Opening Night @ Alila Ventana Big Sur

If you’ve previously embarked on the Magical Mystery Tour, you’re familiar with our penchant for surprising passengers while being surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Big Sur coast. However, if this is your inaugural “ride,” brace yourself for an extraordinary and intimate day where you’ll forge new lifelong friendships.

We'd love to meet the researchers of studies that prove that our palettes for tasting wine is best in the morning. These are our people and we have no reason to doubt their astuteness, Therefore, we'd like to continue to test all their theories with our annual winemaker's panel Friday morning. More details to come!

Here we embrace the beauty of nature of Big Sur as we invite you for a  moderate hike led by our knowledgeable hosts, where delightful surprises await. Along the way, we’ll encounter talented chefs and winemakers at breathtaking stops. After savoring each delectable taste, the group continues, often accompanied by these culinary experts, until we reach our final destination for a well-deserved lunch. It’s not roughing it—it’s a harmonious blend of exercise, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable flavors!

Our cherished festival friends and supporters, the Post Ranch Inn, extend a warm invitation.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of garden strolls, tantalizing food, and exquisite wine tasting celebrating this romantic varietal.

Convenient on-site parking awaits you within the Post Ranch grounds (included in ticket price). 

We look forward to taking this walkabout with you!

Post Ranch Inn

Join us for an exclusive, meticulously curated dinner experience led by our award-winning team of Sommeliers. 

Uncork the magic! We’ll open library wines and hand-selected gems that tell a story to be perfectly paired with exquisite dishes crafted by our talented chefs. It’s not just a meal—it’s an odyssey for the palate.

Our sommeliers, renowned for their expertise, will guide you through this vinous voyage. 

Don’t miss out—raise your glass to an unforgettable dining experience and reserve your spot now.  The Somm Dinner sells out quickly each year. 

Convenient shuttles to and from Carmel are available on the ticket link.  More details about the venue and participating chefs to come!

Follow up on Instagram and Facebook 

If coming from Carmel, a relaxed ride to the Sommelier Dinner is available so you can fully enjoy your event.

Nestled beneath the majestic redwoods, our friends at Big Sur Lodge partner with us to invite you to a unique brunch experience. 

Savor exquisite dishes from their in-house Chef’s menu, perfectly paired with featured hand selected wines.
Let your taste buds dance amidst nature’s grandeur.

All levels of artists are welcome! You never know what latent talents will emerge.
A local Big Sur Artist will lead the class, with all supplies provided for your creative expression.
Join us—it’s more than brunch; it’s an immersive fusion of flavors and artistry! 

The Live Auction for Big Sur is our largest fundraising event meant to support our efforts to fulfill our mission and support our beneficiaries.

Please register for this event with the inspiration to grab a paddle, partake in some delicious bites and libations and bid against your friends at this fun filled afternoon.

“Wine & Swine: A Redwood Revelry”

Under the ancient redwood canopy of The Henry Miller Memorial Library, join us and 300 kindred spirits for our weekend’s party event!

Dive into all things swine and alot more plant forward delights! 
Wineries, breweries, and libations will complement all those flavor sensations.
Our good friends Diggin Dirt is back

Let’s boogie under the stars—it’s a night to remember!

Shuttle to the Henry Miller Library is MANDATORY whether you take the shuttle from Carmel or the free roaming shuttle while in the Big Sur valley. 
There is NO PARKING at or near The Library.
Pick up details from Carmel sent after purchase.
Full shuttle schedule will be available on our webiste program at bigsurfoodandwine.org in the Festivities tab.

Esalen's Epicurean Brunch Bacchanal  (Limited to 30 guests)

A beautiful place where mind, body, and spirit converge, Esalen Institute invites you to join us for a delightful plant-forward, organic farm & garden -to-table experience. Our own Super Natural Chef, Kari Bernardi, will join Esalen’s culinary team to present a bounty highlighting the incredible offering of Esalen's campus farm. 

Each plated offering will be paired with our talented local winemaker Ian Brand's line-up from I. Brand & Family Winery.  In addition to showcasing each of his outstanding wines, from his three labels, Paysan, La Marea and I. Brand & Family, we will be including a few friendly sips from other winery partners connected to Ian and his program of working with grape growers focused on sustainable practices within our local wine-making community.

Guests can enjoy brunch, a tour of the property farm, these exclusive grounds (not open to the public), and relax in the healing waters of Esalen's cliffside natural and historic hot springs until 5:00 pm.

Please note the brunch menu is a curated experience and food restrictions cannot be accomodated. 

Shuttle to this event at Esalen Institute is MANDATORY and details will follow.