Sep 30, 2025 | General News, Special Events
Beginning Thursday, January 22nd, Mohegan Sun’s largest annual festival returns featuring Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Symon, Esther Choi, and many more!
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 30, 2025) – Mohegan Sun’s most anticipated food & wine celebration is back—and bigger than ever. From January 22 – 25, 2026, Sun Wine & Food Fest invites guests to indulge in a weekend of bold flavors, award-winning wine, top chefs and exclusive experiences. Featuring over 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits, plus appearances by celebrity chefs including Robert Irvine, Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Michael Symon and Adam Young, this four-day festival blends world-class tastings with live entertainment, curated pairings, and exclusive events like the Celebrity Chef Dine Around, Vintage Cru Hosted by The USA Wine Team, and the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience. Tickets are officially on sale, with limited availability across all events – guests can secure their spot to the 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest now via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Thursday, January 22nd
Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off on Thursday, January 22nd with Cocktails & Chandeliers with Chris Santos from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Beauty & Essex. At this event, attendees will get a glimpse inside Beauty & Essex and will step into a world of sophistication and indulgence. Tickets include access to hand-passed cocktails and delicious appetizers. From 9:00pm – 11:00pm, guests can head over to A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons for Tinis & Treats, an exclusive evening dedicated to the incredible flavors from Sift Bake Shop and A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons. At this event, guests can indulge in a flight of three handcrafted mini martinis, each expertly mixed to complement a selection of Sift Bake Shop’s finest house-made pastries and bonbons.
Friday, January 23rd
Day two of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2026 kicks off with an Exclusive Louis XIII Tasting in Beauty & Essex from 5:00pm – 7:00pm where guests can step into the world of rare and exceptional spirits as a unique opportunity is presented to savor the iconic Louis XIII Cognac. Guests can taste one of the most sought-after Cognacs and learn from a knowledgeable brand ambassador. From 6:00pm – 9:00pm in the Earth Ballroom, Suntory Global Spirits Presents: Asian Market returns with a vibrant evening where premium spirits meet their perfect pairing. The Asian Market brings together a dynamic lineup of chefs, including the well-known Esther Choi, as well as vendors providing traditional wares. From 7:00pm – 10:00pm over in the Earth Expo & Convention Center, guests can be among the first to explore the bold flavors and standout selections of Sun Wine & Food Fest as Grand Tasting Day One is set to offer early access to a curated collection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits – paired with inspired bites from top regional restaurants. Guests can bundle up and step into a winter-inspired escape at the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience from 9:00pm – 11:00pm. The Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience transforms the Sun Patio into a glowing, open-air lounge where frosty cocktails and cool beats set the tone. To finish up the night, guests can head over to Clay Pipe Cigar Bar for day one of Spirits & Cigars Presented by Mohegan Sun’s Barrel Select Program. From 10:00pm – Midnight, guests can explore a curated selection of premium pours, each paired with a complimentary cigar chosen to enhance its complexity.
Saturday, January 24th
Day three of the 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest will bring experiences that guests won’t want to miss. To start the day off, fine food and vino enthusiasts can attend a celebration of wine and culinary mastery at day two of Sun Wine & Food Fest’s signature event, the exquisite Grand Tasting, from Noon – 5:00pm in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. Attendees can taste from more than 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits, alongside delectable dishes from local restaurants and food trucks. Throughout the day, catch live demonstrations on theMain Stage and Coca-Cola Kitchen, where renowned chefs share their techniques, insights, and signature flair. Witness celebrity chefs like Michael Symon, Scott Conant, Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, Marc Murphy,and more live on stage as they showcase their secrets, share expert tips, and prepare their signature dishes. Guests can learn how to decode a wine’s identity by analyzing its appearance, aroma, and palate at the Deductive Blind Tasting Seminar Hosted by The USA Wine Team from 2:00pm – 4:00pm in the Earth Ballroom. This immersive seminar introduces guests to the art of blind tasting through a structured, sensory-driven approach. From 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Earth Ballroom, guests can step into an evening of rare discovery at Vintage Cru Hosted by The USA Wine Team. Vintage Cru is designed for true connoisseurs—an intimate tasting experience featuring some of the world’s most revered and cellar-worthy wines. Day Two of Spirits & Cigars Presented by Mohegan Sun’s Barrel Select Program is set to take place from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Clay Pipe Cigar Bar and guests can take a deeper dive into the world of premium spirits and cigars. One of Sun Wine & Food Fest’s most anticipated events, Celebrity Chef Dine Around, will take place from 8:00pm – 10:30pm in the Uncas Ballroom and will bring together more than 20 acclaimed chefs including Rocco DiSpirito, Robert Irvine, Gabe Bertaccini, and more, each presenting a signature dish crafted to surprise and inspire. From bold innovations to refined classics, this is a rare opportunity to taste the vision of chefs who are shaping the future of food.
Sunday, January 25th
Day four of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2026 will feature a WSET Level 1 Training & Certification from Noon – 2:00pm in the Earth Expo & Convention Center Meeting Rooms. Whether guests are starting their journey into the world of wine or seeking a structured foundation, this exclusive session will provide those in attendance with essential skills to taste, assess, and appreciate wine at a deeper level. Spaces are limited, guests must secure their place by Monday, January 12, 2026.
The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is the official charity of the 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest. The foundation’s mission is to carry on Denise’s passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, and assist those facing physical and mental challenges, while encouraging openness, courage and kindness in all endeavors. These causes were particularly close to Denise’s heart, and your generous donation will greatly assist in providing worthy organizations the support they need. Learn more about this incredible organization to benefit causes close to Denise’s heart at, https://thedenisefoundation.com/. A portion of every event ticket sold to Sun Wine & Food Fest benefits The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation.
For the full list of Sun Wine & Food Fest events, visit the Mohegan Sun website.
Media coverage opportunities at Sun Wine & Food Fest are available. For more information, please contact Senior PR Specialist Jack Graham at [email protected].
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
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Oct 29, 2024 | Food & Beverage, General News, Special Events
Four-day festival featuring renowned chefs Geoffrey Zakarian, Antonia Lofaso, Maneet Chauhan, Marc Murphy and more is set to kick off on Thursday, January 23rd
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 29, 2024) – Mohegan Sun’s largest annual festival, Sun Wine & Food Fest, which runs from Thursday, January 23, 2025 through Sunday, January 26, 2025, returns with stars, sips and savory eats. Guests will be able to enjoy and experience award-winning wine and spirits, top chefs, and other food enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend. The action-packed weekend features the return of Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience, Grand Tasting, Vintage Cru, and Celebrity Chef After Party along with new and exciting experiences such as CT Spotlight Series, Suntory Global Spirits Presents: Asian Market, and a Sun Wine & Food Fest Special Edition of Shuffle to Showdown.
Tickets to the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest are on sale now via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Thursday, January 23rd
Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off on Thursday, January 23rd with the CT Spotlight Series Featuring Two Roads from 8:00pm – 9:30pm in an intimate setting. At this event, attendees will discover Two Roads Brewing Company’s unique selection of brews and sample their classics and special projects. Also, hear more about their process of creating incredible brews, and taste delicious food expertly paired and prepared by a local chef.
Friday, January 24th
The day two action of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2025 gets started in the Earth Ballroom with Suntory Global Spirits Presents: Asian Market from 6:00pm – 9:00pm where guests can immerse themselves in a true culinary adventure. Fans of Asian cuisine will watch as renowned celebrity chef and Food Network star, Esther Choi, teams up with fellow chefs to cook up incredible “Street Food” style fare made with masterful techniques and bold flavors. Guests looking to secure a sneak peek into all the extraordinary wines and culinary excellence that the Grand Tasting has to offer can make their way to the Earth Expo & Convention Center from 7:00pm – 10:00pm for the Grand Tasting Preview. From 8:00pm – 10:00pm, guests can bundle up and sip on premium, frosty, expertly crafted cocktails featuring Mohegan Sun’s Frosty Fusions and more at the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience. For those who are Blackjack novices or those who are just looking to refine their skills, the Shuffle to Showdown event at novelle from 8:00pm – 10:00pm will feature expert instructors guiding guests through the ins and outs of the classic casino game using “fun money” with a chance to win real prizes! Over at the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar from 9:00pm – 11:00pm, guests can experience Spirits & Cigars Presented by Mohegan Sun’s Barrel Select Program where those in attendance will discover the subtle notes, aromas, and complexities of both the spirits and cigars, designed to complement one another perfectly. To finish the night, those who love local wineries can enjoy the CT Spotlight Featuring Preston Ridge Vineyard from 9:00pm – 10:30pm where guests can explore a range of hand-selected options paired with bites from a local chef.
Saturday, January 25th
Day three of the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest will bring experiences that guests will cherish for years to come. To kick the day off, fine food and vino enthusiasts can attend a celebration of wine and culinary mastery at Sun Wine & Food Fest’s signature event, the exquisite Grand Tasting, from Noon – 5:00pm in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. Attendees can taste from more than 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits, sample exquisite dishes, and watch renowned chefs present live culinary demonstrations as they showcase their skills and share the tricks of the trade. From 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Earth Ballroom, Vintage Cru will give guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the world’s most revered and rare wines. Those in attendance will taste an exclusive lineup of exceptional selections, featuring aged bottles from renowned vineyards and highly sought-after vintages. Over at the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Macallan Tasting will allow attendees to savor and learn firsthand with the Macallan brand specialist about how the Macallan’s mastery of wood makes it the world’s most luxurious spirit. The popular Celebrity Chef Dine Around returns to the Uncas Ballroom from 8:00pm – 10:30pm featuring an extraordinary array of curated food, presented by more than 20 chefs who are known for pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity. The celebrity chefs will showcase their signature dishes that will be expertly paired with a wine, beer, or spirit. After a day of culinary delights, the festivities continue in Avalon Nightclub from 10:30pm – 2:00am, where guests can celebrate Sun Wine & Food Fest at the Celebrity Chef After Party, the most exclusive after party in town, sponsored by J Vineyards.
Sunday, January 26th
To cap off the 21st Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest, guests can experience a delicious culinary experience with a specially curated menu and signature cocktails at three different locations across property. Reservations are available online for Michael Jordan’s Steak House Brunch as well as Tuscany’s Brunch Buffet, or head over to Mohegan Sun’s newly opened restaurant, The Shed, where a delightful morning of delicious brunch food, good company and endless fun will take place.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates! For the full list of Sun Wine & Food Fest events, visit the Mohegan Sun website.
Media coverage opportunities at Sun Wine & Food Fest are available. For more information, please contact PR Specialist Jack Graham at [email protected].
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
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Oct 5, 2018 | General News
A three – day action packed weekend kicks off on Friday, January 25th; Tickets go on sale today!
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 5, 2018) – Wine connoisseurs and food aficionados rejoice! The 16th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest is back at Mohegan Sun. Don’t miss your chance to sip and sample your way through endless vintages and signature dishes, incredible showcases and tastings during a three – day affair across two spaces, the Uncas Ballroom and the new Earth Expo Center. A portion of proceeds will go to Channel 3 Kids Camp, who provide fun year – round opportunities to children of all abilities, families & communities through educational & recreational programs.
Sun Wine & Food Fest will return in January 2019 with more surprises! Stay tuned for additional announcements on our world – class celebration of food and drink. It’s all happening at our premier event – and we’re just getting started!
Bourbon Tasting presented by Beam Inc., Bear’s Smokehouse
and BoutiqueCigar.com
Get your weekend started early and warm your palate during the Bourbon Tasting! Mix and mingle while getting a taste of the finest bourbon from Jim Beam, along with tasty selections from Bear’s Restaurant Group and a cigar from BoutiqueCigar.com.
Friday, January 25th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm – Earth Ballroom.
Tickets to the Bourbon Tasting are $90.00 per person.
Grand Tasting Preview
Get a sneak peek into one of Sun Wine & Food Fest’s signature showcases, the Grand Tasting! Taste a variety of wine, beer and spirits and pair your favorites with delectable dishes from some of the regions most highly – rated restaurants. Plus, watch the masters show off their culinary skills during a night of celebrity chef demonstrations. It’s your chance to experience an exclusive preview of the main event. Chef Kevin Des Chenes’ demo will be from 8:00pm to 8:30pm and will be followed by Chef Plum’s demo from 8:45pm to 9:15pm.
*Chefs subject to change.
Friday, January 25th from 7:00pm to 10:00pm – Earth Expo & Convention Center.
Tickets for the Grand Tasting Preview are $50.00 per person.
Tickets for designated drivers are $20.00 per person.
Grand Tasting
Sample over 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits during the Grand Tasting! Foodies can purchase signature dishes from some of the region’s most highly – rated restaurants and the main culinary stage features a day full of celebrity chef demonstrations!
Ryan Kristafer, WTNH’s CT Style co – host alongside Teresa Dufour, hosts Saturday’s Grand Tasting Chef Demo, schedule:
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Maneet Chauhan
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Marcus Samuelsson
1:45pm – 2:15pm: Alex Guarnaschelli
2:30pm – 3:00pm: Todd English
3:15pm – 3:45pm: Aarón Sánchez
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Brian Duffy
*Schedule subject to change.
Saturday, January 26th from Noon to 5:00pm – Earth Expo & Convention Center.
Tickets to the Sun Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting are $99.00 per person.
Tickets for designated drivers are $20.00 per person.
Vintage Cru presented by Bobby Flay
Taste the “best – of – the – best” vintages and get one – on – ones with the winemakers during the Vintage Cru presented by Bobby Flay. Enjoy the raw bar and pick up your $50.00 iGourmet gift card before you leave!
Saturday, January 26th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Earth Ballroom.
Tickets to Vintage Cru presented by Bobby Flay are $150.00 per person. The ticket price includes the Vintage Cru and a $50.00 iGourmet gift card. Tickets do not include access to the Grand Tasting.
Celebrity Chef Dine Around
Watch the masters at work when over 20 celebrity chefs personally dish out a signature food item paired with a wine, beer or spirit and music plays featuring DJ Irie.
Chefs follow as: Aarón Sánchez, Adam Young, Alex Guarnaschelli, Andy Husbands, Betty Fraser, Bobby Flay, Brian Duffy, Chef Plum, Chris Coombs, Govind Armstrong, Ihsan Gurdal, Jamie McDonald, Jason Santos, Lynn Mansel, Maneet Chauhan, Manouschka Guerrier, Marcus Samuelsson, Michele Ragussis, Nick Calias, Rocco DiSpirito, Todd English, Will Gilson and Will Kovel.
*Chefs subject to change.
Saturday, January 26th from 8:00pm to 10:30pm – Uncas Ballroom & Ballroom Pre – Function.
Tickets to the Celebrity Chef Dine Around are $199.00 per person.
Sunday Brunch
Top off your indulgent weekend with a delicious spread of food and beverages at our exclusive Sunday Brunch.
Sunday, January 27th from 11:00am to 2:00pm – Uncas Ballroom.
Tickets to Sunday Brunch are $90.00 per person.
Sun Wine & Food Fest Ticket Packages
Gain entry into the Friday night Bourbon Tasting and the Saturday Sun Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting with the Grain & Grapes Package. The package is $150.00 and includes entry into both events.
The Saturday Food & Wine Package is a perfect choice for guests interested in the Grand Tasting and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. The package is $250.00 and includes entry into both events.
Select the Winemakers and Chefs Package for access to fine wine and signature dishes at the Vintage Cru presented by Bobby Flay and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. The package is $300.00 per person and includes entry into both events.
Guests looking to experience a little bit of everything are able to purchase the Food & Wine Weekend Package which includes entry into the Grand Tasting, Celebrity Chef Dine Around and Sunday Brunch. The package is $325.00 per person and includes entry into all three events.
For more information about all Sun Wine & Food Fest 2019 events, featured personalities, packages, hours and area hotel information, download the Sun Wine & Food Fest app or visit our website.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, 2 world-class spas, a golf course, over 90 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
