The Boca Raton recently hosted the Artisans of Wine & Food, an expansive event that solidified its status within America’s culinary landscape. Running from January 16 to 19, 2026, this edition marked a significant milestone, being the largest gathering of Napa Valley Vintners outside the famed region itself.
Presented by The Boca Raton in collaboration with Napa Valley Vintners and Capital One, the event showcased 152 winery representatives from 113 different Napa Valley wineries. Over the course of four days, attendees experienced an extraordinary celebration of fine wine and gourmet food, set against the backdrop of the resort’s picturesque waterfront.
Wine enthusiasts enjoyed over 3,000 bottles poured from 20 distinct varietals. While iconic Napa Valley selections like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay were prevalent, guests also explored more obscure varieties, including Viognier and Ribolla Gialla. Sixteen of Napa Valley’s 17 nested American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) were represented, offering participants a rich understanding of the region’s diverse terroir.
Intimate Experiences and Educational Opportunities
What set the Artisans of Wine & Food apart was its emphasis on direct engagement. Guests had the rare opportunity to interact with vintners, winemakers, and winery owners in settings designed for meaningful conversation. The event also featured 33 sommeliers from across the United States and 17 interns from prominent Florida universities, underscoring the commitment to education and industry growth.
“The Boca Raton hosts elevated culinary and wine experiences as a matter of course,” stated Daniel A. Hostettler, President and CEO of The Boca Raton. “This second edition made the case for why a Napa weekend of this scale feels at home here.”
As the weekend progressed, the resort transformed into a showcase of luxury hospitality, where world-class dining and philanthropic endeavors seamlessly coexisted.
Highlights of the Event
The event featured a series of masterclasses and tastings that allowed guests to delve deeper into Napa Valley’s rich heritage. Notable sessions included a retrospective by Nicole Carter of Roederer Collection and a varietal-focused seminar with Rebekah Wineburg from Quintessa. Exclusive tastings with The Vice further enriched the experience.
Signature dining moments were plentiful, showcasing seasonal luxury ingredients, including the use of three pounds of fresh truffles. Highlights included a Parisian-inspired dinner by two-Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy and a farm-to-table experience led by Sarah Steffan of Blackberry Farm.
Daytime activities included the Discover Napa Valley Pavilion, presented by Morgan Stanley, which featured over 100 wineries. The weekend also offered a Vintners Invitational Golf Tournament, the first-ever Pickleball Classic, and a culinary event called Burgers & Barrels, showcasing celebrity chefs.
The event culminated in a black-tie gala attended by 759 guests, featuring an Italian-American feast orchestrated by chef Mario Carbone. Held in the Grand Ballroom, the evening included a lavish menu centered around 550 pounds of prime dry-aged tomahawk steaks, live entertainment, and a charity auction benefiting Place of Hope and the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative.
The closing day began with an open-air brunch led by chefs from Relais & Châteaux, accompanied by live jazz. The weekend concluded with the Sunday Showdown, blending country music, authentic barbecue, and Napa Valley wines.
Throughout its duration, the Artisans of Wine & Food raised an impressive $417,000 for charity. Proceeds were directed towards Place of Hope’s family-centered programs and the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative, reinforcing the weekend’s focus on philanthropy alongside indulgence.
With its second edition exceeding expectations in both scale and impact, the Artisans of Wine & Food has established itself as a premier culinary event, connecting Napa Valley’s esteemed vintners with the elegance and hospitality of The Boca Raton.
