Wine & Dine for the Arts at the 2025 Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival
Local chefs show off their skills at this three-day food and wine festival to raise money for the arts! The annual Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival will be held on Thursday, January 23 through Saturday, January 25, 2025, with a special event taking place afterwards on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
About the Annual Festival
The Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival is a special event presented by Bank of America in collaboration with Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts, and the goal is to highlight local restaurants, chefs, and their cuisine. Funds raised from the event support the city's arts organizations.
Throughout the weekend, you will taste top-of-the-line food and wine pairings, and will learn about the impressive art of food and wine preparation with educational seminars.
2025 Schedule Details
Here's what you can expect at the 2025 event:
Mayor’s Reception & Kickoff
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 5:30pm
Join the Albany Mayor and the Festival Board of Directors for a special reception and kickoff event at Albany City Hall. Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wines, cider, and champagne. You'll have a chance to mingle with festival supporters, arts beneficiaries, business leaders, and more.
Grand Tastings & Seminars
Friday, January 24, 2025 - 4:00pm and Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 12:00pm
The Grand Tastings & Seminars will be held on January 24 and January 25 at the Albany Capital Center. There will be over 100 food, wine, spirit, cider, and beer vendors from across the Capital Region.
Highlights will also include the interactive food seminars, the Battle of the Bartenders, and more.
Slider Slam!
Friday, January 24, 2025 - 8:00pm
After Friday’s Grand Tasting, head to the 16th annual Slider Slam at the Albany Capital Center! Ten top chefs compete for Judges’ and People’s Choice awards, while a live DJ, dance floor, and drinks—including signature cocktails and local beers—keep the party going. Don’t miss this epic night!
Grand Gala Reception & 5-Course Dinner
Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 6:00pm
The festival’s Grand Gala begins Saturday evening with a champagne toast and a reception celebrating regional culinary artistry. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner crafted by renowned Signature Chefs, blending bold flavors with Italian inspiration.
Live art performances and auctions, including a live auction led by Legrande Serras, offer exclusive prizes, with proceeds benefiting arts programs. This unforgettable evening celebrates community, creativity, and exceptional cuisine.
Bonus Event: Wine & Dine and Brunch!
Sunday, January 26, 2025 - 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm
End the festival weekend in style at Wine & Dine and Brunch! at Hattie’s in Albany on Sunday, January 26. This exciting new event caps off the 2025 festival, celebrating culinary excellence and community spirit.
Enjoy an exclusive brunch menu crafted by Chef Jasper Alexander, inspired by Hattie’s signature Southern cuisine, featuring unique dishes perfectly paired with mimosas and specialty drinks.
Tickets are available for two seatings: 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm. Seating is limited, so secure your spot today!
Get tickets and learn more online: https://www.albanywinefest.com/2025-tickets/
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