The Sun Wine & Food Fest at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut is a premier culinary event that attracts food and wine enthusiasts from across the region. Held annually in January, this four-day extravaganza showcases an array of delectable dishes, fine wines, and specialty spirits.
The 21st annual Sun Wine & Food Fest is scheduled for January 23-26, 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees. Guests can look forward to sampling creations from top chefs, sipping award-winning wines, and discovering new culinary trends. The festival features various events, including a Grand Tasting, where visitors can indulge in a wide selection of gourmet offerings.
Located at the Mohegan Sun resort, the festival offers a perfect blend of entertainment and gastronomy. Attendees can explore the diverse vendor offerings, participate in cooking demonstrations, and mingle with fellow food lovers. The Sun Wine & Food Fest has become a highlight of the winter season, drawing visitors eager to escape the cold and immerse themselves in a world of flavors and aromas.
Event Overview
Sun Wine and Food Fest at Mohegan Sun is a premier culinary and beverage extravaganza in Uncasville, Connecticut. This annual event showcases exceptional wines, spirits, and gourmet cuisine from renowned chefs and producers.
Significance of Sun Wine and Food Fest
The festival has become a cornerstone event for Mohegan Sun, drawing food and wine enthusiasts from across the region. It provides a platform for culinary professionals to showcase their talents and innovations.
The event contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors to Uncasville. It also supports charitable causes, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation.
Sun Wine and Food Fest has grown in stature over the years, now celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2025. This longevity speaks to its popularity and significance in the culinary world.
Key Highlights and Features
The Grand Tasting stands out as the festival’s signature event. Attendees can sample from over 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits. This extensive selection caters to diverse palates and preferences.
Culinary demonstrations by top chefs offer valuable insights into cooking techniques and trends. These sessions provide an educational component to the festival, enhancing its appeal.
The event spans four days, from January 23 to 26, 2025, offering multiple opportunities for attendance. Various ticket options allow guests to tailor their experience to their interests and budget.
Special brunches and high-end events feature top names in the industry, providing exclusive experiences for food connoisseurs. These intimate gatherings complement the larger tasting events.
Wine and Spirits Experiences
The Sun Wine & Food Fest offers an impressive array of wine and spirits experiences. Attendees can sample a vast selection of beverages and participate in exclusive tastings led by industry experts.
Grand Tasting Preview
The Grand Tasting Preview provides early access to the festival’s signature event. Guests can beat the crowds and enjoy a more intimate atmosphere while sampling from over 1,000 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits. This exclusive preview allows attendees to interact with vintners, brewers, and distillers directly.
Culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs complement the beverage offerings. Attendees can pair gourmet bites with their favorite drinks, enhancing the tasting experience. The preview event sets the tone for the full Grand Tasting to follow.
Distinctive Wine Tastings
Wine enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of varietals and vintages at the festival. Award-winning wines from around the world are available for tasting. Guests can sample rare and limited-edition bottles not typically found at local wine shops.
Vintage Cru tastings showcase exceptional older vintages. These sessions allow participants to compare how wines develop over time. Expert sommeliers guide attendees through the nuances of each pour, explaining tasting notes and production methods.
Special Spirits Showcases
Spirits take center stage at dedicated tasting events throughout the festival. The Macallan Tasting offers whisky aficionados the chance to sample premium single malts from this renowned Scottish distillery. Attendees can learn about the brand’s history and distillation process.
Craft cocktail demonstrations highlight innovative mixing techniques and flavor combinations. Guests can watch skilled bartenders create signature drinks using a variety of spirits. Some sessions allow attendees to try their hand at mixology under expert guidance.
Culinary Attractions
The Sun Wine & Food Fest in Uncasville, CT offers an array of culinary delights. Attendees can experience celebrity chef appearances, interactive cooking demonstrations, and a spotlight on Connecticut’s local cuisine.
Celebrity Chef Appearances
Renowned chefs take center stage at the festival. Geoffrey Zakarian, Antonia Lofaso, Maneet Chauhan, and Marc Murphy are among the culinary stars slated to attend.
These celebrated chefs bring their expertise and flair to various events throughout the festival. The Celebrity Chef Dine Around allows guests to sample dishes prepared by these culinary icons.
Todd English hosts a hands-on culinary adventure, giving attendees a chance to learn directly from a master chef.
Interactive Culinary Demonstrations
Live culinary demonstrations showcase the art of cooking. Attendees can watch as experts prepare dishes and share tips and techniques.
These sessions cover a range of cuisines and cooking styles. Pasta and tiramisu making classes offer a taste of Italian culinary traditions.
The demonstrations provide an opportunity for food enthusiasts to gain insights into professional cooking methods and culinary innovation.
CT Spotlight Series
The Connecticut Spotlight Series highlights the state’s local culinary scene. This feature showcases regional specialties and ingredients unique to the area.
Attendees can explore Connecticut’s food culture through tastings and presentations. Local chefs and producers share their expertise and passion for the state’s culinary offerings.
The series may include demonstrations of traditional New England dishes as well as modern interpretations of local cuisine.
Exclusive Events
The Sun Wine & Food Fest offers several exclusive events that elevate the culinary experience. These intimate gatherings provide unique opportunities to interact with renowned chefs, sample rare spirits, and enjoy luxurious settings.
Celebrity Chef After Party
The Celebrity Chef After Party is a highlight of the festival. Attendees mingle with acclaimed chefs in a relaxed atmosphere after the main events. Guests savor specially crafted bites prepared by the culinary stars themselves.
The party features signature cocktails and hand-selected wines. Live music and entertainment add to the festive ambiance. This exclusive event offers a chance to chat one-on-one with chefs about their techniques and inspirations.
Limited tickets ensure an intimate setting. Food enthusiasts can gain insider knowledge and make lasting connections in the culinary world.
Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience
The Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience transforms the outdoor space into a winter wonderland. Guests bundle up to enjoy drinks served from a bar sculpted entirely of ice.
Master mixologists craft specialty cocktails designed to warm from the inside out. The menu includes hot toddies, spiked cocoas, and creative frozen concoctions.
Fire pits and heated lamps keep attendees cozy as they take in the stunning ice sculptures. Gourmet small bites complement the drinks, featuring seasonal ingredients and expert preparation.
This unique event combines artistry, mixology, and culinary skill in a memorable outdoor setting.
Spirits and Cigars Evening
The Spirits and Cigars Evening caters to connoisseurs of fine tobacco and premium liquors. Expert cigar rollers demonstrate their craft, offering freshly made cigars to participants.
A curated selection of top-shelf spirits is available for tasting. Knowledgeable staff guide guests through pairings of cigars with whiskeys, rums, and cognacs.
The event takes place in a sophisticated lounge setting. Comfortable seating and soft lighting create an ideal atmosphere for savoring and discussion.
Food pairings designed to complement both cigars and spirits are served throughout the evening. This exclusive gathering offers a refined experience for aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
Local and Craft Breweries
Connecticut’s thriving craft beer scene takes center stage at the Sun Wine & Food Fest. Local breweries showcase their finest creations, offering unique flavors and innovative brewing techniques.
Two Roads Brewing Showcase
Two Roads Brewing Company, a renowned Connecticut craft brewery, presents an impressive array of their signature beers. Fest-goers can sample their popular Road 2 Ruin Double IPA, known for its bold hop character and citrus notes. The brewery’s experimental Tanker Truck series also makes an appearance, featuring limited-edition sour ales aged in oak foeders.
Two Roads’ master brewers host tasting sessions, sharing insights into their brewing process and ingredient selection. Attendees can learn about the brewery’s commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
Frosty Fusions
The Frosty Fusions section highlights innovative beer cocktails crafted by top chefs and mixologists. These creative concoctions blend craft beers with spirits, fruits, and unique ingredients to create refreshing winter-themed beverages.
Attendees can sample offerings like the “Hoppy Holidays,” a mix of IPA, gin, and cranberry juice, garnished with rosemary. Another popular option is the “Stout & Spice,” combining imperial stout with rum and holiday spices.
Interactive demonstrations allow guests to learn mixology techniques and create their own beer cocktails under expert guidance. This section showcases the versatility of craft beer in cocktail creation.
Gourmet Marketplaces
The Sun Wine & Food Fest features unique gourmet marketplaces that showcase local and international flavors. These curated spaces offer attendees the chance to sample and purchase a variety of artisanal products.
Mystic Country Provisions
Mystic Country Provisions highlights the best of Connecticut’s local food scene. This marketplace brings together small-batch producers and family-owned farms from across the region.
Visitors can sample and purchase artisanal cheeses, honey, jams, and baked goods. Preston Ridge Vineyard, a local winery, offers tastings of their award-winning wines.
Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh oysters and clams harvested from Long Island Sound. The marketplace also features locally-made craft beers and spirits from Connecticut distilleries.
Asian Market by Beam Suntory
Beam Suntory presents an immersive Asian Market experience at the festival. This vibrant space introduces attendees to flavors and spirits from across Asia.
Visitors can sample Suntory’s Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki and Hibiki. The market also features sake tastings and Asian-inspired cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Food stations offer bites like sushi, dumplings, and bao buns. Guests can browse displays of traditional Asian cooking ingredients and utensils.
Interactive demonstrations teach attendees about Asian cooking techniques and drink pairings. The market provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse culinary traditions of Asia.
Tickets and Accommodations
Tickets for the Sun Wine & Food Fest are available through multiple channels. Attendees can choose from various package options that include event access and hotel stays.
Purchasing and Package Deals
Tickets for the Sun Wine & Food Fest can be bought through Ticketmaster or directly from the Mohegan Sun Box Office. The Grand Tasting, the festival’s signature event, offers general admission and VIP options. Designated driver tickets are also available at reduced prices.
Package deals combine event tickets with hotel accommodations, providing a convenient all-in-one option for out-of-town guests. These packages often include access to multiple festival events and may offer perks like priority seating or exclusive tastings.
Early bird discounts are typically available for those who purchase tickets well in advance. Group rates may be offered for larger parties attending together.
Hotel and Stay Information
Mohegan Sun offers on-site hotel accommodations for festival attendees. The resort features multiple towers with various room types, from standard guest rooms to luxury suites. Booking a room at Mohegan Sun provides easy access to all festival events and resort amenities.
For those seeking alternative lodging, nearby hotels in Uncasville and surrounding areas often offer special rates during the festival weekend. Some off-site hotels may provide shuttle services to and from Mohegan Sun.
It’s advisable to book accommodations early, as rooms tend to fill up quickly during the popular event. Guests staying at Mohegan Sun can enjoy additional perks such as priority restaurant reservations and access to spa facilities.
Celebrity and Chef Spotlights
The Sun Wine & Food Fest attracts culinary stars and renowned chefs, offering attendees unique opportunities to experience their expertise firsthand.
Feature on Notable Personalities
Top chefs and food personalities converge at the Sun Wine & Food Fest, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Celebrity chef Esther Choi, known for her innovative Korean cuisine, is set to showcase her talents at the 2025 event. Choi will prepare “Street Food” style dishes, combining masterful techniques with bold flavors.
Other notable chefs expected to participate include Antonia Lofaso, Maneet Chauhan, and Marc Murphy. These culinary experts will demonstrate their signature dishes, expertly paired with wines, beers, or spirits.
The event also supports charitable causes. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, honoring the legacy of the late Connecticut news anchor.
Attendees can look forward to the Celebrity Chef Dine Around, a highlight of the festival. This exclusive event allows guests to sample dishes prepared by multiple celebrity chefs in one evening, offering a diverse array of flavors and culinary styles.
Dining Experiences at Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun offers diverse culinary options, from specialty brunches to high-end restaurants. Guests can indulge in gourmet meals and unique dining experiences throughout their visit.
Specialty Brunches
Tuscany’s Brunch Buffet stands out as a popular weekend option at Mohegan Sun. The buffet features an array of Italian-inspired dishes alongside classic breakfast favorites. Guests can enjoy made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, and carving stations.
Michael Jordan’s Steak House also offers a special brunch menu on select days. The brunch combines steakhouse classics with breakfast items, creating a unique dining experience. Signature dishes include steak and eggs, lobster benedict, and decadent French toast.
Both brunches provide ample options for those seeking a leisurely morning meal or a celebratory weekend feast.
Fine Dining Options
Michael Jordan’s Steak House leads Mohegan Sun’s fine dining scene. The restaurant serves premium cuts of beef and an extensive wine list in an upscale atmosphere. Diners can expect attentive service and expertly prepared steaks.
Other notable fine dining venues include:
- Todd English’s Tuscany: Authentic Italian cuisine
- Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain: American-style brasserie
- BALLO Italian Restaurant: Modern Italian fare
These restaurants offer carefully curated menus, featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Reservations are recommended for peak dining times.
Activities Beyond the Fest
Uncasville offers diverse entertainment options for Sun Wine & Food Fest attendees. Visitors can explore exciting casino attractions and discover charming local sites in the surrounding area.
Casino Entertainment
Mohegan Sun Casino provides thrilling gaming experiences. Blackjack tables offer classic card game action for both novices and seasoned players. The casino floor buzzes with energy from slot machines and poker rooms.
Live music performances enliven the atmosphere. World-class entertainers take the stage at venues like the Mohegan Sun Arena. Comedy shows provide laughs at the Comix Comedy Club.
Luxurious spas offer relaxation after a day of festivities. Mandara Spa provides rejuvenating treatments and massages. The solarium and indoor pool area create a tranquil retreat.
Local Attractions
Mystic Country charms visitors with its scenic beauty and rich history. The Mystic Seaport Museum showcases maritime heritage through restored ships and interactive exhibits.
Foxwoods Resort Casino, just a short drive away, presents additional gaming and entertainment options. Its expansive property features dining, shopping, and live shows.
Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby state parks. Scenic hiking trails wind through Pachaug State Forest. Kayaking and fishing opportunities abound on the Thames River.
The quaint town of Mystic delights with its picturesque waterfront and boutique shops. The famous Mystic Pizza restaurant, inspired by the 1988 film, serves up delicious slices.
