WOWOWOW how did track season come and go so quickly?!! I feel like June 1st was yesterday… and now it’s September?
One thing that’s great about Saratoga is just because the summer season is over, it doesn’t get quiet around here.
With so many events coming up in the next couple of months (AHEM… our FIFTH annual Saratoga International Flavorfeast!!) it’s time to start highlighting what’s next.
This weekend is the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival, and as always, it’s my favorite way to kick off the end of track season and beginning of the fall (even though it’s not officially fall yet.)
From September 7-9th, the Wine and Food Festival celebrates… you guessed it: Wine & Food! And this year, cars, too!
Here’s a summary of events:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 7
Adirondack Road Tour & Gourmet Luncheon | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m
This spirited road rally is a professionally led tour winding through the beautiful Adirondack Mountain roads to finish at the historic Lake George Club. Named “The Queen of American Lakes” by none other than Ben Franklin, the surrounding area is stunning with twisty roads, full of elevation changes and scenic views. Gourmet lunch includes quality wines, imported fine foods and good company with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
Fired Up! Grill Competition featuring Special Guests David Burke & David Ortiz| 7:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
At Fired Up! Grill Competition, the kick-off event to the weekend’s events at SPAC, chefs from the Capital Region’s finest restaurants will battle it out for the Fired Up! title as guests enjoy great music, gourmet food, BBQ, a cold refreshing Stella Artois, wines and spirits.
Guests will help celebrity judge David Burke, along with 3 more celebrity judges (to be named at a later date), to name the 2018 Saratoga Grill Master by sampling inventive grill-off creations. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz will also make a special guest appearance at the event.
Event price: $100
David Ortiz Meet and Greet | 7 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.
During the Friday night event, David Ortiz will host a meet and greet for 100 people who will have their pictures taken individually with the baseball hero and receive a signed promotional photograph. This opportunity will be available to the first 100 people who purchase a specially priced Fired Up! ticket at $150. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, a charity which funds pediatric services for children in New England and the Dominican Republic.
Event price: $150
Party with Big Papi in VIP Nightclub| 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Following the private meet and greet, David Ortiz will host a VIP experience in the VIP Nightclub, overlooking the Spa State Park reflecting pool from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature an opportunity to mingle with the baseball legend and other guests while enjoying Arias wines and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. All of the guests will receive an autographed bottle of Arias.
Event price: $200
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8
Grand Tasting | Saturday, Sept 8, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday will showcase the festival’s elegance through an exclusive Bugatti auto display, curated food, wine, events and activities. Guests will have the chance to taste New York’s finest creations and VIP guests can enhance their sommelier skills in the VIP lounge.
The main stage will host speeches, special guest appearances, live music and an “Iron Chef”-styled competition featuring James Beard Award-winning chef, David Burke. Burke will have a presence with a taste of dishes from Tavern62, David Burke Kitchen, and Woodpecker by David Burke.
Cost to attend the Grand Tasting is $100.
A VIP Grand Tasting ticket, which allows earlier entry to the Grand Tasting and exclusive access to the VIP area, is available for $175.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
Brunch with Colin Cowie & Celebrity Chef Todd English| Sunday, Sept 9, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Colin Cowie and celebrity chef and reality TV star Todd English will co-host a lively, upbeat brunch showcasing Colin’s “five-senses” approach to events including: custom scent consultations, floral and table design examples, lively music by On The Move, and a phenomenal menu with delectable bites and cocktails. A never ending supply of Whispering Angel Rose with specialty cocktails by the Cocktail Architect, Yusef Austin, will be featured for this daytime party with a nighttime vibe.
Event price: $225
For me, the Fired UP! Competition as well as the Grand Tasting are musts to attend. You kick the weekend off with the meat sweats, and then you follow it up the next day with copious amounts of wine.
Sounds like the perfect weekend, right?!
To learn more, click here.
Can’t make it? Follow along with me this weekend on Facebook and Instagram!
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