Mohegan Sun’s Sun WineFest marks its 13th year Friday through Sunday, Jan. 29 to 31, its annual weekend full of celebrity chef appearances; tastings of fine wines, bourbons and beers; and cuisine from a variety of Connecticut restaurants.
The packed schedule of events kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with a bourbon tasting presented by Jim Beam, featuring fine bourbons, hors d’oeuvres, and cigars from Cigar of the Gods. Tickets are $90.
Todd English’s Tuscany hosts a Donelan Family tasting at 7:30 p.m., pairing three wines with a Tuscan tapas platter for $65. At Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain, Withers Winery owner Andrew Tow hosts a tasting dinner at 7:30 p.m.; cost is also $65.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting, with headlining celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, is sold out. However, tickets to an Elite Cru tasting at 3 p.m. Saturday are $210 and include entrance into the Grand Tasting. The Elite Cru is in the Cabaret Theatre and features “best of the best” vintages from around the world. Tickets include a $50 gift certificate from igourmet.com.
Todd English’s Tuscany hosts a Fulcrum Winery tasting Saturday with owner and winemaker David Rossi, and Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain hosts a Chacewater Vineyards lunch with winemaker Mark Burch. Both events begin at 11:30 a.m.; tickets for each are $65.
The weekend’s premier event, the Celebrity Chef Dine Around, starts at 8 p.m. Saturday. Participating chefs will prepare signature dishes at live cooking stations while guests walk around to sample; plates will be paired with wines and beers. Tickets are $199.
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s Grand Tasting from noon to 5 p.m., including samplings of more than 1,000 wines, beers and limited specialty spirits from sponsors. Celebrity chef demos throughout the day include Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach; Sara Moulton; Brian Duffy; Dante de Magistris; and Chris Coombs, and the annual Mohegan Sun Oyster Open Shucking Competition kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $70.
Guests can purchase food tickets for tasting plates from participating restaurants at each Grand Tasting. Scheduled exhibitors include Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar, Bear’s Smokehouse, Carlo’s Bakery, Feng Asian Bistro, First & Last Tavern, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Matunuck Oyster Farm, Munchies Food Truck, NoRA Cupcake Co., Pasta Vita at Mohegan Sun, Sticks & Stones Dipping Grille and Whey Station. Tasting prices vary.
Package deals include entrance to multiple events. The Grain and Grape promotion for $145 contains tickets for Friday’s bourbon tasting and Saturday’s Grand Tasting, and the Weekend Package allows access to both Grand Tastings for $150.
Information and tickets: sunwinefest.com.
