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Utah Wine Festival 2025: A grape time with food, wine, and local flair
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by KUTV🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Utah Wine Festival 2025: A Grape‑Tastic Celebration of Food, Wine, and Local Flair
The state’s burgeoning wine scene is set to take center stage this summer as the Utah Wine Festival returns for its 2025 edition. Announced last month, the event promises a full‑spectrum experience that will unite winemakers, food lovers, and the community for one weekend of tasting, education, and entertainment. Below is a comprehensive look at what the festival has to offer, how it fits into Utah’s growing viticulture narrative, and why you’ll want to be there.
Dates, Venue, and Core Focus
The 2025 festival is scheduled to run from Saturday, July 20th to Sunday, July 21st, and will take place at the scenic Red Butte Garden & Arboretum in Salt Lake City. The venue—known for its expansive green spaces and intimate performance hall—provides the perfect backdrop for an event that blends the elegance of wine tastings with the casual vibe of a summer festival.
“Red Butte’s setting gives us the flexibility to showcase a range of vineyards and culinary partners,” said Dana McCarthy, event coordinator for the Utah Wine Festival. “We’re excited to bring people together in a place that feels both sophisticated and approachable.”
The festival’s tagline, “A Grape Time with Food, Wine, and Local Flair,” underscores its mission: to highlight not only Utah’s own wineries but also the collaborative spirit of local chefs, artisans, and performers.
The Wine Experience
At the heart of the festival is an expansive wine tasting pavilion that will host representatives from over 20 Utah wineries. Attendees will have the chance to sample varietals ranging from crisp whites and rosés to bold reds and sparkling options. A highlight will be a “Meet the Winemaker” segment, where guests can chat directly with vintners about their craft and the unique terroir of Utah’s growing regions.
In addition to classic tastings, the festival will feature a wine pairing demonstration where professional chefs will showcase how specific wines complement particular dishes. For those eager to deepen their knowledge, a “Winery Tour” will be offered on Saturday evening, allowing visitors to explore the vineyards that supply the festival’s bottles.
Culinary Highlights
Food is an equal partner in the Utah Wine Festival’s vision of local flair. A rotating roster of award‑winning Utah chefs will be present to offer a range of tasting menus and cooking demonstrations. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients—from locally sourced berries and herbs to artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
- Breakfast Bonanza – A brunch station on Saturday morning featuring homemade pastries, fruit bowls, and a selection of light wines to start the day.
- Lunch Stations – Three themed food tents, each paired with a curated wine selection. Options will include “Mediterranean Mezze,” “Tex‑Mex Twist,” and “Farm‑to‑Table Feast.”
- Dinner Show – A theatrical dinner experience featuring a 5‑course menu paired with a single vintage, presented by the festival’s resident chef.
Food vendors will also provide non‑alcoholic options, including craft sodas, specialty coffee drinks, and a selection of locally brewed kombucha.
Live Music and Entertainment
A key part of the festival’s family‑friendly atmosphere is its live music lineup. The program will feature a mix of local bands and solo performers across several stages:
- Main Stage – Acoustic sets from emerging Utah artists.
- Jazz Corner – Smooth jazz evenings with live musicians.
- Kid’s Concerts – Short, upbeat performances designed to entertain the younger crowd.
In addition to music, there will be interactive art installations, a photo booth with vineyard-themed props, and a kids’ “Wine and Food Discovery” area where children can taste grape juice and learn about the winemaking process in a safe, engaging environment.
Educational Workshops
For the more curious attendees, the festival will offer a suite of workshop sessions throughout the weekend. Topics will range from “Understanding Terroir” to “The Art of Pairing Wine and Food.” All workshops are free, but pre‑registration is required due to limited seating.
Community and Economic Impact
The Utah Wine Festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2005. The 2025 event is expected to draw over 15,000 visitors—a boost that is projected to bring $2 million into the local economy. This includes spending on accommodation, transportation, and retail purchases from the festival’s vendor stalls.
“Festivals like this are vital for sustaining the regional wine industry,” said Mark Jensen, president of the Utah Wine Growers Association. “They provide a platform for small‑scale producers to reach new markets and showcase the diversity of our state’s vineyards.”
How to Get Involved
- Tickets – General admission tickets are on sale through the festival’s official website and local ticket outlets. Family packages and early‑bird discounts are available.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Interested community members can sign up to assist in various capacities, from guest services to logistics.
- Vendor Participation – Restaurants, wineries, and local artisans can apply to join the festival’s vendor roster. Applications close on May 15th.
For complete details—including a full list of participating wineries, a schedule of events, and the festival’s COVID‑19 safety protocols—visit the festival’s official site at [ https://kutv.com/features/fresh-living/utah-wine-festival-2025-a-grape-time-with-food-wine-and-local-flair ].
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Utah Wine Festival is more than a weekend of tastings; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the remarkable growth of Utah’s wine industry. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a family-friendly outing, the festival offers something for everyone. So mark your calendar for July 20‑21, and get ready to sip, savor, and soak in the local flair that makes Utah’s wine scene uniquely vibrant.
Read the Full KUTV Article at:
[ https://kutv.com/features/fresh-living/utah-wine-festival-2025-a-grape-time-with-food-wine-and-local-flair ]
