Our Great Milwaukee Summer is moving forward at full speed. And that means fall is right around the corner, complete with a new cadre of events including the annual Kohler Food & Wine, which will take place Oct.19-22.
This year’s festival kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 19 with the highly anticipated and philanthropic Chef’s Challenge and continues throughout the weekend with immersive culinary and beverage experiences, chef-led master classes, tastings and evening soirées for the books.
This year’s line-up includes an impressive slate of talent from iconic lifestyle expert Martha Stewart to James Beard Award-winning chefs including Gavin Kaysen and Daniela Soto-Innes and food television personalities like Eddie Jackson, Eric Haugen, Fabio Viviani, Roger Mooking and Derrell Smith.
Returning talent includes the popular and talented chefs from America’s Test Kitchen, including appearances from Jack Bishop, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison. Chefs from Milwaukee’s own Bartolotta Restaurants will also be present for a third year running, offering programming on one of Kohler culinary stages and hosting a signature dinner to celebrate their 30th anniversary. [Read more about featured talent].
Curated experiences
Tickets and curated Kohler Food & Wine experience packages will go on sale on Tuesday, July 25. This year’s selection of packages includes The Art of Good Taste Package with all-inclusive access to any event and a variety of VIP amenities; the Martha Stewart Package or Gavin Kaysen Package, both of which provide exclusive access to their respective intimate five-course dinners; and the Taste of the Vine Package which provides access to Kohler Food & Wine’s most popular event.
Since packages historically sell out within hours, guests are encouraged to sign up in advance at Kohler Food & Wine to receive an alert when tickets become available.
“Kohler Food & Wine is a beloved celebration,” notes Sanjiv Hulugalle, Group President - Hospitality and Real Estate at Kohler. “And our desire to exceed guest expectations pairs well with our passion for partnering with acclaimed talent. The result is an inspiring event with a loose vibe, intimate feel, and stunning aesthetic.”
For more information about Kohler Food & Wine, 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.
