2016 Albany Wine Fest Line-Up Announced

The Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival Wine & Dine for the Arts will be back again in January and this year’s program is bigger and better than ever before! With 14 events over the course of 3days, this festival is not only the largest food and wine festival in Upstate New York, but it’s the most exciting. 

This year’s line-up has something for everyone and will benefit Albany’s best art organizations. The downside? Tickets will sell quickly, so don’t wait to get yours. And if you’re looking to stay in Albany for the weekend, The Hilton Albany has a room for you.

Here’s a peek at the events:

Thursday, January 15, 2015 | City Hall | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

• Mayor's Opening Celebration 

Friday, January 16, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 4 - 8 PM

• Battle of the Bartenders: Manhattan Edition
• Culinary Demos on the Bluestar Culinary Stage
• Educational Seminars
• NYS Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion
• VIP Fire & Ice Lounge

Friday, January 16, 2015 | 90 State Events | 8 - 11 PM

• 2016 Slider Slam, 15 Chefs competing for best sliders in People's and Judges' Choice Awards! Craft beer pairings by Brewery Ommegang.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 11 AM - 12:30 PM

• Chemex Cup 2016, pour over coffee paired with artisanal donuts.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 12 - 4 PM

• Educational Seminars 
• NYS Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion
• Adirondack Appliance Signature Chef Invitational
• Battle of the Bartenders: Blood Mary Edition
• VIP Fire & Ice Lounge

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 6 PM

• Grand Gala Reception & 6 Course Dinner 

Information on all of this and more are available here.

Wine & Dine Tickets Selling Out Fast!

The Albany Chef's Food and Wine Festival: Wine and Dine for the Arts, is the highlight of Culinary Events in the Capital Region. So it's no surprise that half of the events are already sold out, some of which have been such for weeks now.

The good news is there are still tickets available to some events however it's strongly suggested that tickets be purchased online soon to guarantee entry to any events with space.

The Mayor's Opening Celebration at City Hall on Thursday, Slider Slam and on Friday and the Grand Tasting and Gala Reception on Saturday have all sold out.

However tickets can still be purchased for Fridays Grand Tasting Seminar and VIP Reception & Book Signing. The Barista Albany competition on Saturday also has tickets for only $10.

The Friday Grand Tasting Seminar will feature 70 Innovative Chefs & Restaurants featuring a variety of food with 250 Global Wines, Spirits, and Beers for Sampling. While the VIP Reception and Book Signing will feature celebrity chef Suvis Saran.

The Barista Albany is your chance to watch the Capital Region's top coffee houses in a competion for bragging rights as Albany's Best Barista!

Grab tickets to these events while you still can! The 2014 Wine and Dine for the Arts benefits The Albany Barn, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Park Playhouse. Remaining tickets can be purchased online.