Michael (Mike) Asimos hails from Portland. He is a renowned expert in the wine industry. To him it is not just a job, but something he loves doing every day. His passion for wine has led him to travel all over the world seeking all there is to know about wine, including visiting some of the most renowned vineyards in the world. His passion for wine has also led him to seek out some of the best food and wine festivals across the US and globally. Here are Mike Asimos' recommendations for the top five food and wine festivals to attend this year.
1. Naples Winter Wine Festival
The event happens in January in Naples, Florida, so make this one you will want to include on your calendar for 2019. The guests mostly include wine lovers of some of the highest social classes in America. The profits from the wine auction help in supporting kids with the Naples Children & Education Foundation. The best celebrity chefs in the world are always present, ensuring everything served is of the highest quality. This year, the organizers of the festival are hosting a "Meet the Kids Day Tour & Luncheon" as a way of giving back to society.
2. Gourmet & Grapes
The events take place annually in February at a Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, just south of Charleston, SC, a very well-known food and wine city. The main aim of the Gourmet & Grapes event is to raise funds for financing cancer research at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. The wine served at this event is exceptional, with the hopes of being some of the best wines you have ever tasted.
3. Destin Charity Wine Auction
The event happens in Destin, Florida. The auction takes place over three days with proceeds benefitting less fortunate kids in Northwest Florida. Chefs from famous wineries also participate in the event showcasing their wine and food knowledge. The event usually coincides with the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.
4. Sonoma County Wine Auction
The event is one of the most philanthropic wine auctions in the United States of America. Held in Sonoma County, Califiornia, the participants include vintners, local celebrity chefs, and wine manufacturers. The money from the auctions goes towards the health and educational sectors. This event also aims at nurturing the talents of youth who have an interest in the wine industry.
5. Euphoria
Euphoria is held annually in Greenville, South Carolina. This year, wine lovers will celebrate the 12th anniversary of the festival. Fans of Euphoria have increased tenfold to over 7,000 people in attendance yearly. Different genres of music, dishes, and wine flavors are usually at the heart of this philanthropic occasion. Proceeds of Euphoria go to South Carolina Children's Theatre and A Child's Haven. Last year's function lasted for four days with many events planned throughout the long weekend in and around the Greennville area.
Get More Wine Knowledge from Mike Asimos
Mike Asimos loves to share his passion for the wine industry and travel to readers across the globe. To learn more about Mike Asimos and to get his wine tips and tricks follow his blog at michaelasimos.com. You can also follow him on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest wine news and events.