The main event! Taste the flavors of Traverse City and enjoy perfect bites and sips that epitomize the region. The Grand Tasting brings together dozens of tastemakers to enjoy a collective celebration designed to delight your senses.
Indulge in artful bites and inspired dishes made from the bounty of northern Michigan's fields, orchards, and waters.Sip on local wines and craft beverages, learn from renowned chefs, and enjoy iconic views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
The Main Stage at the Grand Tasting will be hosted by Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse, featuring cooking demonstrations, culinary conversations, and tips from sommeliers.
- Visit the culinary booths for small bites from many of the region’s favorite restaurants and specialty food producers.
- At the Chef’s Table booth, guests can savor specially-created menu items with recipes from each of the chef demonstrations.
- Sample more than 100 local wines, along with cider, beer, spirits and cocktails, and numerous non-alcoholic options.
- New for 2026: Wine by the glass and spirits will be available! (Larger and premium pours will require additional tasting tokens, see each booth for availability.)
- VIP ticket-holders will enjoy exclusive culinary and beverage offerings, early entry, and access to the lounge or seats near the Main Stage. See below for more details about the VIP Experience.
- VIP ticket-holders will enjoy exclusive culinary and beverage offerings, early entry, and access to the lounge or seats near the Main Stage. See below for more details about the VIP Experience.
This will be a perfect summer afternoon for all the food and wine lovers out there!
This event is 21+.
Grand Tasting GA - $145. The event runs from 1 - 4 pm, and your ticket includes 25 (twenty-five) tasting tokens for beverage pours as well as unlimited bites and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition to food and an array of wines and craft beverages, the Main Stage will be buzzing with cooking demonstrations and chef conversations.
Early Access for Grand Tasting - $175. Get a head start on the Grand Tasting, with an extra hour to sample to your heart's content and 5 (five) extra tasting tokens! Gates open at noon.
TVC VIP Experience - $350. The VIP experience features exclusive access to Traverse City’s most notable restaurants and chefs and a curated beverage service. VIP guests receive early access entry at noon, special seating in the TVC lounge and next to the Main Stage, and 50 (fifty) tasting tokens.
VIP Experience at the Grand Tasting
The VIP Experience at the Grand Tasting is designed as a reflection of the working chefs, growers, producers, and hospitality professionals who have built Traverse City’s food and wine culture over decades. Together, the featured chefs represent the most lauded culinary voices in Traverse City and have collaboratively developed a collection of dishes reflecting the region’s agricultural diversity, decades-long relationships with exceptional farmers and producers, and the distinct styles for which each has been recognized.
- early access to the general admission area at the Grand Tasting
- highly curated food and beverage program showcasing the most respected culinary and hospitality talent in the region
- exclusive to the TVC VIP lounge with a variety of seating options
- private bar
- additional allocation of beverage pours
Myles Anton / Trattoria Stella
Jennifer Blakeslee + Eric Patterson / The Cooks’ House
Sarah Bobier / Artisan
Emily Stewart + Andy Elliot / Modern Bird
Sarah Welch + Cameron Rolka / Umbo
Guests will experience a curated selection of limited-release Michigan wines chosen for their quality, distinction, and ability to compete on the world stage. The beverage program will feature cocktails and mocktails created by three of Traverse City’s most respected bartenders.
Amanda Danielson, Advanced Sommelier / Trattoria Stella
Deanna Hagmann / Modern Bird
Kristen Warba / Trattoria Stella
Alex Yanski / The Cooks’ House
VIP Experience - Reserved Table and Tickets for 8 - $3,300. Limited availability. Enjoy a Reserved Table next to the stage for you and your guests. 8 (eight) tickets with all VIP offerings included.