If you’re a foodie who’s looking for a summertime event showcasing the best of northern Michigan wine, food, and agriculture, the Grand Tasting at Traverse City Food & Wine on August 23 is a must.
This celebration of local agriculture, cuisine, and craft beverages, presented by 4Front Credit Union, will be set against the breathtaking backdrop of West Grand Traverse Bay and will feature demos and dishes from renowned chefs. The Grand Tasting is a major highlight of Traverse City Food & Wine, with over 50 other events taking place throughout the Grand Traverse region August 20–24 allowing guests to choose their own adventure.
A Culinary Showcase Like No Other
From noon to 4 p.m., several local and guest chefs will showcase their small‑plate creations highlighting northern Michigan’s seasonal produce. Guests will also be able to sample from more than 100 Michigan wines — the nearby Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas are hubs for award-winning wineries — as well as craft beers, ciders, and various nonalcoholic beverages.
Star Power on the Main Stage
Hosted by actress Amy Smart Oosterhouse and TV personality Carter Oosterhouse (the couple is also part of the ownership team behind Bonobo Winery on the Old Mission Peninsula), the main stage lineup will feature a conversation with celebrity chef Tyler Florence and a cooking demonstration by Mei Lin, a winner of Top Chef and a James Beard Award nominee, who grew up in Dearborn.
Cooking demos and appearances by other notable chefs will round out the agenda:
- Sarah Welch, Top Chef alumna, co-founder of the Marrow and Mink restaurants in Detroit, and owner of the soon-to-open Umbo in Traverse City.
- Celina Tio, the James Beard Award winner who appeared on Iron Chef America and is chef-owner of Belfry and Wolf Den in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Kate Williams, Debbie Gold, Abra Berens, Omar Anani, and others.
On the main stage, these chefs will have an opportunity to show off their cooking prowess as well as share the techniques and anecdotes behind their dishes.
Ticket Tiers for Every Taste
The Grand Tasting experience offers three ticket levels to suit different appetites:
- General Admission ($125) grants access to tasting zones and all main stage programming from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Early Access ($155) allows entry at noon, with extra time for demos and sampling before the crowds arrive.
- VIP Experience ($225) includes early entry at noon plus special seating in the lounge and by the main stage, curated VIP-only culinary perks, and a front-row view of the chefs’ demos.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Open Space Park, downtown Traverse City, along West Grand Traverse Bay.
- Time: Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Tickets: Available through tickets.traversecityfoodandwine.com/events; expect early sellouts due to limited capacity.
Beyond the Grand Tasting
The marquee Grand Tasting event is at the heart of the five-day Traverse City Food & Wine celebration set for August 20–24. Guests will also have the chance to participate in vineyard dinners, interactive food and wine pairings curated by national wine experts, farm tours, and even a 5K run through the vines. Other opportunities will include enjoying food and wine aboard a sailing cruise on the bay, chef-led cooking classes, and visiting the abundant local wineries and other regional landmarks.
