Best Fall Food Festivals Around-the-World

PHOTO: Aulani, a Disney Resort, at sunset courtesy of Aulani
Though the pass of summer means many different things to people -- the start of school, no more white clothes as well as ramping up the next fiscal year -- for those in the hospitality industry fall harkens some of the best food festivals. Both here in the United States, and all around the world, celebrity chefs, 3 Michelin star culinary geniuses, wine connoisseurs and their fans will be racking up airline miles traveling to some of the most beautiful destinations in the globe.
Here are a few highlights.
Hawaii: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
August 29 - September 13, 2015
http://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/
The most prestigious epicurean destination event in the Pacific is taking place in September on the shores of O’ahu. Over 100 internationally-renowned master chefs, culinary stars, and spirited personalities -- Cat Cora, Graham Elliott, Nobu Matsuhisa, Hubert Keller and Jennifer Yee, etc. etc. -- will descend upon Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa for a daunting gauntlet of wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting Hawaii’s abundance of local produce, seafood, beef and poultry.

PHOTO: The Dolder Grand courtesy of The Dolder Grand
Switzerland: Epicure September 17 - 20, 2015
https://www.thedoldergrand.com/theepicure/home.html
The Epicure, a gourmet festival in Zurich, brings together 13 internationally renowned chefs at one of the world’s premiere luxury hotel atop a cliff overlooking the city, The Dolder Grand. This year, in the second iteration of this event, will be hosted by a 3-Michelin-starred line-up, including Quique Dacosta, Gert De Mangeleer, and Christian Bau. A highlight is sure-to-be the three exclusive 8-course dining experiences in The Restaurant at The Dolder Grand.

PHOTO: View from The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo at night courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Japan: Ritz-Carlton Asia-Pacific Food & Wine Festival
September 30 - October 4, 2015
http://www.ritz-carlton.jp/promotion/food-and-wine-festival/en/
In a city known for being at the forefront in the latest trends of the culinary world, The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo will play host to the Fourth Annual Ritz-Carlton Asia Food & Wine Festival on September 30 – October 4, 2015. Michelin Star chefs, world-famous vintners, and cheese makers will curate exquisite tastings, interactive classes, dazzling demonstrations, decadent dinners, and exciting events alongside the famous Ritz Carlton Tokyo’s very own culinary craftsmen, including renowned Chef de Cuisine Shintaro Miyazaki.

PHOTO: Sonoma County courtesy of the Sonoma County Wine Growers Association
California: Sonoma Harvest Fair
October 2 - 4, 2015
While Sonoma, California is globally renowned for their wines, the Sonoma Harvest Fair this October will feature craft beer, cider tasting, food pairings as well as gold-medal wines. Other super fun activities over the weekend include the World Championship Grape Stomp competition (think the best I Love Lucy episode ever); “how to” beer making workshops; a port and chocolate pairing; as well as tasting the twenty “best of class” award-winning wines. Or if you need a break from the alcoholic gluttony, try the Harvest Obstacle Course, Pumpkin Bowling, Apple Slingshot, pumpkin carving and baking pumpkin pie in real Easy Bake ovens.

PHOTO: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia courtesy of Omni
Arizona: “Desert to Dish” Culinary Weekend
October 22 - 25, 2015
http://www.omnihotels.com/deserttodish
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia will host the inaugural “Desert to Dish” Culinary Weekend October 22-25, 2015 in partnership with James Beard Foundation to highlight the bounty and diversity of Arizona agriculture. “Desert to Dish” will bring together some of the country’s most talented chefs from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Chicago, and Omni Scottsdale Resort's Executive Chef Michael Cairns. All proceeds going towards the James Beard scholarship foundation.

PHOTO: Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Property, courtesy of Dorado Beach
Puerto Rico: First Dorado Beach Culinary Getaway
November 5 - 7, 2015
Situated on 1,400 acres of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate in Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and renowned Chef José Andrés are hosting an intimate weekend of events, November 5-7, 2015. Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain, José Enrique and José Andrés -- basically a mash-up of the penultimate No Reservation bromance -- will play host to dinners, tastings, culinary surprises and enough stories to melt the mind. There's a limited number of tickets available to the public so act quick.

PHOTO: Interior of Fairmont Le Château Montebello courtesy of FRHI Hotels & Resorts
Canada: Winemaker’s Weekend
November 13 - 15, 2015
http://www.fairmont.com/montebello/
Quebec’s Fairmont Le Château Montebello will be hosting the two day Winemaker’s Weekend November 13 - 15, 2015. This two-night, two-day event features wine tastings, informative seminars and exquisite dining experiences surrounded by the golden leaves of the fall season. To complement and enhance the wine selections, Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello’s Executive Chef, Jean-François Fortin, will orchestrate menus featuring the finest seasonal products from the Outaouais region.