06/17/2026
The 2026 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience kicked-off with a BANG as Chef Maneet Chauhan sabered the ceremonial bottle of bubbles that marked the start of HWFE weekend!
Appellation Healdsburg, the new culinary-driven luxury destination from Chef Charlie Palmer, was a beautiful venue to host our VIP guests, chefs, talent, trade, media, and friends of the festival to our favorite city. Complete with a warm welcome from Healdsburg's Mayor Chris Harrod, Charlie Palmer, and HWFE founder Steve Dveris.
The evening's guests were greeted with a glass of Laurent-Perrier and a bump of caviar from California Caviar Company. Music by duo Monica da Silva and Chad Alger set the tone for an evening of indulgence.
Throughout the space, tables poured exceptional wines from Silver Oak, Knights Bridge Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Chalk Hill Estate, Passerelles, JCB Bubbles, Stonestreet Wines, and Rodney Strong Vineyards, alongside Susurrus Sparkling Teas, Casa Obsidiana Tequila, Zancudo Mezcal, and Stonestreet Bourbon paired with Black Pig Meat Co.. And of course, the Ferrari Café by Graffeo Coffee was parked right inside.
Chef Maneet wowed with her bold Short Rib Vindaloo Bunny Chow. Inside, Chef Duskie Estes brought the flavor with a Pig + Cow Quesabirria layered with Point Reyes TomaRashi. Chefs Charlie Palmer, Reed Palmer, Jason Halverson, and Dustin Valette added their own inspired takes on Sonoma County cuisine including an Urbani Truffle pizza, lamb skewers, and more.
The Resy/Amex lounge had couches, tables, and fire pits so guests could sit back, relax, and enjoy the party.
It was truly an epic welcome for the 2026 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience! 🥂