ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival presented by Wind Creek Atmore, set for September 14-16, will bring a dynamic roster of culinary talent from the Gulf Coast and beyond serving up samples of their signature dishes, demonstrating their skills, and competing for the ultimate prize.
Thursday, September 14th
VIP Kickoff & Chef Showdown
The three-day experience will begin at 4720 Main Street from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reigning showdown champion, Brody Olive (Perdido Beach Resort), will be joined by two mystery chefs for this year's competition to create the best dish with Alabama Gulf Seafood fueled with culinary challenges and roadblocks. James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst, authors of The Couples Kitchen, will emcee as they race against the clock.
There will be select vendor wine and spirits tasting, an auction preview, an open bar, food samples, and giveaways. Individual tickets for the kickoff event are $35. Combo tickets for the Chef Showdown and Grand Tasting are $80. Ticket prices will rise on September 1st, to $40/$95.
Friday, September 15th
Local Wine Dinners
The Wharf is home to more than 10 unique restaurants with a robust range of fare. Participating venues along with others along the Gulf Coast will curate individual menus with specials and wine pairings. Guests can make reservations directly through the restaurant of their choice.
Saturday, September 16th
The Grand Tasting
The Wharf Entertainment District will be lined with vendors serving more than 100 labels of wines, craft beer, spirits, and small bites for the culinary competition from participating restaurants including:
Bayes Southern Bar and Grill
Blue Water BBQ Company
Cobalt
Cosmo's
Driftwood Steakhouse
Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina
Flora Bama Yacht Club
Ginny Lane Bar and Grill
GT's On The Bay
Luna's Eat and Drink
Master Joe's
Ronin Sushi Bar
Villaggio Grille
Voyagers
Wolfe Bay Lodge
Guests will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite dish, and the night will close with a ceremony of awards. Again this year, The Wharf Uncorked champion will be an automatic Elite Qualifier for the World Food Championships in November back at The Wharf.
The Rouses Culinary Experience Tent will be action-packed with demonstrations from talents like 'Top Chef' contestant Jim Smith; Southern Living test kitchen director Robby Melvin; and Rouses in-house chef and author Neal "Nino" Thibodaux. There will also be designated booths for notable names like two-time 'Chopped' champion and cookbook author, James Briscione.
In addition, there will will a luxury yacht walk, book signings, vendor booths, both live and silent auctions benefiting Make-A-Wish Alabama, and a high-end wine sampling tent.
Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $60, and last minute pricing begins September 1st at $70.
Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.com, or at The Wharf box office. For more information, please TheWharfUncorked.com.