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October 3, 2024Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts Announces 2025 Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival
Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts has announced the Italy inspired theme for the 2025 Grand Gala and local arts beneficiaries for their 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival, presented by Bank of America, at Albany Capital Center. The festival will take place from Thursday, Jan. 23 to Saturday, Jan. 25.
Local arts organizations were invited to apply for the chance to be one of the seven arts beneficiaries that receive net proceeds from the event annually. The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival has provided nearly $1.5 million in sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany. The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival distributed nearly $90,000 between their 2024 Arts Beneficiaries.
The 2025 Premier Arts Beneficiaries include:
● Albany Center Gallery
● Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York
● Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP)
● Palace Performing Arts Center
The 2025 Spotlight Arts Beneficiaries include:
● Electronic Body Arts (eba Arts)
● The Egg
● Musicians of Ma’alwyck
“This event is so much more than three days of food, wine, and entertainment,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. “It’s about shining a brighter light on the community of hard-working chefs, not-for-profits, our partners, and the countless volunteers who keep Wine & Dine for the Arts going each year.”
Local elected officials joined board members, community partners, and others to celebrate the annual food and wine festival.
“Wine and Dine for the Arts is a chance to give back to the arts organizations that provide so much for this community while experiencing the incredible talent of the chefs in this region,” Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said. “One of the great joys of my tenure as Mayor has been participating in this event and watching it grow. This growth has helped ensure that our arts institutions, the heart of our city, are able to continue to provide entertainment, educational opportunities, community space, programming, and so much more. I look forward to another opportunity to support the institutions we are fortunate to have right here in our backyards. See everyone in January for a taste of Italy in the city of Albany!”
“The Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts is a beloved tradition that allows residents and visitors to experience the culinary delights that our visionary restaurants and chefs have to offer,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Additionally, this event raises much needed funds to ensure our cultural institutions and local not-for-profit arts organizations continue to thrive. Albany County shares this mission, which is why I was proud to award $40,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to this festival as part of our Arts, Culture & Tourism Recovery Grants program. Together, we are raising money to help sustain the programs, workshops, and performances that enrich our community and make the arts accessible for everyone. I applaud the members of the Board of Directors for their leadership and hard work to make the Wine & Dine for the Arts such a success. This year is sure to be bigger and better than ever!”
“Every year, the Albany Wine & Dine Arts Festival showcases the best of the Capital Region’s culinary scene and what is has to offer,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Every dollar earned at this event will go towards supporting our burgeoning arts community, uplifting aspiring creators and contributing to our area’s culture and sense of community. I encourage everyone to stop down while you can to see the best of what the Capital Region’s eats has to offer!”
“The Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts raises funds to support the arts while hosting talented chefs who showcase their talents at the food and wine themed festival. This popular event continues to grow, and I look forward to seeing yet another successful event in 2025,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh
Festivities begin on Thursday, Jan. 23 with the Mayor’s Kickoff Reception at the New York State Museum, which recognizes the hard work and dedication of community leaders within the City of Albany. The Grand Tastings and Seminars, presented by National Bank of Coxsackie, will host 80+ vendors from near and far to showcase their culinary delights and innovative libations on both Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25.
The Slider Slam! competition, which will follow Friday evening’s tastings event, presents a host of Capital Region restaurants that compete for the Slider Slam! championship belt. The three-day festival concludes with the Grand Gala Reception and Five-Course Dinner. The theme of the 2025 Grand Gala is a ‘Taste of Italy’, where a team of signature chefs will curate a gourmet five-course menu for guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on luxurious auction items and experiences.
The festival is currently accepting nominations for the Rising Star Chefs competition. The winning chefs and their signature dishes will be featured at the Times Union Table Hopping Rising Star Chef Pavillion during the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings and Seminars. Nominations can be made online at the festival’s website.
General Admission and VIP packages are now on sale on the website starting at $75. All net proceeds support the non-profit arts community in Albany.
For more information about the festival, ticket availability and sponsorships, visit albanywinefest.com
