Foodies and aficionados can look forward to the return of Traverse City Food & Wine in 2026. The successful inaugural event wrapped up on Sunday, August 24.
Details of next year’s event are still in the planning stages, including the dates, celebrity chefs, and activities. But organizers say the glowing feedback from this year’s Traverse City Food & Wine will ensure that another event will be held next year.
The 2025 Traverse City Food & Wine featured over 80 events, most of which were sold out. The signature event was the Grand Tasting at the Traverse City Open Space, which included demonstrations and interviews with top-tier chefs, including Tyler Florence from the Food Network.
“Featuring an abundance of fresh local ingredients, this amazing group of chefs showcased flavors and dishes that wowed the crowds,” said Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism. “And when you combine those flavors with perfectly paired wines and other locally-made beverages, it truly sets the culinary scene in the region.”
The five-day event included numerous fine-dining experiences, wine pairings, sailing cruises, author interviews with the National Writers Series, farm tours, and chocolate tastings.
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For Florence, a return to Traverse City was somewhat of a homecoming. Before his 29 years as a television culinary personality, he worked as an intern at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. “I have fond memories of walking a mile to work in the snow,” said Florence. “To come back to the region, share some of my favorite grilling techniques, and enjoy the flavorful abundance was more than a walk down memory lane; it was a real joy.”
Visitors from 34 states attended the event. “The inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine is the perfect stage to showcase Michigan’s agricultural diversity and talented wine and craft beverage makers,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. “On the heels of the first-year success, we’re inviting people to plan their next trip to discover Michigan’s fresh and flavorful culinary scene.”
Traverse City Food & Wine is presented by 4Front Credit Union and organized by Traverse City Tourism. More information about this year’s event is available at www.TraverseCityFoodAndWine.
