Raise a glass—it's time for Festivin 2024.
This four-day wine festival celebrates food, wine, and education with interactive wine dinners, seminars led by visiting advanced sommeliers, cooking demonstrations, and a Grand Tasting. A portion of the proceeds from the festival supports Almost There: A Mom and Pups Rescue—and yes, adorable puppies will be available during the Grand Tasting to snuggle and adopt.
Thurs., Jan. 11
Unplugged & Uncorked: 6 p.m., Geordie’s Verandas. Festivities kick off with a reception at 6 p.m. The Unplugged and Uncorked dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m., combines wine and music with the acclaimed Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, alongside famed winemaker Fred Scherrer. Wines from Jackson Family Wines and the Scherrer family will be paired with the meal. $155.
Louis XIII Dinner: 6 p.m., Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. Indulge in Louis XIII. This multi-course dinner and wine experience is created by Chef Christopher Gross and Guillume of Louis XIII de Remy Martin. They will take guests on a culinary trip with the finest Cognac and food and wine pairings that will be memorable. $600. (For an additional cost, you have the option to purchase an engraved bottle of Louis XIII, or an extravagant boxed set that includes the engraved bottle and two Baccarat crystal glasses.)
Fri., Jan. 12
Chef v. Chef: 6 p.m., Geordie’s Verandas. Chef v. Chef always makes for a fun time! This Battle on the Hill will feature Geordie’s own Executive Chef David Brito pitted against Rochelle Daniel of Atria Restaurant in Flagstaff. Each will match a dish to a wine selected by Advanced Sommelier Jason Caballero and Certified Sommelier Devon Jesse. Guests will vote on the best pairing. $155.
Sat., Jan. 13
Cooking Demo: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Geordie’s Verandas. Watch and learn while you enjoy courses from Chef David Brito. You'll learn how to make some of his favorite dishes, each of which will be paired with wines from Giuliana Import,s which specializes in wines from Italy, Spain, and Argentina. $125.
Champs & Caviar: Noon-1:30 p.m., Geordie's Verandas. This unique experience pairing various caviars with Special Club Champagnes is led by Christine Mercnik of Grace Under Pressure and Christopher Klapp of Petrossian Caviar. Learn what makes caviar unique, how the grading system works, and about the production process of Champagne. $109.
World Class Austria: Noon-1:30 p.m., Colina Room. Learn about the amazing wines from Down Under. From classic Shiraz to many new varieties that you’ve probably never heard of, Australia is a wine country to be reckoned with. Jane Lopes, featured on Uncorked on Lifetime Channel, is a Master Sommelier and co-author of How to Drink Australian. She will be teaching this class. $79.
Cooking Demo: 12:30-2:30 p.m., Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion. Watch Chef Christopher in action, devour his creations, and experience the dramatic space and all of its glorious views. A cooking demonstration and lunch by James Beard Chef Christopher will show you how to make some of his classic dishes. He will also share personal stories of his travels to vineyards and beyond.
Austria – A Hidden Gem: 2-3:30 p.m., Colina Room. Austria is a hidden gem in the wine world—a region not talked about nearly enough. Learn all about the wines from Austria with Arizona’s only master sommelier, Mark Guilladeau. He will discuss the unique traits of the country, what wines it’s known for, and what foods pair well with them, all while you have an opportunity to taste and engage. $79.
Blend Your Own: 2-3:30 p.m. You’ll get to make your very own wine blend with direction by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. Everyone will get special equipment to make blending easy and fun, right at your table. $79.
The Allure of Pinot Noir: 2-3:30 p.m., Living Room. Learn about one of the most famous grapes in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to try a diverse range of pinot noirs from all over the globe. Winemakers and sommeliers will break down what pinot noir is, how it’s grown, and how flavors can differ depending on its origin. $79
Blind Tasting: 2-3:30 p.m., Geordie's Verandas. Ever wonder how a sommelier can tell what a wine is from just by a short sniff and quick taste? Get it straight from the source and learn valuable tricks of the trade from some of the country’s best sommeliers, including what markers in the wines to look for; different processes for winemaking; and how vineyard work, oak, and more can change the taste and smell of wine. $79.
Sun., Jan. 14
Grand Tasting: 3-7 p.m., Garden Room & Terrace. Festivin will conclude with the Grand Tasting. This event serves as an opportunity to walk around and taste wines that are not always offered to the public. With over 20 wineries to choose from, you are bound to find a new favorite—which can also be purchased. There will be fabulous cuisine from chef David Brito, DJ entertainment, and puppies to snuggle and adopt from Almost There. $175.
For tickets, click here.