The Grand Tasting

August 23rd, 2025

The main event! Taste the flavors of Traverse City and enjoy the perfect bites and sips that epitomize the region. Learn from renowned chefs, sample the bounty of local produce and products, sip on local wines and other craft beverages, and enjoy it all overlooking the iconic views of West Grand Traverse Bay. The Main Stage will be hosted by Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse, featuring a conversation with Tyler Florence and a cooking demonstration by Mei Lin. Additional chef appearances and demonstrations will include Sarah Welch, Celina Tio, Debbie Gold, Kate Williams, Omar Anani, and more!

Savor specially created menu items with recipes from each of the chefs, which were showcased at the Chef’s Table booth. Additionally, you can sample small bites from many of the region’s favorite restaurants and specialty food producers. Over 100 local wines will be available to taste, with cider, beer, and numerous non-alcoholic options. This will be a perfect summer afternoon for all the food and wine lovers out there!

This event is 21+.

TVC VIP tickets - $225. Includes noon entry, special seating in the TVC lounge and next to the Main Stage, as well as some VIP only culinary offerings. Get up close with the talent and enjoy the show!

Early Access for Grand Tasting - $155. Get a head start on the Grand Tasting, with special cooking demonstrations and an extra hour to sample to your heart's content! Gates open noon - 4

Grand Tasting GA - $125. Access to the event for a fun afternoon of tasting and learning from 1 pm - 4 pm. In addition to food, wine, and beer, the Main Stage will be buzzing with cooking demonstrations and chef conversations.

Main Stage Hosted By

Amy Smart & Carter Oosterhouse

Actress and Television Personality | Bonobo Winery Co-owners | Founders of Carter's Kids

Featured Talent

Tyler Florence

Food Network Host | Cookbook Author | James Beard Nominee | Chef and Owner, Miller & Lux and Wayfare Tavern (San Francisco), Miller & Lux Hualalai (Kona)
Mei Lin

Top Chef Winner | James Beard Nominee | Chef and Owner, Nightshade, Daybird, 88 Club in Los Angeles
Antoni Porowski

NYT Bestselling Author and Culinary Expert | Emmy-Winning Star of Queer Eye | Host of Nat Geo’s No Taste Like Home
Sarah Welch

Top Chef | James Beard Nominee | Co-Founder and Partner at Marrow, Mink in Detroit | Owner of Umbo in Traverse City (Coming in 2026)
Celina Tio

Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America | Chef and Owner, Belfry and Wolf Den in Kansas City, MO
Kate Williams

Chef and Owner, Lady of the House, Candy Bar, and Karl's in Detroit | James Beard Nominee | Food & Wine’s Best New Restaurants
Debbie Gold

James Beard Award–Winning Chef | Top Chef Masters | Culinary Director at AMDP Restaurants
Abra Berens

James Beard–Nominated Chef and Author | Advocate for Equitable Food Systems | Chef at Granor Farm in Michigan | Author of Ruffage, Grist, and Pulp
Omar Anani

Chef and Owner, Saffron De Twah in Detroit | James Beard Nominee | Food Network Chopped Champion
Ji Hye Kim

Chef and Owner, Miss Kim in Ann Arbor | James Beard Nominee | Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs
Cameron Rolka

Chef and Owner, Mink in Detroit | Owner of Umbo in Traverse City (Coming in 2026)
Susan Kostrzewa

Director-at-Large at Les Dames D'Escoffier New York | Contributor at JamesSuckling.com | Wine Educator
Sayeh Tavangar

International Chef and Culinary Educator | Former Broadcast Journalist (CBS, Reuters, Bloomberg) | Host of Upcoming Netflix Cooking Show | Food Network Guest | Expert in Persian and Global Cuisine

Wineries, Breweries, and other beverages

Food bites and samples by