11th Annual Albany Chef’s Wine and Dine for the Arts

The 11th Annual Wine and Dine for the Arts will be January 16th through the 18th at the Capital Center in Albany. The Grand Gala Reception Dinner dinner will feature the food, wine, arts & culture of Regional American, Latin American, African, Asian, Eastern European, Western European, and the Mediterranean. Over 100 wines and the efforts of over 70 Chefs and restaurants will comprise what has become the culinary event of the year in the Capital District.

This year’s Legacy Award winners will be:

The Honorable Gerald D. Jennings Backstage Award
2020 Award Winner: James Barba

The Backstage Award will honor the service, accomplishments and contributions to the Albany Arts community by Gerald D. Jennings. The award is given to a venue or individual that supports the endeavors of other Arts organizations and therefore enhances the quality of life in our region. In addition, to recognize Mr. Jennings’ many years in Education, there is a scholarship or award given annually to assist a City of Albany Arts program or student focusing on performing, fine or culinary arts.

Karen Smith-Sfara Ovation Award
2020 Award Winner: LeGrande Serras

The Ovation Award honors the memory of Founding Member Karen Smith-Sfara. Karen was a pioneer in the wine industry and paved the way for women to gain entry into this field. Karen was instrumental in bringing the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival to fruition. The only thing that outweighed her passion and professionalism was her kindness and generosity. The Ovation Award is given to a Capital Region outstanding patron or organization demonstrating a significant contribution to the Arts in the City of Albany, through the dedication of time, talent, expertise and/or personal financial contribution.

Spirit of the Industry Award
2020 Award Winner: AJ Jayapal

Presented with deep gratitude by the Board of Directors, this award honor the unending generosity, commitment to our community, the professionalism of our Region’s chefs and restaurateurs and the sincere spirit of giving back.

Just to give you a taste, the event schedule includes:

Friday, January 17, 2020
4:00PM – 8:00PM

• Educational Seminars
• Chef Demos
• Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion | presented by the Times Union
• Battle of the Bartenders: Manhattan Competition | presented by the Woodford Reserve
• Macallan “Raise the Glass” Tasting
• The Woodford Experience
• Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events

Saturday, January 18, 2020
12:00PM – 4:00PM

• Educational Seminars
• Chef Demos
• Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion | presented by the Times Union
• Battle of the Bartenders: Bloody Mary Competition | presented by Stoli Vodka and Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
• Macallan “Raise the Glass” Tasting
• The Woodford Experience
• Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events

The mission of the event is: To provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, NY, through an annual 3-day Food & Wine themed Festival that markets our restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine; educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture; and donates all net income directly to deserving non-profit arts organizations.

Tickets and more information are available at https://albanywinefest.com/.