Last year, Pebble Beach Food & Wine (PBFW) returned to great acclaim after a four-year pause from the pandemic. The response to the event was extremely positive, with guests exploring gourmet culinary and beverage offerings, conversing with chefs and beverage makers, and greeting friends in various beautiful settings across Pebble Beach Resorts.
“The 2024 return of Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and support,” says Caroline MacDonald, COO of Pebble Beach Company. “Guests were thrilled to enjoy the culinary and wine experiences that define the festival, with an energy that resonated throughout the weekend. A key takeaway was the importance of fostering community, not just among the talent, winemakers and spirit producers, but also with attendees and our partners who all share a love for exceptional food, wine and hospitality. The success reaffirmed the festival’s status as a premier culinary celebration and highlighted the importance of innovation in creating exceptional experiences, which we look forward to sharing again in April.”
MacDonald says that while the 2025 event builds upon the legacy of previous years, there are exciting new highlights, including an expanded lineup of over 125 acclaimed chefs and 150 renowned wine and spirit producers.
“Signature events like the Tasting Pavilion, presented by Palo Alto Networks, and exclusive dinners, such as A Rare Moment in Time: A Luxurious French Dinner, hosted by Max Boonthanakit, Markus Glocker, Philip Tessier, Laurent Tourondel and Laura Werlin, return, alongside new additions like A Taste of Kwéyòl: Creole Cuisine and Stories with Nina Compton & Friends, Camari Mick and Nyesha Arrington,” she says.
A significant aspect of the event is the charitable giving component through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation, which has provided over $19.1 million in grants to Monterey County nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities for local youth.
Exclusive privileges, like dedicated entry points at The Tasting Pavilion and access to special events, are available to Capital One cardholders. These include The Art of Asian Cuisine: Dinner hosted by Nyesha Arrington, Esther Choi, Maya Erickson, Roy Yamaguchi, and Buen Provecho: Dinner hosted by Mario Castrellón, Gilberto Cetina, Rogelio Garcia and Diego Oka.
For everyone, a wide variety of packages are available. Guests can go all-in for exceptional experiences, with some packages including accommodations, seminars, special lunches and evening events, or experience great value and incredible food and beverages at events like the weekend’s Tasting Pavilion.
“Curated packages for this year’s festival include the newly introduced Walk-Around Package, priced at $1,750, which offers general admission access to all five walk-around events, along with a curated selection of signature experiences,” MacDonald explains. “This package includes access to the Opening Night Reception with the James Beard Foundation hosted by Nancy Silverton, California Coastal hosted by Richard Blais presented by Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, and the Tasting Pavilion presented by Palo Alto Networks on Saturday and Sunday. Guests will also enjoy entry to Burgers & Barrels Happy Hour hosted by Billy Durney presented by Palo Alto Networks, Pit Masters of the Fairway: BBQ Walk-Around Experience hosted by Chris Lilly, and Pacific Feast hosted by Chris Shepherd presented by Alaska Seafood.”
With unparalleled coastal views, world-renowned golf links and luxurious accommodations, the iconic atmosphere of Pebble Beach elevates all aspects of the festival. Being able to converse with legendary chefs on an intimate scale increases the depth of the experience.
“Meeting culinary icons like Alice Waters offers attendees a unique opportunity to connect with the visionaries shaping the culinary world,” MacDonald explains. “It allows them to hear inspiring stories, taste thoughtfully crafted dishes, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the food, creating a lasting and meaningful experience.”
Wine and spirit seminars offer guests a unique chance to learn from celebrated producers, MacDonald shares. “Sessions like The Art of Champagne Blending: An Exclusive Exploration of Prestige Cuvées by Moët Hennessy and Celebrating 50 Years of Tignanello with Marchesi Antinori provide an interactive, intimate experience, connecting participants with the stories and passion behind each pour.”
With food, wine and spirits from around the world and the opportunity to learn from the most celebrated culinary experts, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is a remarkable opportunity for celebration and to also help youth in the community, with proceeds from the event supporting initiatives that foster literacy and education in Monterey County.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine is held April 10-13 at various locations across Pebble Beach Resorts. For tickets to the 2025 event and more information, visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com.