provide financial support for education, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, with a specific focus on promoting diversity in the wine industry. Since its establishment in 2020, the organization has awarded over 190 scholarships and raised more than $1.5 million.
Local Insight: Interested in getting involved next year? Check out volunteer opportunities here!