Whisky, Wine & Swine
Whisky Extravaganza
Friday, September 13th from 7:30pm – 10pm (Masterclass from 6:30pm – 7:30pm)
Tickets: General Admission, $95; VIP, $195
Since 2000, The Whisky Extravaganza has been fostering a broader and deeper appreciation of whisky and its complexities by connecting consumers and brands through curated experiences. Each year, The Whisky Extravaganza hosts tasting events and masterclasses in major cities throughout the U.S., offering whisky enthusiasts from the novice to the connoisseur the opportunity to explore some of the most prestigious single malt, premium Scotch whiskies and other unique whiskies from around the world. Each event offers a tasting session, masterclasses curated by industry experts, and culinary pairings.
Wine Riot
Saturday, September 14th from 2:30pm – 5pm & 7:30pm – 10pm
Tickets: General Admission, $65; VIP, $95
Wine Riot returns to Chicago in September and features over 40 wine exhibitors. Pick the brain of local sommeliers, taste wines from regions all over the world, compete in head to head challenges with friends, sip on your bubbly favorites and so much more. The event will be hosted by Erik Segelbaum who was recently named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 “Sommeliers of the Year” and is an advanced sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, representing one of under 600 people in the world that currently hold this level of certification. Special programming includes:
– The Somm Sit Down Series: participate in games, contests, open forum discussions and classroom-style educational seminars with Erik on the activated main stage.
– The Sparkling Lounge: indulge in major styles of sparkling wine including Cava, Prosecco, American Sparkling, Cremant, Rose, and Champagne.
– WINE 101: learn about different grapes including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris/Pinto Grigio, Syrah, and Riesling. Plus, learn about different regions including France, Italy, Australia, California, Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, and more.
– Compete in Pronunciation Bee of must-know wine words or The Couples Challenge where couples compete in multiple choice questions to figure out who has the most wine knowledge.
– Scavenger Hunt: grab your friends and compete to win the Scavenger Hunt by accomplishing tasks around the event. Sip wines, ask the right questions, and answer the riddles to win!
Grand Cochon
Sunday, September 15th from 6pm – 8:30pm (VIP starts at 5pm)
Tickets: General Admission, $150; VIP, $225
Grand Cochon, is the epic finale to the multi-city touring culinary competition. The winner will be crowned the “King or Queen of Pork” on Sunday evening, September 15th for the competition’s 10th anniversary. Grand Cochon brings together the winning chefs of regional competitions – the outcome is a friendly competition featuring more than 2,500 pounds of heritage pork raised by American family farmers. The event will feature celebrated chefs and nose-to-tail cookery representing an array of cultures, cities and cooking styles. Each of the chefs is tasked with preparing the best 3 bites of heritage breed pig from the whole-animal menu they created to win their respective cities. The event is akin to a 40-course stand-up tasting menu, with dozens of competition plates served alongside artisan wines, boutique spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and some of the best cheeses, charcuterie, sweets, and pop-up food experiences the country has to offer.
2019 competitors are: Bruno Davaillon, Buillon (Dallas); EJ Miller, International Smoke (Houston); Daniel Espinoza, Cantina Loredo (Chicago); Gabriel Erales, Comedor (Austin); Scott Hergott, Sky Bistro (Banff); Seung Joon Choi (NYC); Scott Pampuch, 4 Bells (Minneapolis); Jorgie Ramos, Barley (Miami); Brian Redzikowski, Kettner Exchange (Los Angeles). A portion of all sales will benefit Grand Cochon’s sister charity Piggy Bank.