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Celebrity chefs head to Kohler for annual Food & Wine event this October

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/05 .. ler-for-annual-food-wine-event-this-october.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 15:41 GMT by Fox 11 News
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Celebrity Chefs Gear Up for Kohler’s Annual Food & Wine Festival in October

The Wisconsin‑based Kohler Company is set to host its highly anticipated Food & Wine Festival this October, drawing an eclectic mix of culinary titans, wine connoisseurs, and food lovers from around the globe. According to the coverage from Fox 11’s “Living” segment, the festival will be held at the historic Kohler Collection in Wisconsin Dells from October 3‑5. The event is more than a showcase of gastronomic delights; it’s a celebration of community, philanthropy, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

A Star‑Studded Lineup

At the heart of the festival’s appeal is its roster of celebrity chefs who will be gracing the kitchen, stage, and tasting tables. The article highlights several names that are already turning heads in the culinary world:

• Chef Michael Symon – Known for his pioneering work at The Public and his television presence on Food Network, Symon is slated to conduct a live cooking demonstration featuring his signature “Symon‑Style” burgers and creative salads.

• Chef Grant Achatz – The experimental maestro behind Alinea in Chicago is expected to present a short, avant‑garde tasting menu that pairs molecular gastronomy with unexpected wine pairings.

• Chef Christina Tosi – The Sweet Genius behind Milk Bar is set to host a dessert‑focused workshop, sharing insights into her famous “Dove Chocolate Donuts” and the science of sugar work.

• Chef Thomas Keller – The New York Times‑acclaimed chef of The French Laundry and Per Se, Keller will be the chief culinary curator, offering a series of master classes that cover everything from classic French techniques to modern plating trends.

• Chef David Chang – The founder of Momofuku will join a panel discussion on the future of Asian cuisine in America, while also preparing a tasting of his celebrated “Pork Fried Rice” for the event’s auction.

The article also mentions a surprise appearance by local culinary icon Chef Dan Harmon, a longtime supporter of Kohler’s philanthropic efforts.

A Fusion of Food, Wine, and Culture

Beyond the chefs, the festival will showcase an impressive array of wines from around the world. The Kohler Company has partnered with several vintners to offer exclusive tasting sessions, including:

• A limited‑edition Napa Valley Cabernet that will be auctioned for a charity fundraiser.
• An experimental wine‑pairing dinner featuring a 12‑course menu by Chef Keller, each course paired with a unique, carefully selected wine.
• A “Wine and Cheese” evening hosted by local Wisconsin dairies, allowing visitors to sample the region’s best cheddar, gouda, and brie alongside robust local reds.

The festival will also host a “Farm to Table” showcase featuring producers from the Midwest, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and local sourcing. As the article notes, “The Kohler Collection has long championed sustainability, and this year the Food & Wine Festival is no exception,” a statement from a Kohler spokesperson highlighted in the piece.

Philanthropic Focus

While the culinary stars and wine tastings take center stage, the event’s primary mission remains to raise funds for the Kohler Foundation’s Food Rescue Initiative. The foundation is dedicated to eliminating food waste and providing fresh produce to underserved communities across Wisconsin. The article outlines that all proceeds from ticket sales, auction items, and the festival’s catering will be donated to this cause. A special “Dinner for a Difference” evening, featuring a $25,000 auction item—an all‑inclusive culinary retreat for a family—was announced as one of the event’s headline attractions.

The Venue: A Blend of History and Luxury

The Kohler Collection is a sprawling complex of historic resorts, museums, and modern conference spaces. The article points out that the festival will make use of the Sullivan Hall for live cooking demonstrations, the Mason Hall for wine tastings, and the Ridgewood Terrace for a late‑night cocktail reception. The venue’s architectural beauty and lush surrounding gardens provide an idyllic backdrop for the event’s culinary extravaganza.

Event Schedule and Ticketing

The event will open on October 3rd with a welcome reception featuring a live band and a “First Course” tasting featuring Chef Tosi’s sweet creations. The full schedule, as listed on the event’s official website (https://kohler.com/foodwine2024), includes:

• Day 1 (Oct 3) – Welcome reception, live cooking demo, opening speech by Kohler’s President.
• Day 2 (Oct 4) – Masterclasses, panel discussions, wine auctions, “Farm to Table” showcase.
• Day 3 (Oct 5) – Final tasting dinner, closing remarks, donation announcement.

Tickets for the event are on sale through the Kohler website and can be purchased in several tiers, ranging from general admission to VIP experiences that include a private chef dinner and a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the kitchen. The article emphasizes that early‑bird pricing is available until September 30th, encouraging fans and food lovers to secure their seats early.

What to Expect

For those attending, the article advises dressing in smart casual attire, arriving early to avoid long lines, and bringing a notebook for culinary notes, especially since many chefs will be sharing proprietary recipes and cooking secrets. The festival is also expected to be a networking goldmine for aspiring chefs, food entrepreneurs, and wine professionals looking to make connections in a relaxed, high‑profile environment.

Final Thoughts

The Kohler Annual Food & Wine Festival is shaping up to be one of the most celebrated culinary events of the year. With an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs, exclusive wine pairings, and a generous philanthropic focus, the festival promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the very best of what food can do: inspire, unite, and give back. As the Fox 11 article reminds us, the festival is a testament to how an industry can combine artistry with altruism, and we’re all invited to taste the result.

For more details on the event schedule, chef profiles, and ticketing, readers can visit the official Kohler Food & Wine Festival page linked in the original article or follow the hashtag #KohlerFoodWine on social media for real‑time updates.