Some of Sonoma County’s best-known chefs will join nationally recognized culinary talent for Savor Sonoma, a new two-day food and wine festival at Graton Resort & Casino Aug. 21-22.
Aarón Sánchez, the chef and restaurateur known for his longtime appearances on “MasterChef” and “Chopped” and his New Orleans restaurant, Johnny Sánchez, will headline the weekend. He will be joined by Charlie Palmer, chef of Dry Creek Kitchen, Folia Bar & Kitchen and founder of the Charlie Palmer Collective; chef Dustin Valette of Valette and The Matheson; and Graton Resort’s executive chef Roy Ellamar of the newly opened AYA. Also appearing are Marcus Samuelsson of “Top Chef Masters” and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, “Top Chef” alumni and co-owners of Voltaggio Brothers Steak House.
The inaugural event kicks off Friday, Aug. 21, with a free public meet-and-greet with Sánchez at 3 p.m. at The Portal at Graton Resort & Casino, followed by the Headliners’ Dinner at AYA. Sánchez, Palmer, Ellamar and the Voltaggio brothers will each present a course during the five-course rooftop dinner, paired with Sonoma County wines.
The festival’s signature event, Live Fire & Vine, takes over the pool deck and ballroom from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Chefs will cook over open flames outside, while local restaurants, wineries and breweries pour and serve inside a Wine Country village featuring agave spirits and a zero-proof bar. General admission begins at 1 p.m.
Later that night, AYA will host an after-hours party with cocktails, music and late-night bites for VIP guests.
Savor Sonoma will benefit the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, which supports Latino youth through culinary education, nutrition programs and access to food resources. Graton will make an initial $15,000 donation to the fund, plus an additional $5 from every festival ticket sold.
Tickets are $300 for the Headliners’ Dinner and $165 for general admission to Live Fire & Vine. A two-person Patron Pass is $2,500 and includes a three-night hotel stay and admission to the weekend’s major events. Tickets and full festival details are available at savorsonoma.com.