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Our Great Milwaukee Summer is moving full speed ahead, which means fall — and a new season of engaging events — is right around the corner. One of the highlights? The annual Kohler Food & Wine, returning Oct. 16-19.
This year’s four-day festival kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 16, promising a weekend of picturesque autumnal weather, chef-led cooking demonstrations, curated tastings, and lively evening soirees.
This year’s line-up includes the return of iconic lifestyle expert Martha Stewart and two-time James Beard Award winner Scott Conant, as well as first-time appearances from renowned chef and entrepreneur, Robert Irvine; award-winning San Diego-based chef and culinary entrepreneur Claudette Zepeda; “Top Chef” alum and Food Network host Eric Adjepong; award winning chef, entrepreneur and "Top Chef" alum Tiffany Derry and more.
The esteemed lineup also includes Wisconsin legends Dan Jacobs and Dane Baldwin, along with Chefs Itaru Nagano, Andrew Kroeger, and Ryan Sherman.
The Bartolotta Restaurants will also make their return to Kohler Food & Wine for their fifth year. They will host signature events throughout the weekend with Chefs Matt Baier, Connor McNeil, Brent Davis and Amanda Langler offering presentations on one of the culinary stages.
Curated experiences
Curated Kohler Food & Wine experience packages will go on sale on Tuesday, July 15, with individual event tickets on sale Tuesday, July 29.
This year’s packages include:
- The Art of Good Taste Package, offering all-inclusive access and VIP amenities
- The Martha Stewart Package and Eric Adjepong Package, each featuring exclusive access to intimate five-course dinners
- The Food & Wine Tee Off and Taste of the Vine Package, which include access to the festival’s most popular events
“Kohler Food & Wine exemplifies how exceeding guests’ expectations is at the heart of everything we do - from the thoughtfully curated festival programming and immersive event atmosphere to a lineup of star-studded culinary talent,” said Jenna Check, Associate Director of Special Events at Kohler.
“Amid the growing popularity of food festivals nationwide, Kohler Food & Wine continues to stand out each year for its exceptional talent, presented in an intimate, thoughtfully scaled setting.”
For more information about Kohler Food & Wine, festival tickets and more, visit kohlerfoodandwine.com.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
