The 14th annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival returns May 1 at Crystal Springs in Hamburg, New Jersey.
The event brings together top chefs, hospitality professionals, winemakers, and food enthusiasts for a weekend of New Jersey culinary celebration.
A Culinary Legend Comes to New Jersey
This year, a truly legendary chef will be in attendance.
Marco Pierre White is the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival’s special guest for 2026. Considered by many to be the godfather of modern British cuisine, White was the youngest chef ever to receive two Michelin stars when he earned the accolade at his renowned London restaurant Harveys at age 27.
Later, in 1995, after leaving Harveys, White earned three Michelin stars at The Restaurant Marco Pierre White—making him the first English chef to earn three stars.
In 1999, at just 38-years-old, White retired and returned his Michelin stars, stating: “I could live a lie and charge high prices and not be behind the stove or I could give my stars back, spend time with my children and re-invent myself.”
White’s appearance at the New Jersey Food and Wine Festival is his only U.S. culinary venture planned for 2026.
Founded in 2009 by Robby Younes, the festival has featured legendary chefs including Thomas Keller, Jose Andres, Daniel Boulud, and David Kinch. This year, three chefs from Bravo TV’s Top Chef Season 22, including winner Tristen Epps, will join the lineup, promising a cross-generation mix of culinary excellence.
Events, Tasting, and More
Marco Pierre White will take part in several signature events, including a five-course dinner celebrating his legacy and a Champagne Reception on Friday, May 1, followed by a book signing on Saturday, May 2.
The festival’s Top Chefs & Top Wines Dinner returns on Friday, featuring Tristen Epps, Bailey Sullivan, and Lana Lagomarsini alongside the team from Crystal Springs’ four-star Restaurant Latour.
Saturday, May 2, is packed with culinary experiences from morning until evening, including:
- Lunch with New Jersey dining leaders Dan Richer of Razza, Sean Yan of Ram & Rooster, and Tom Silvestri of ORA
- Food and drink tastings, winemaker presentations, and interactive cocktail classes
- The Grand Tasting, showcasing New Jersey’s top culinary talent
- VIP Lounge, offering bites from Restaurant Latour, desserts by Chef David Burke, premium wines, and rare spirits
- Biosphere After Party, featuring a tropical pool complex with multiple bars, food, DJ, and more
14th Annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival\
The New Jersey Wine & Food Festival offers food and drink fanatics a weekend-long culinary experience with opportunities to sample rare wines and spirits, sit down at exclusive dinners, and meet the chefs, winemakers, and professionals behind it all.
As always, the festival takes place at Crystal Springs Resort, located at 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ.
From May 1 to May 3, attendees can explore a range of events suited to all tastes, from high-end dinners and book signings to lively tastings and interactive workshops. Tickets and the complete schedule of events are available here.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
