The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival promises to be an extraordinary culinary and wine event that will immerse attendees in vibrant and amazing local cuisine by regional chef talent presented along with world-class wines in Whitefish, Montana. Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitefish’s natural beauty and Big Mountain towering in the background, this inaugural event is scheduled for September 13-15, 2024. It is poised to become a signature experience for food and wine enthusiasts nationwide presented in the heart of the majestic Flathead Valley.
Whitefish Food and Wine Festival: A Celebration of Local Flavor
The Founders of the Festival – Ryan Heil, Todd English, Joe Hess
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is the brainchild of culinary visionary Chef Todd English, entertainment mogul Ryan Heil, and local entrepreneur Joe Hess. The wine and food event will highlight the very best of Whitefish’s culinary offerings while bringing together world-class talent from beyond the valley. Throughout the three-day event, attendees can participate in many unique experiences, including various curated events that celebrate both the local and global food scenes.
Festival Highlights
The festival’s centerpiece is the Grand Tasting sessions, which will take place at the picturesque Haskill Creek Farms. With its sweeping views of Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park, this venue provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable culinary experience. Here, guests can sample a diverse array of wines from top wineries, craft beers, and spirits, with culinary experiences all paired with gourmet food from top chefs and local food purveyors.
The Fall Colors of Whitefish
Festival Events
In addition to the Grand Tastings, the festival will offer a variety of events themed to Whitefish, including wine pairings, sommelier-led tastings, and educational panels. For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Whitefish, there are also outdoor activities such as the “Sip & SUP,” a stand-up paddle board excursion, and scenic hikes that conclude with gourmet picnics.
Wine Tastings
The Todd English Food Experience
The Todd English Food Experience, a premium add-on, is expected to be one of the festival’s major highlights. This exclusive event experience will take place in a standalone tent, offering a highly elevated dining experience curated by Chef English himself. Guests can enjoy exquisite full-plate offerings prepared by English and other top chefs from the Flathead Valley and beyond. The tent will also feature a cooking stage where masterclass demonstrations and daily panels will provide insight into the culinary arts and unique wine pairings.
About Chef Todd English: A Culinary Icon
Chef Todd English in Whitefish
Chef Todd English is no stranger to the spotlight. A four-time James Beard Award winner, English has been a dominant force in the culinary world for decades. Known for his innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, he has built an empire that includes renowned restaurants, cookbooks, television shows, and more.
English’s culinary career took off in the 1980s with the opening of his first restaurant, Olives, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its bold flavors and unique dishes, propelling English to national fame.
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is Chef English’s Latest Endeavor
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is the latest endeavor in Chef English’s illustrious career. His vision for the festival is to create an event that showcases the culinary talents of the Flathead Valley and introduces new and exciting flavors to the region. By partnering with local chefs and food purveyors, English aims to highlight the unique.
Discover Whitefish, Montana: A Culinary Gem in the Flathead Valley
Downtown Whitefish
Whitefish is more than just a gateway to Glacier National Park; it’s a charming Montana town with a rich culinary scene that is rapidly gaining national attention. Nestled in the heart of the Flathead Valley, Whitefish offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication, making it an ideal location for the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival. The town itself is known for its welcoming atmosphere, with locally-owned restaurants, breweries, and shops that reflect the spirit of Montana’s rugged yet refined culture in burgeoning Whitefish.
The Local Food Scene in Whitefish
The food scene in Whitefish reflects the region’s abundant natural resources and the community’s commitment to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Many of the area’s top chefs draw inspiration from the surrounding wilderness, incorporating seasonal ingredients such as huckleberries, wild game, fresh fish from nearby lakes, and locally sourced fresh produce from abundant local farms into their menus.
Local Culinary Flavors
Chef Earl Reynolds of Herb & Omni at “Beat Bobby Flay”
Whether you’re dining at a cozy café, a farm-to-table restaurant, or an upscale eatery, you’ll find that the food in Whitefish is both creative and deeply rooted in the local landscape. One of Whitefish’s celebrity chefs, Earl Reynolds of Herb & Omni, recently triumphed as a winner on “Beat Bobby Flay”! You can certainly expect to see our local culinary celebs at the festival this year!
Supporting the Local Community
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is not just about indulgence; it’s also about giving back to the community. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit local organizations, including the Whitefish Ski Heritage Center & Museum, ensuring that the event has a lasting positive impact on the region.
Experience the Best of Whitefish
Whether you’re a seasoned food and wine connoisseur or someone who loves exploring new flavors in beautiful settings, the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival offers something for everyone. This is your chance to discover the culinary treasures of Whitefish, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and create lasting memories in one of Montana’s most picturesque towns.
Fun at the Festival
Conclusion
The Whitefish Food and Wine Festival is set to become an annual tradition that will draw visitors from near and far to celebrate the unique culinary identity of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. With its combination of amazing experiences of world-class food, fine wine, and breathtaking scenery, this festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this exciting new chapter in Whitefish’s culinary story.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Whitefish Food and Wine or check out their Facebook page.
About Whitefish Food & Wine
With its inaugural event on September 13-15, 2024, Whitefish Food & Wine is a locally-produced festival designed to showcase the rising culinary and hospitality scene in the Flathead Valley and greater Montana. Co-founded by 4x James Beard Award-winner Chef Todd English, Ryan Heil, Founder of Axcess Entertainment, and local Whitefish entrepreneur and real-estate investor Joe Hess, festival experiences 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 top local venues.
