Spring signals many singular events and among them is one of the country’s most heralded food and wine festivals. Not only is this iconic location, Pebble Beach, a crowd pleaser, but the breadth and depth of culinary and viticulture mastery offered–showcased for three nights and four days– is staggering. Ask any self-professed foodie to list the top festivals on the culinary scene. The answer is sure to include the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival.
This year, from April 9-12, the festival features such luminaries as Nyesha Arrington, Eliott Bell, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Symon, Tiffani Faison, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Claudette Zepeda—to name just a few. In addition, over 300 renowned chefs and distinguished winemakers and mixologists gather together to make the 15th Anniversary Celebration of food and wine unforgettable.
From unique, chef-curated dinners and lunches to large-scale walk-around tasting events, the 2026 offerings provide endless opportunities to enjoy the festival while supporting local youth programs through the Pebble Beach Company FoundatiMaon’s philanthropic mission.
With a wide-ranging selection of 50 events including lunches, dinners, seminars, and demonstrations on offer, one of the best ways to “get the festival” is to attend the “Walk -Around Tastings,” which are offered throughout the weekend. The curated, walk-around format allows you to sip and savor a wide variety of food and libations at your leisure while interacting with the celebrated talent presenting their creations for your enjoyment.
The “Opening Night Walk Around” event on April 9, hosted by legendary Chef, Jonathan Waxman, takes place inside and out of the stunning Inn at Spanish Bay. Besides the innovative bites offered by 20 chefs—all are paired with beverages. This year, Napa Valley Vintners will occupy the Main Ballroom to showcase 30 prestigious wineries. What a consummate culinary opening to Pebble Beach Food and Wine weekend!
Additional walk-around tastings include:
- “High Tide” presented by Palo Alto Networks featuring the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans hosted by Nyesha Arrington. Hosted fireside at The Inn at Spanish Bay on Friday during happy hour, High Tide highlights the gifts of the sea and the fruits of the vine in deliciously paired harmony.
- “Sauced, An Italian Walk-Around” is hosted by Gabe Bertaccini and Rocco DiSpirito and occurs on Friday evening at Peppoli. The bounty of Italy is featured at Sauced, an engaging walk-around tasting, where cucina and culture are savored.
- “Burgers & Barrels” garnered last year’s People’s Choice award. Josh Capon hosts this walk-around tasting bringing together the best of burgers and irresistible pairings with craft beers, cocktails, and hearty wines.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons are dedicated to the “Walk Around Tasting Pavilion” presented by Palo Alto Networks. Each day 40 renowned chefs feature their best dishes with a selection of wines, brews and cocktails to pair with the food offerings. Also included are lifestyle booths, interactive demos and the opportunity to chat with the culinary super stars on site. You can even post your favorite “pics,” as you stroll the spacious Pebble Beach Equestrian Center tent and decide on your next nibble or sip.
These Tasting Pavilion walk arounds are an efficient way to satisfy your culinary curiosity about the many aspects of the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival.
If this year’s Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival sounds sensational, you are in luck because limited tickets are still available to these and many other weekend events. Click on https://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/events/ for your chance to sip and savor with the culinary champions.
