Palm Desert Food & Wine 2019: Ultimate Guide to Chefs, Tastings, and Events
Experience the pinnacle of culinary excellence in Greater Palm Springs at the ninth annual Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival. Held from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, 2019, at The Gardens on El Paseo, this event features world-class chefs, vintners, brewmasters, fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive tasting booths. It's a three-day celebration tailored for discerning food enthusiasts.
Explore our comprehensive guide to Palm Desert Food & Wine 2019, highlighting new additions, must-try tastings, and key highlights.
What to Expect
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival honors top-tier food, wine, and craft beverages from the region and beyond. Presented by Agua Caliente Casinos and organized by Palm Springs Life Magazine, it offers celebrity chef demonstrations, book signings, gourmet samples, and more. Open to those 21+, the weekend features indulgent tastings and daytime sipping.
When
The festival runs Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24, 2019. Detailed schedules are available on the Palm Desert Food & Wine Experience page.
Where
Main events occur at the Food & Wine Tents in The Gardens on El Paseo upper-level parking deck (73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260). Select events are hosted at nearby venues—verify locations on the official festival website.
New This Year
This year introduces a Sunday champagne brunch before Grand Tastings, themed around regionally inspired "Foods of the Americas." Expect high demand for this highlight.
Featured Chefs
The lineup blends local talents like Executive Chefs Michael Beckman (Workshop Kitchen + Bar and Truss & Twine, Palm Springs) and Andrew Copley (Copley's on Palm Canyon and AC3 Restaurant + Bar, Palm Desert) with national stars including Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Stuart O’Keeffe, and Fabio Viviani.
"We continuously refresh our lineup to keep it exciting," says Paulina Larson, Marketing Director at Palm Springs Life Magazine.
Over 30 local and celebrity chefs will showcase exceptional dishes and personal interactions throughout the festival.
Culinary Events
Wednesday, March 20
Pre-festival kicks off with the Savory Spice presentation of Gale Gand’s Chocolate and Cinnamon at 6:30 p.m. (73399 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260). Two-time James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Gale Gand demonstrates the journey from harvest to kitchen, followed by a hands-on class.
Thursday, March 21
"Cheese" with Laura Werlin returns at On The Mark Cheese Shop (777 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262) at 6:00 p.m. James Beard Award-winning author Laura Werlin shares expert cheese pairings.
Savor Taste of Italia at Toscana Country Club (76009 Via Club Villa, Indian Wells, CA 92210) at 6:00 p.m., featuring Chef Antonia Lofaso and Executive Chef Alain Redelsperger with a four-course Italian dinner paired with Ruffino wines.
Friday, March 22
Start with the James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., emceed by Stuart O’Keeffe. Courses by Fabio Viviani, Antonia Lofaso, Scott Conant, and Zac Young.
Saturday, March 23
Saturday Grand Tastings from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sample unlimited bites from over 40 local restaurants and specialty drinks from winemakers, distillers, and breweries.
Premier Pass holders enjoy early access, Zac Young’s "Drunk Desserts" (10:00-11:00 a.m.), and Scott Conant’s demo (11:15 a.m.).
Sunday, March 24
North to South: Food of the Americas Grand Tastings (12:00-3:00 p.m.) highlights flavors from Southern California, Brazil, Peru, Baja, and Palm Springs. Chef demos in dedicated tents.
Opt for the Champagne and Bloody Mary Brunch (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) with a three-course meal by top chefs.
Event Tips
Arrive early with tickets in hand—chef demos are first-come, first-served. "Prepare for an unmatched culinary journey with abundant tastings, meet-and-greets, and discoveries," advises Larson.
Dining for a Cause
Support the James Beard Foundation and Coachella Valley FIND Food Bank. Each ticket donates 35 meals to FIND Food Bank, aiding Greater Palm Springs residents.
Ticket Information
Buy tickets online or at The Gardens on El Paseo (from March 15). Choose general admission, reserved, or packages—all-inclusive for food and drinks.
For more spring highlights, see Fashion Week El Paseo 2019!
