Palm Desert Food & Wine 2018: Premier Culinary Event with Celebrity Chefs and Grand Tastings
Discover three days of exceptional food, wine, and entertainment at the eighth annual Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home’s Palm Desert Food & Wine, held March 23–25, 2018, at the Gardens on El Paseo. Celebrated as one of Greater Palm Springs’ premier foodie events, this festival showcases diverse, top-tier flavors and libations from renowned experts.
Here’s a preview of this year’s highlights.
What to Expect
Presented by Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage and organized by Palm Springs Life, Palm Desert Food & Wine features celebrity chef demonstrations, leading breweries, wineries, and restaurants. This adults-only (21+) event unites top food industry professionals for tastings of gourmet dishes, fine wines, and craft beers.
When
The festival spans Friday, March 23, through Sunday, March 25, 2018, with varied daily events and schedules. Check specific times for each activity.
Where
Grand Tastings take place on the west side of the upper-level parking deck at the Gardens in Palm Desert’s El Paseo Shopping District. Additional events occur at select Palm Desert venues.
Featured Chefs
Acclaimed chefs from across the U.S. visit the Coachella Valley for live cooking demos, cookbook signings, and insider tips. Seating is first-come, first-served—arrive early. Attendees not only interact with these culinary stars but also sample the dishes prepared during demonstrations.
View this year’s chef lineup.
Event Highlights
Thursday, March 22 (Pre-Events)
Join An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul at Toscana Country Club, featuring Aarti Sequeira and Executive Chef Eric Wadlund. Assist in preparing a four-course Indian-inspired meal.
Or attend “Cheese” with Laura Werlin at On The Mark Cheese Shop in Palm Springs at 6 p.m., exploring cheese-wine and cheese-cheese pairings.
Don’t miss Savory Spice presents Gale Gand’s Vanilla 101 at 6:30 p.m. at Savory Spice in Palm Desert, demystifying vanilla with Chef Gale Gand.
Friday, March 23
Start with the James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon, hosted by Top Chef’s Gail Simmons. Enjoy dishes by James Beard award-winning chefs paired with premium wines—a festival favorite that elevates annually.
Saturday, March 24 & Sunday, March 25
Indulge in Grand Tastings both days, featuring chef presentations. Saturday’s Premier Grand Tasting includes early access, exclusive tastings, and Pastry Chef Zac Young’s 10 a.m. Cakery demo on Instagram-worthy cakes.
Sunday features chocolatier Valerie Gordon’s Chocolate Decadence & Champagne at 10 a.m. with Premier tickets—early entry, special tastings, and decadent treats.
Why Attend Grand Tastings
Sample unlimited bites from over 40 local restaurants, plus drinks from craft breweries, distillers, and vintners. Discover innovative kitchen products from culinary vendors.
Dining for a Cause
Palm Desert Food & Wine supports the James Beard Foundation and Coachella Valley FIND Food Bank. Each ticket purchased donates 35 meals to FIND Food Bank.
Ticket Information
Choose reserved or general admission tickets online or at the Gardens booth. Opt for individual events or all-inclusive packages covering food and drinks. Hotel packages available. Explore more at restaurants in Greater Palm Springs.
