In 2016, six “culinary-and-community-minded professionals” founded Jackson’s very own food and wine festival. Next month, Jackson Hole Food & Wine will host its third Winter Fest at Teton Village. With a uniquely intimate food festival program, JH Food & Wine’s weekend of activities will allow attendees to “interact and dine with guest chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski; Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards; and the culinary community of Teton Village chefs; in addition to renowned winemakers; cocktail and beer experts and much more.”
No Ordinary Food and Wine Festival
Alongside the guidance and suggestion of an advisory committee and fellow founding members, festival founders Megan Gallagher and Haynes Oakley serve as the festival’s director and associate director, respectively. While the committee combines the minds of local food and beverage experts, Gallagher and Oakley have drawn on their previous experience with the Jackson Hole Wine Auction to cultivate the summer and winter festivals. Prioritizing an intimate setting, and aiming to facilitate interaction between talent and guests, our local festival would score well in the minds of food festival connoisseurs.
JH Food & Wine Director Megan Gallagher (right) and Associate Director Haynes Oakley (left)
Arguably, the experience of being involved in the festival is as equally rewarding for the talented chefs and beverage representatives as it is for attendees. Drawn to and inspired by the beautiful scenery of Jackson Hole, for some of these chefs, it is their first visits to Jackson Hole, not to mention cooking at high altitude. As word of the festival spreads in the foodie community at large, with it, the level of talent naturally drawn in to the event expands.
This year’s talent lineup includes: guest chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinsky, of State Bird Provisions and The Progress; Peay Vineyards owner Andy Peay; Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon purveyor Preston Van Winkle; Myriad Restaurant Group founder Drew Nieporent; journalist Matt Bean; winemaker Laely Heron; and a sea of Taste of Teton Village talent.
Taste of Teton Village Tickets Remain
Only one event has tickets remaining. Each year, with the festival’s growing popularity, locals and visitors have learned to plan ahead—snatching up tickets as soon as they go on sale. This year’s events included: the elevated dinner experience (literally and figuratively) that is Big Wines, Small Plates; a cooking class with renowned chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski; a happy hour featuring the spirits of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery; and the Wine Dinner at 9000ft.
*Get added to the waiting list for these sold out events by emailing info@jhfoodandwine.com
But, not all is lost! Tickets remain for the festival’s largest (although still not large, by national festival standards) event: Taste of Teton Village. On Friday, March, 13, from 6-9 p.m. in the Four Seasons Resort and Residences’ ballroom, the ultimate après-ski event brings together 13 Teton Village restaurants to share their favorite winter inspired dishes. As you walk between bites, multiple beverage booths are prepared to pour over 75 selections of wine, beer and cocktails. And because it wouldn’t be après without music, local DJ Rocky Vertone will be spinning some tunes. Click HERE to secure your tickets.
*All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
