The highly anticipated 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience tour is set to return this fall, promising an immersive and unforgettable celebration of culinary excellence, regional flavors, and spirited entertainment across eight vibrant cities nationwide. Produced by USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures—the events division of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI)—this much-loved series will begin on Saturday, September 20 in Denver, Colorado, and will wrap up more than two months later on November 22 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Culinary Celebration for Food and Drink Enthusiasts
The USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience is much more than just a food festival; it is a dynamic gathering that brings together food lovers, wine aficionados, spirit connoisseurs, and cultural explorers under one roof (or rather, lively outdoor venues) to indulge in a multifaceted gastronomic adventure. This event is designed to showcase the best local chefs—both well-established and emerging talent—offering attendees the opportunity to savor a wide array of delectable bites and dishes that highlight each city’s unique culinary identity.
Attendees can expect a broad selection of wines and spirits, carefully curated to complement the food offerings and to appeal to a variety of palates. Whether guests are interested in tasting full-bodied reds, crisp whites, innovative cocktails, or rare artisanal spirits, the event provides an impressive range of options that celebrate craftsmanship and flavor.
Interactive Experiences: Mixology, Demonstrations, and More
One of the standout features of the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience is its emphasis on interactive participation and education. Beyond just tasting, attendees can engage in exciting mixology classes, where they can learn to craft unique cocktails, discover the secrets behind perfect pours, and gain hands-on experience with bartending techniques. These classes are designed for all levels of expertise, from beginners eager to learn basic recipes to seasoned cocktail enthusiasts looking to refine their skills and explore new flavor profiles.
Additionally, the event includes live culinary demonstrations by chefs who share their expertise and passion for cooking. These sessions often include tips and tricks, stories behind the recipes, and inspiration drawn from regional ingredients and culinary traditions. Guests are encouraged to interact with exhibitors, ask questions, and deepen their appreciation for the art and science of food and beverage preparation.
The 2025 Tour Schedule: New Cities and New Experiences
The 2025 itinerary offers a thoughtfully curated selection of cities, encompassing a broad geographical range and a diversity of culinary traditions. This year, the event is proud to introduce two new destinations—San Antonio, Texas, and West Palm Beach, Florida—expanding the tour’s reach and bringing fresh energy to the lineup. Here is the full schedule for the upcoming fall tour:
- September 20: Denver, Colorado
- September 27: Providence, Rhode Island
- October 4: Louisville, Kentucky
- October 18: San Antonio, Texas*
- October 25: Las Vegas, Nevada
- November 8: Phoenix, Arizona
- November 15: Naples, Florida
- November 22: West Palm Beach, Florida*
*The star denotes new cities added for the 2025 tour.
Each city brings its own distinct culinary personality to the event. For example, Denver is known for its vibrant farm-to-table movement and Rocky Mountain flavors, while Providence boasts a rich tradition of Italian-American cuisine and coastal seafood. San Antonio offers Tex-Mex and southwestern flavors steeped in rich cultural heritage, and Las Vegas delivers an exciting blend of international influences. This geographical and cultural diversity ensures that attendees can experience new tastes and traditions at every stop on the tour.
A Word from the Leadership
“We’re thrilled to bring the 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience to cities nationwide, especially with the exciting addition of San Antonio and West Palm Beach to this year’s lineup,” said Nate Scott, Vice President of Sports Strategy & Events at Gannett | USA TODAY Network. “This tour is all about celebrating local restaurants and businesses, highlighting regional flavors, and creating memorable moments for food and drink lovers in every community we visit. It’s a way to bring people together around the joy of eating and drinking well, while supporting local culinary artisans and entrepreneurs.”
Tickets and Participation
Tickets for the 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience are now available for purchase through the official event website at WineAndFood.USATODAY.com. Visitors can choose from different ticket options to suit their preferences:
- General Admission tickets include entry starting at 1:00 p.m., a tasting cup to sample the food and drinks, access to all food and beverage samplings, and participation in the mixology classes.
- Early Admission tickets (available in limited quantities) provide early entry at 12:00 p.m., allowing guests to get a head start on exploring the event, meeting chefs and exhibitors, and enjoying tastings before the crowds arrive.
These ticket packages offer great value for foodies and wine enthusiasts looking for an immersive, fun-filled day.
Opportunities for Restaurants, Vendors, and Sponsors
The USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience also serves as a valuable platform for local restaurants, eateries, wine makers, spirit brands, and food producers to showcase their culinary creations and connect directly with a highly engaged audience. Restaurants interested in participating and sharing their offerings can learn more and apply through the event’s official website at WineAndFood.USATODAY.com/Participate. This creates an exciting opportunity for culinary businesses to gain exposure, build their brand, and celebrate their craft on a regional and national stage.
Additionally, the event offers sponsorship opportunities for companies and brands looking to reach a targeted audience of food and beverage enthusiasts. Whether a winery, distillery, or consumer brand, sponsors can leverage the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience’s reputation and reach to engage consumers, build loyalty, and showcase products in an experiential environment that encourages discovery and connection.
Why the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience Matters
In a world where dining out and experiential food events have become vital parts of social culture, the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience stands out as a signature event that blends community, education, and celebration. By highlighting local flavors and fostering interaction between chefs, vendors, and guests, it helps to elevate regional food scenes and inspire attendees to explore new tastes, techniques, and pairings.
Moreover, the event fosters a sense of community by supporting local businesses and creating spaces where people from all walks of life can come together to share their love of food and drink. This type of culinary tourism not only benefits the hospitality industry but also enriches cultural exchange and encourages sustainable appreciation of food craftsmanship.
What to Expect in 2025
For those planning to attend the 2025 tour, expect a lively atmosphere buzzing with energy, where every bite and sip tells a story. You’ll be able to meet passionate chefs, discover hidden gems in local food scenes, and immerse yourself in an engaging lineup of tastings, demos, and mixology sessions tailored to enhance your appreciation of gastronomy.
Whether you’re a casual foodie, a dedicated sommelier, or simply someone who enjoys spending time discovering new flavors and meeting great people, the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience promises to deliver a remarkable journey that delights the senses and celebrates the joy of food and drink.
