JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson Hole Food & Wine is pleased to announce the culinary, wine and spirits programming for Winter Fest, March 6 to 8.
Under the direction of founding team members Megan Gallagher and Haynes Oakley, the intimate seventh annual Winter Fest celebrates beloved local Jackson Hole chefs and restaurants, Michelin Starred visiting chefs, Pappy Van Winkle tasting, guest winemakers, beverage experts, artisans and more, with events held at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and other venues throughout Jackson Hole.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online here.
Jackson Hole Food & Wine donates a portion of the proceeds of Winter Fest to support Hole Food Rescue, a local nonprofit whose mission is to reduce waste and cultivate food security in Teton County.
Featuring a star-studded roster of culinary and beverage experts, Winter Fest provides the opportunity for attendees to mix and mingle with the best and brightest in the industry, including Michelin Starred and James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef and Top Chef Masters champion Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Bar Sótano and Xoco in Chicago, Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle in Frankfort, Kentucky, Andrew Minor from Vintus, Journalist and Master of Ceremonies Matt Bean and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Executive Chef Steven De Bruyn.
Winter Fest will also feature a stellar line-up of Jackson Hole’s favorite chefs and restaurants, including Corsa, Fine Dining Restaurant Group, Four Seasons, Glorietta Trattoria, Hotel Jackson, Noodle Kitchen, Piste Mountain Bistro, Spur Catering, Streetfood @ The Stagecoach, The White Buffalo Club, The Whistling Grizzly and a variety of beverage producers including Jackson Hole Winery, JH Still Works, Melvin Brewing, Roadhouse Brewing Co., Wyoming Whiskey and many more.
“I’ve been fortunate to cook around the world and am delighted to finally have the opportunity to experience Jackson Hole’s world-class hospitality,” says Rick Bayless. “We’re honored to showcaseour Frontera Grill and Topolobampo kitchens with new and returning friends in Jackson and bring a taste of Chicago to the majestic beauty of the Grand Tetons.”
“Jackson Hole Food & Wine Festival truly offers a one-of-a-kind experience, thanks to its combination of breathtaking natural beauty and top-tier culinary offerings,” says Haynes Oakley, festival associate director. “Winter Fest allows guests to enjoy world-class skiing and outdoor activities, all while indulging in exceptional food, drinks and a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere.”
“The intimate size of the festival ensures a more personal experience with renowned guest and local chefs, exhibitors and beverage producers, making it an ideal getaway for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike,” adds Megan Gallagher, festival director. “Whether you’re sampling dishes from acclaimed chefs or sipping carefully crafted cocktails with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate both nature and cuisine in one stunning location.”
Kick off the festival with The Winter Grand Tasting, presented by Snake River Roasting Co., on Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jackson Hole Conference Center. Enjoy signature dishes crafted by top local Jackson Hole chefs, paired with an impressive selection of wine, beer and spirits from around the world, all set to the vibrant beats from DJ Rocky Vertone. Whether you’re an enthusiastic eater or simply seeking a fun evening out, this event promises to be a memorable celebration of food and beverages.
On Friday, March 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., après a different way with a special wine tasting featuring Sparking Wines From Around The World from the Vintus portfolio held at the Four Seasons Resort Ballroom. Led by Andrew Minor, guests will dive into the effervescent world of sparkling wines from around the world including selections from notable producers such as Iron Horse; Juvé & Camps; Langois; Ayala and Bollinger.
Start the weekend right with Friday night’s intimate Big Wines, Small Plates dinner experience at Trapper’s, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Guests will arrive via Sweetwater Gondola while enjoying unparalleled views of the valley below as they experience a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu. This illustrious panel of special guests and industry superstars, including Rick Bayless, Matt Bean, Andrew Minor, Griffin Post, Jenny Klock and Preston Van Winkle, will share a culinary A-HA! moment inspiring a series of small plates paired with their favorite wine (or spirits), executed by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Executive Chef Steven De Bruyn.
Enjoy some of the world’s most beloved bourbons during Pappy Hour, presented by Prugh Real Estate, on Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the Four Seasons Ballroom. Led by Preston Van Winkle, great-grandson of the iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr., with color commentary from Matt Bean, Pappy Hour offers an exclusive tasting of Pappy Van Winkle whiskey, showcasing the 10, 12, 15, 20 and 23-year releases. As Preston shares the Van Winkle family’s rich history, guests will deepen their appreciation for the unique flavors that make these bourbons so highly desirable. Due to popular demand, this intimate event is sold out.
“I love Jackson Hole and can’t wait to return to ski, catch up with friends and share my family’s story through our whiskeys,” says Preston Van Winkle. “Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest is a special weekend, offering equal amounts great food, drink, adventure and fun – all in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.”
And last but certainly not least, wind down Winter Fest with the Wine Dinner at 9,000 feet on Saturday, March 8, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Piste Mountain Bistro. Experience an unforgettable culinary evening high above the valley, starting with a scenic ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain on the Bridger Gondola. Guests will enjoy a beautiful multi-course menu created by renowned guest chef Rick Bayless of Chicago’s Frontera Restaurant Group, expertly paired with a selection of fine wines from the Vintus portfolio.
Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest is made possible by support from generous sponsors, including premier partners: Aspens and Pearl St Markets, Dan Visosky Real Estate, Fine Dining Restaurant Group, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Magazine, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, Snake River Roasting Co. and Westside Wine & Spirits.
Tickets and more information
A limited number of tickets are available for Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Photo assets can be accessed here. Ticket options are inclusive of food and beverages, and include:
- Winter Grand Tasting
- Sparkling Wines From Around The World – Featuring Vintus Wines
- Big Wines, Small Plates
- Pappy Hour (sold out)
- Wine Dinner at 9,000 feet
For more information, please visit jhfoodandwine.com. Please follow Jackson Hole Food & Wine Festival on Instagram and Facebook #JHFW for more information. Tickets are extremely limited and all attendees must be at least 21 years of age with no exceptions.
For media inquires, please e-mail JHFW@baltzco.com.
Established in 2016, Jackson Hole Food & Wine is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to celebrating food, wine, spirits and craft brews against the backdrop of Jackson Hole. JHFW will produce two annual, multi-day events with March’s Winter Fest and a Summer Festival in June. Guided by a passionate founding committee and advisory group of culinary-and-community-minded professionals, Jackson Hole Food & Wine will donate a portion of 2025 proceeds to benefit Hole Food Rescue, a local non-profit responsible for diverting and redistributing on average 5,000 pounds of nutritious food per week to approximately 1,000 Teton County residents.
