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  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships

23 Standout Moments From This Year's New York City Wine & Food Festival

The annual event featured a new addition to the lineup—FoodieCon—along with popular walk-around tastings, late-night parties, and intimate dinner experiences.

Michele Laufik
October 24, 2023

The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERĂš) was on hand serving cuisine from NYC-based Peruvian chefs.The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERĂš) was on hand serving cuisine from NYC-based Peruvian chefs.Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NYCWFFNEW YORK—Almost 50,000 foodies gathered to celebrate the 16th annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One from Oct. 12-15. The festival featured more than 80 events throughout the city including walk-around tastings, late-night parties, and a lineup of intimate dinner experiences with top chefs like Daniel Boulud, Esther Choi, Marcus Samuelsson, Michael Symon, Michael Voltaggio, and others.

The annual event raises awareness for God’s Love We Deliver, a provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for individuals living with severe illness in New York City.

The 2023 edition included FoodieCon presented by Instagram, held at Hard Rock Hotel New York on Oct. 14. The inaugural NYC event featured top content creators, in partnership with Digital Brand Architects—such as Nick DiGiovanni (@nick.digiovanni), Gianluca Conte (@itsqcp), Nadia Caterina Munno (@the_pastaqueen), Nicole Keshishian Modic (@kalejunkie), and Tiffany Chen (@tiffanytchen)—discussing the latest trends at the intersection of food, culture, and tech, along with competitions, workshops, tastings, cocktail parties, and more.

FoodieCon programming included 'Clocking Out: From Cubicles to Content,' a panel discussion on how content creators left their day jobs to pursue content creation full time; 'A Cut Above: The Ultimate Editing Workshop,' a workshop on editing; and “Tomato, Tomahto: The Great Italian Debate,” which dove into the Italian influence on American food culture.FoodieCon programming included "Clocking Out: From Cubicles to Content," a panel discussion on how content creators left their day jobs to pursue content creation full time; "A Cut Above: The Ultimate Editing Workshop," a workshop on editing; and “Tomato, Tomahto: The Great Italian Debate,” which dove into the Italian influence on American food culture.Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFFLee Schrager, founder of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One, and FoodieCon, explained that the content creators were selected based on a number of factors. “Not only were we looking for people with strong reach and highly engaged audiences, but we made a concerted effort to curate a lineup that prominently featured a diverse group of real movers and shakers who have unique content and clear points of view.”

The concept debuted earlier this year at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, where more than 15 food influencers took part in a full day of programming at Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Each event’s programming was unique to its respective city, Schrager said. The South Beach event was situated on the beach with various panels, cooking demos, and book signings, while the New York event had some new additions including live competitions, food trivia, a buzzer-beater game, interactive editing workshops, and a chance to sample some of NYC’s most viral foods. It also featured rooftop happy hours with celebs such as Neil Patrick Harris. “The goal, of course, is to continue to elevate our event year after year,” he said.

“We recognize the power and true influence that content creators hold in today’s world, so we decided to provide a new platform for them to not only gain more visibility, but to learn from each other, educate their audiences, provide tangible insights, interact with fans, and celebrate their success in a fun, creative way,” Schrager said. “In a bustling city like NYC, there’s such a strong appetite for this event from all sides—influencers, chefs, brands, and aspiring creators—and we’re pleased to be able to bring everyone together.”

This year, for the first time, guests also embarked on a journey aboard La Barca Cantina, a floating bar, as part of Sunset Sips at Sea presented by The Social Shell. Attendees cruised down the Hudson River while enjoying seafood bites crafted by local restaurants. Also new to the roster was the Best of Brooklyn hosted by Brian Lindo, which highlighted Brooklyn’s top eateries at 74Wythe.

Keep scrolling to see more from this year's Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One...

Breads Bakery presented doughy creations emblazoned with the festival logo.
Breads Bakery presented doughy creations emblazoned with the festival logo.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFF
HexClad showcased its new cookware line on the Grand Tasting demo stages and at the book signing tent at Pier 76.
HexClad showcased its new cookware line on the Grand Tasting demo stages and at the book signing tent at Pier 76.
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Aaron Paul (pictured) and Bryan Cranston were shaking up cocktails behind the Dos Hombres Mezcal bar during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day hosted by Wine Spectator at Pier 76.
Aaron Paul (pictured) and Bryan Cranston were shaking up cocktails behind the Dos Hombres Mezcal bar during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day hosted by Wine Spectator at Pier 76.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFF
FoodieCon programming included 'Clocking Out: From Cubicles to Content,' a panel discussion on how content creators left their day jobs to pursue content creation full time; 'A Cut Above: The Ultimate Editing Workshop,' a workshop on editing; and “Tomato, Tomahto: The Great Italian Debate,” which dove into the Italian influence on American food culture.
FoodieCon programming included "Clocking Out: From Cubicles to Content," a panel discussion on how content creators left their day jobs to pursue content creation full time; "A Cut Above: The Ultimate Editing Workshop," a workshop on editing; and “Tomato, Tomahto: The Great Italian Debate,” which dove into the Italian influence on American food culture.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFF
At FoodieCon, top content creators were on hand to answer attendee questions.
At FoodieCon, top content creators were on hand to answer attendee questions.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin set up a bar in the trunk of a vintage car.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin set up a bar in the trunk of a vintage car.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Guests could taste Jefferson's Bourbon inside a giant barrel.
Guests could taste Jefferson's Bourbon inside a giant barrel.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFF
A festivalgoer took a shot of Skrewball peanut butter whiskey using a unique contraption during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day.
A festivalgoer took a shot of Skrewball peanut butter whiskey using a unique contraption during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day.
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Tito's was on hand serving up vodka drinks.
Tito's was on hand serving up vodka drinks.
Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Major League Vegan served up its plant-based sandwiches.
Major League Vegan served up its plant-based sandwiches.
Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Chefs Marc Forgione and Lonny Sweet competed during the Celebrity Chefs Pickleball Tournament at City Pickle on Oct. 13.
Chefs Marc Forgione and Lonny Sweet competed during the Celebrity Chefs Pickleball Tournament at City Pickle on Oct. 13.
Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Fluffy Algodón served up cool cotton candy during the Baking Championship: Fall Flavors hosted by Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.
Fluffy AlgodĂłn served up cool cotton candy during the Baking Championship: Fall Flavors hosted by Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.
Photo: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors was on site for the Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray and The Cookout.
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors was on site for the Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray and The Cookout.
Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for NYCWFF
To close out the weekend, guests danced to hip-hop classics in honor of the 50th anniversary of the genre at BACARDI presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ Cassidy, Rev. Run, Ice-T (pictured), Angela Yee, Tamron Hall, and DJ MICK on Pier 86.
To close out the weekend, guests danced to hip-hop classics in honor of the 50th anniversary of the genre at BACARDI presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ Cassidy, Rev. Run, Ice-T (pictured), Angela Yee, Tamron Hall, and DJ MICK on Pier 86.
Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Latin Nights at Harbor NYC Rooftop showcased Latin tunes, cuisine, and cocktails curated by the Bar Lab team, along with hosts Ana Navarro from The View and Food Network’s Franco Noriega.
Latin Nights at Harbor NYC Rooftop showcased Latin tunes, cuisine, and cocktails curated by the Bar Lab team, along with hosts Ana Navarro from The View and Food Network’s Franco Noriega.
Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for NYCWFF
The table settings at the Alain Ducasse & Friends: Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Benoit New York dinner featured a classic red, white, and blue theme.
The table settings at the Alain Ducasse & Friends: Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Benoit New York dinner featured a classic red, white, and blue theme.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Peroni's Taste of Italy presented by Stella Italian Cheese was hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabriele Bertaccini on Pier 86.
Peroni's Taste of Italy presented by Stella Italian Cheese was hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabriele Bertaccini on Pier 86.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFF
During Peroni's Taste of Italy, DiLena's Dolcini offered cute dolci, two soft cookie domes paired with a creamy filling, dipped in liqueur, rolled in sugar, and topped with a mint leaf to resemble a lemon.
During Peroni's Taste of Italy, DiLena's Dolcini offered cute dolci, two soft cookie domes paired with a creamy filling, dipped in liqueur, rolled in sugar, and topped with a mint leaf to resemble a lemon.
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF
The cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia poured whiskey drinks for festivalgoers at the Four Walls Whiskey activation during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day.
The cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia poured whiskey drinks for festivalgoers at the Four Walls Whiskey activation during Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFF
At Best of Brooklyn hosted by Brian Lindo, The Pale Rosé By Sacha Lichine hosted a pretty pink beer pong-style game.
At Best of Brooklyn hosted by Brian Lindo, The Pale Rosé By Sacha Lichine hosted a pretty pink beer pong-style game.
Photo: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF
The El Tequileño Tequila activation, produced by experiential event company MVA, included a photo op with a backdrop made of American and French oak barrels. Attendees were encouraged to post their photos on social media for a chance to win a trip to visit the brand’s hotel and distillery located in Mexico. Guests were also able to taste the tequila at the bar.
The El Tequileño Tequila activation, produced by experiential event company MVA, included a photo op with a backdrop made of American and French oak barrels. Attendees were encouraged to post their photos on social media for a chance to win a trip to visit the brand’s hotel and distillery located in Mexico. Guests were also able to taste the tequila at the bar.
Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Artist Pau Castiello conducted a live painting session for the tequila brand. Throughout the weekend, signed prints of Castiello’s work were distributed to attendees.
Artist Pau Castiello conducted a live painting session for the tequila brand. Throughout the weekend, signed prints of Castiello’s work were distributed to attendees.
Photo: Courtesy of MVA
The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) was on hand serving cuisine from NYC-based Peruvian chefs.
The Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERĂš) was on hand serving cuisine from NYC-based Peruvian chefs.
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NYCWFF
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