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 26, 2023 | Beer, Food & Beverage, General News, Special Events, Sun WineFest 2016, Travel & Leisure
Four-day festival celebrates 20th anniversary with 20 events from Thursday, January 25, 2024 – Sunday, January 28, 2024; Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul also slated to host Dos Hombres Mezcal
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 25, 2023) – Celebrate the art of winemaking and 20 years of Sun Wine & Food Fest with 20 events across four days! Mohegan Sun’s 20th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest (SWFF) takes place from Thursday, January 25, 2024 through Sunday, January 28, 2024, and offers an immersive experience where wine enthusiasts come together to explore a world of flavors. Attendees can sample top offerings from renowned wineries and also enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and food pairings. Popular events such as the Grand Tasting and Celebrity Chef Dine Around are back while new events like the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience and the Exclusive Antique Collection Tasting join the fun. novelle is slated to host Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul for a unique event themed around their Dos Hombres tequila and Martha Stewart also returns to SWFF for Brunch with Martha & Friends!
Tickets to the 20th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest are on sale now via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Thursday, January 25th
Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off on Thursday, January 25th with the TAO Dim Sum at 5:00pm. Fans of Asian-inspired dishes can take in the artistry of skilled TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge chefs and gain valuable insights from experts in the field as they craft a delectable selection of bite-sized delights, alongside a carefully curated selection of premium sake. Foodies and fans of James Beard award-winning chef, Todd English can head over to Todd English’s Tuscany to celebrate the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world with a meticulously crafted menu during the Todd English Experience from 7:00pm – 9:30pm. From the first bite to the last, savor the artistry of Todd’s culinary expertise paired with incredible wines. Guests looking to try something new can head to the Sun Patio from 8:00pm – 10:00pm and experience the thrill of sipping favorite cocktails in a truly unique setting during the Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience, hosted by Waypoint Vanilla Vodka, Baileys Chocolate & Patrón Cielo. Those looking to elevate their palate can attend an exclusive pairing session at the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar, where the Barrels of Beam Featuring Laphroaig Tasting will take place from 8:00pm – 9:30pm. To wrap up the opening night of SWFF, the Litchfield Distillery Farm to Table event in Aquai (located in the Sky Hotel Lobby) will allow guests to immerse themselves in an intimate farm-to-table experience from 10:00pm – Midnight. A variety of spirits from Litchfield Distillery, who uses local farms to harvest the crops used in their batching process, will be offered.
Friday, January 26th
To get day two of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2024 started, guests can head over to TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge for the TAO Whisky Dinner. During two seatings at 5:00pm and 5:15pm, attendees can step into a world of elegance and sophistication as they will be guided through the exquisite flavors of Japanese whisky paired with a delicious three-course meal. From 6:00pm – 9:00pm, whiskey enthusiasts can head to the Earth Ballroom for Beam Suntory Presents: Whiskeys of the World where attendees will partake in a memorable night filled with the finest selection of aged spirits from Japan, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. Vino enthusiasts looking to secure a sneak peek of the rich flavors, subtle aromas, and exceptional craftsmanship at the Grand Tasting can make their way to the Earth Expo & Convention Center from 7:00pm – 10:00pm for the Grand Tasting Preview. At 9:00pm, experience the Spirits & Cigars Presented by Mohegan Sun’s Barrel Select Program, located at Clay Pipe Cigar Bar, where attendees can savor a carefully curated selection of proprietary top-shelf spirits expertly poured by knowledgeable mixologists. To finish off the night, novelle will play host to Toast with the Host featuring Loverboy Sparkling Hard Tea; reality TV fans can enjoy a memorable evening of drinks and conversation with esteemed hosts, Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula from Loverboy.
Saturday, January 27th
With a total of seven events on day three of the 20th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest, guests can expect to meet some of the top names in the industry, enjoy delectable food selections and cherish some of the best wine and beer around. Fans of fine food and vino can embark on a sensory journey through the world of wine at SWFF’s main event, the exquisite Grand Tasting, from Noon – 5:00pm in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. Seasoned oenophiles and curious novices alike will embark on an immersive experience that celebrates the artistry of winemaking all while sampling more than 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and
spirits. Grand Tasting attendees can watch live demonstrations take place on The Main Stage & The Coca Cola Stage from legendary culinary experts such as Amanda Freitag, Aarón Sánchez, Marc Murphy, Scott Conant and more! From 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Earth Ballroom, Salon B, Vintage Cru will give guests an opportunity to step into a world of opulence and timeless taste while engaging in an enchanting evening dedicated to the art of aging and savoring the most delectable wines from all around the world. Each guest in attendance will receive a $50 iGourmet gift card at the conclusion of the event! Clay Pipe Cigar Bar is set to host the Exclusive Antique Collection Tasting at 4:00pm, where attendees will join Katy O’Donnell in traveling through the history of fine spirits to unlock the flavors and stories behind some of the world’s rarest and most coveted bottles. Immediately following the Exclusive Antique Collection Tasting, Clay Pipe Cigar Bar will transform into the Exclusive Pappy Van Winkle Tasting from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, where fans of bourbon whiskey can join Katy O’Donnell once again in stepping into the world of rare and exceptional bourbon with an opportunity to savor the iconic Pappy Van Winkle whiskey collection. Over at novelle, guests can ignite their senses by joining the “chemist” and “cook” from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Dos Hombres Mezcal featuring Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul. Bryan & Aaron’s profound affection for mezcal led the two accomplished actors on a journey to a remote Mexican village, and they were determined to introduce tequila’s enigmatic and less renowned counterpart to a broader audience. From 8:00pm – 10:30pm, foodies can make their way to the Uncas Ballroom to elevate their dining experience to new heights during the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. Attendees will enjoy a diverse culinary journey that fuses artistry with food, as chefs such as Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Chris Santos, Rocco DiSpirito and more showcase their signature dishes and creative expertise 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 20 years of Sun Wine & Food Fest at the Celebrity Chef After Party, the most exclusive after party in town.
Sunday, January 28th
To cap off the 20th anniversary of Mohegan Sun’s Sun Wine & Food Fest, guests can savor gourmet cuisine and witness captivating live demonstrations from true culinary experts during Brunch with Martha & Friends, hosted by Kalen Allen, from 11:00am – 1:00pm in the Uncas Ballroom. Attendees will join Martha Stewart and sip on cocktails as the queen of hosting shares her secrets, cooking techniques, and personal stories.
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 Manager Charisse Huff at [email protected] and 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, 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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