The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is set to be a remarkable culinary and wine experience, immersing guests in the vibrant local cuisine crafted by regional chefs and complemented by world-class wines in stunning Whitefish, Montana. Scheduled for September 13-15, 2024, this inaugural event will take place against the breathtaking backdrop of Big Mountain and the natural beauty of Whitefish, making it a must-visit for food and wine lovers across the country, right in the heart of the picturesque Flathead Valley.
Whitefish Food and Wine Festival: A Celebration of Local Flavors
The Founders of the Festival – Ryan Heil, Todd English, Joe Hess
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is the creation of renowned Chef Todd English, entertainment entrepreneur Ryan Heil, and local business leader Joe Hess. This event will showcase the finest culinary offerings from Whitefish while also featuring world-class talent from beyond the region. Over the three days, participants will have the opportunity to engage in unique experiences, including a variety of curated events that celebrate both local and global culinary scenes.
Festival Highlights
At the heart of the festival are the Grand Tasting sessions, held at the beautiful Haskill Creek Farms. This venue, offering stunning views of Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park, is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Attendees will have the chance to sample an extensive selection of wines from top wineries, craft beers, and spirits, all paired with gourmet dishes prepared by esteemed chefs and local purveyors.
The Fall Colors of Whitefish
Festival Events
Beyond the Grand Tastings, the festival will feature themed events that highlight Whitefish’s unique character. Activities will include wine pairings, tastings led by sommeliers, and informative panels. For those wishing to soak in Whitefish’s natural beauty, outdoor activities like “Sip & SUP,” a stand-up paddleboard excursion, and scenic hikes that end with gourmet picnics are also planned.
Wine Tastings
The Grand Tastings
The Grand Tasting sessions will bring together wineries, brewers, and distillers with local chefs, food providers, and supporting brands to create an unforgettable experience at the scenic Haskill Creek Farms, complete with sweeping mountain views. Each 2.5-hour session will feature live music, engaging sponsor activities, and the gourmet Todd English Food Experience, crafted by four-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Todd English in collaboration with top regional chefs. Three Grand Tasting Sessions are scheduled: Friday from 4 PM to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM, and Saturday from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $85.
Other Event Experiences
BARLEY & GRAPES: Montana Brewing Meets Oregon Winemaking – Friday, September 13 at Blackstar Brewing – 6 PM to 9 PM
Barley & Grapes beautifully pairs the finest Montana craft brewing with premier Oregon winemaking! Hosted by Brewmaster Jeremiah Johnson and the team from Cristom Vineyards, this tasting event includes a unique Oregon-inspired culinary presentation by Blackstar Executive Chef Katie Haynes. Attendees will explore craft brewing and the distinctive terroir of Oregon while enjoying a carefully curated pairing menu with each beverage selection. Tickets are $65 per person.
PEAK PALATE: Where the Mountain Meets the Vine – Saturday, September 14 – Hellroaring Saloon – 6 PM to 9 PM
Join us for an unforgettable 7-course Alpine-inspired dinner at the historic Hellroaring Saloon on Big Mountain, perfectly paired with seven outstanding wines rated above 90 points, sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Chile and Argentina. This exclusive event is limited to 50 attendees. Tickets are $150 per person.
VIVA ITALIA: An Italian Culinary Journey with Chef Todd English – Saturday, September 14 at Abruzzo in Whitefish – 6 PM to 9 PM
Buon appetito! VIVA ITALIA is a multi-course culinary journey through Italy’s rich flavors with esteemed Chef Todd English collaborating with Abruzzo’s Executive Chef Jeremy Grossman. Guests will enjoy an aperitif during the cocktail hour before indulging in handmade Italian pastas and sumptuous dishes that showcase authentic Italian cooking traditions, complemented by a curated wine list from celebrated importer Indigenous Selections. Tickets are $210 per person.
The Todd English Food Experience
The Todd English Food Experience is a premium addition that promises to be one of the festival’s main attractions. This exclusive event will occur in a dedicated tent, providing a highly elevated dining experience crafted by Chef English himself. Guests will indulge in exquisite dishes prepared by Chef English and other top chefs from the Flathead Valley. The tent will also feature a cooking stage where masterclasses and daily panels will offer insights into culinary arts and unique wine pairings.
About Chef Todd English: A Culinary Icon
Chef Todd English in Whitefish
Chef Todd English is a celebrated figure in the culinary realm. As a four-time James Beard Award winner, he has made an indelible mark on the culinary landscape over the years. Recognized for his innovative Mediterranean cuisine, he has built an impressive career that spans restaurants, cookbooks, cooking shows, and more.
English’s culinary journey began in the 1980s with the launch of his first restaurant, Olives, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The establishment gained acclaim for its bold flavors and inventive dishes, quickly establishing English’s reputation on a national scale.
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival: A New Chapter for Chef English
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is the latest initiative in Chef English’s distinguished career. His vision is to create an event that highlights the culinary talent of the Flathead Valley while introducing exciting new flavors to the area. By collaborating with local chefs and food artisans, English seeks to illuminate the distinct culinary identity of Whitefish.
Discover Whitefish, Montana: A Culinary Treasure in the Flathead Valley
Downtown Whitefish
Whitefish is not only a gateway to Glacier National Park; it is also a delightful Montana town with a vibrant culinary scene that has been capturing national interest. Nestled in the beautiful Flathead Valley, Whitefish seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication, making it the ideal locale for the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival. The town is renowned for its welcoming spirit, featuring locally-owned restaurants, breweries, and shops that embody the rugged yet refined culture of Montana.
The Local Food Scene in Whitefish
Whitefish’s culinary landscape is shaped by the abundance of natural resources and the community’s commitment to sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Many top chefs in the area draw inspiration from the surrounding wilderness, incorporating seasonal ingredients such as huckleberries, fresh fish from nearby lakes, and locally-grown produce into their menus.
Local Culinary Flavors
Chef Earl Reynolds of Herb & Omni at “Beat Bobby Flay”
Whether you choose to dine at a cozy café, a farm-to-table restaurant, or a high-end establishment, you will find that the food in Whitefish is both innovative and deeply connected to the local environment. One of Whitefish’s standout chefs, Earl Reynolds from Herb & Omni, was recently crowned a winner on “Beat Bobby Flay”! Expect to see our local culinary stars showcased at this year’s festival!
Supporting the Local Community
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival goes beyond indulgence; it also plays a vital role in giving back to the community. A percentage of the festival’s proceeds will support local organizations, including the Whitefish Ski Heritage Center & Museum, ensuring the event leaves a positive, lasting impact on the region.
Experience the Best of Whitefish
Whether you’re a seasoned food and wine expert or simply someone who enjoys exploring new cuisines in beautiful settings, the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival has something for everyone. This is your opportunity to uncover the culinary gems of Whitefish, meet fellow enthusiasts, and create unforgettable memories in one of Montana’s most scenic towns.
Fun at the Festival
Conclusion
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is poised to become an annual celebration that attracts visitors from near and far, honoring the unique culinary heritage of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. With exceptional experiences featuring world-class food, fine wines, and stunning scenery, this festival guarantees to deliver an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new chapter in Whitefish’s culinary journey.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Whitefish Food and Wine or check out their Facebook page.
About Whitefish Food & Wine
Launching its inaugural event on September 13-15, 2024, Whitefish Food & Wine is a locally-driven festival aimed at showcasing the flourishing culinary and hospitality landscape of the Flathead Valley and greater Montana. Co-founded by four-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Todd English, Ryan Heil from Axcess Entertainment, and local entrepreneur Joe Hess, festival activities will include public and private events such as traditional Grand Tastings, pairing lunches and dinners, panels and seminars, winery-hosted events, live music, outdoor explorations, VIP experiences, and evening parties at premier local venues.
