HAMBURG, N.J. — The New Jersey Wine & Food Festival continues today at Crystal Springs Resort, drawing culinary leaders, wine enthusiasts, and top bartenders for a packed schedule of tastings, chef-led dinners, and interactive experiences.
The festival, running through Sunday, welcomes internationally acclaimed Chef Francis Mallmann as Guest of Honor. Mallmann hosts two outdoor wood-fired cooking events, including a dinner featuring wines from Argentina’s Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon and his signature open-flame techniques beside the resort’s Chef’s Garden.
On Saturday, events stretch from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., including Bubbles & Brunch, The Art of Honey spotlighting bee conservation, and Perfect Pairing: Italian Wine & Local Foods featuring Fossil Farms and Fantini Wines. Spirits take the stage with Hats Off to Agave Spirits, and The Perfect Gin Cocktail presents a hands-on class with Hendrick’s Gin. Master Sommelier Larry Stone leads a special tasting to mark the 10th anniversary of Oregon’s Lingua Franca winery.
“Festival experiences include The Art of Honey, Bubbles & Brunch, and the Perfect Gin Cocktail with Hendrick’s,” organizers said in a release detailing the day’s lineup.
Attendees also enjoy access to premium wine events like 90+ Wines and Secrets of the Sommeliers & Cellar Tasting, held in the resort’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning cellar.
Grand Tasting and after party cap off Saturday festivities
Saturday evening’s Grand Tasting features dishes from 30 restaurants and pours of more than 200 wines and spirits. It’s followed by the Biosphere After Party, a high-energy celebration where chefs, winemakers, and guests come together to close out the night with dancing and drinks.
Crystal Springs’ Resort Executive Chef Aishling Stevens joins Bravo’s Top Chef alumni Savannah Miller, Soo Ahn, and Michelle Wallace for the collaborative Top Chefs & Top Wines dinner, one of the weekend’s marquee events.
The festival, now in its 16th year, has hosted culinary icons including Thomas Keller, José Andrés, and Daniel Boulud. It has become a destination for connoisseurs to meet chefs, vintners, and mixologists while sampling standout cuisine and rare wines.
Sunday concludes the weekend with a final brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
