Wine & Dine with Star Chefs of Mexico
As if there isn’t already plenty to do for Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen, now you can mingle with star chefs and enjoy exquisite food and wine tastings at the 10th edition of the Wine and Food Festival. This spectacular 4-day event features the very best Mexican and international chefs and sommeliers creating exquisite culinary experiences at some of the top resorts in our area.
The 2018 festival kicks off with an Angels and Devils rooftop party at the Thompson Hotel in Playa del Carmen on the evening of October 31, followed by three days of gala dinners and impressive wine and food events with guest chefs and sommeliers, including a Montreal gastronomy experience and three incredible not-to-be-missed events: a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres, a beachside cocktail party in Tulum, and a star chefs of Mexico walk-around.
When: Wednesday, October 31 from 7pm to 11pm
Where: Thompson Hotel in Playa del Carmen
Cost: $95 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
Celebrate Halloween night in style at the Food and Wine Festival opening event. Wear your best costume and party with international star chefs, as well as the most celebrated chefs of Mexico. Enjoy unlimited wine, cocktails, and small plates, and dance the night away on the rooftop terrace of Thompson Hotel overlooking Playa del Carmen.
When: Thursday, November 1 from 11am to 4pm
Where: Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres
Cost: $250 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
This exclusive catamaran cruise sails from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for a spectacular 5-course meal prepared by Chefs Daniele Muller and Felipe Vega at Zoetry Villa Rolandi's Le Metissage Restaurant on Isla Mujeres. You’ll be treated to champagne aboard the catamaran, a spirits and canapes cocktail hour, and extraordinary wines to accompany the meal.
Montreal Gastronomy Experience
When: Thursday, November 1 from 8pm to 12am
Where: The Fives Downtown Playa del Carmen
Cost: $120 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
In recent years, Montreal has been ranked as one of the leading and innovative food destinations in the world. At this dinner event, Canadian Star Chef, Charles-Antoine Crète, from Montreal Plaza restaurant and formerly Chef de cuisine at Toqué, will serve a 5-course menu displaying his iconic dishes. Each plate will be paired with acclaimed wines and champagnes.
When: Saturday, November 3 from 7pm to 12am
Where: La Zebra Tulum
Cost: $175 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
Spend an evening with five of Tulum's best chefs at La Zebra's mixology beach bash. Enjoy a sinful feast with signature dishes that will be eaten with your bare hands, bringing the nature of the jungle and the sea to this unique experience. The night ends with a rooftop party featuring a live DJ and the best bartenders in town shaking and crafting bespoke cocktails.
When: Sunday, November 4 from 7pm to 11pm
Where: Vidanta Riviera Maya
Cost: $125 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
Join Star Chef Aquiles Chavez at the festival's most acclaimed event! 15 Star Chefs of Mexico will be challenged to create two exquisite specialties at the grill, delighting foodies with more than 30 dishes. The best chefs of the moment, delicious dishes, prestigious wines, mezcales and tequilas from the top producers of Mexico, all in one night.
Wines of the World Tasting Market
When: Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11 from 12pm to 4pm
Where: Moon Palace Cancun
Cost: $30 USD (20% discount for locals with ID)
Calling all wine lovers! Wines of the World Tasting Market is a walk-around tasting experience where guests will be able to discover new wines and compare them with their old favorites, while interacting face to face with winery owners, wine makers, and professional sommeliers.
Host venues for the 2018 Cancun Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival include several beautiful resorts in our area, all known for their spectacular cuisine and restaurants:
Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen
Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres
The Fives Downtown Playa del Carmen
La Zebra Tulum
Vidanta Riviera Maya
Moon Palace Cancun
Come and discover what makes Cancun and the Riviera Maya one of the top culinary destinations in Mexico at 10th edition of the Wine & Food Festival!
Tickets are available for individual events or you can choose an all access pass, a foodies package, or a party package. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit WineAndFoodFest.com.
To find out about upcoming events in our area, be sure to check out our Riviera Maya Events Calendar. Simply click on the individual links to see all of the event details!
Laura Nazimiec moved to Cancun from Philadelphia. A two-week language and culture immersion program in Guatemala led to a year of backpacking in Latin America and ultimately the decision to live abroad. After moving to Mexico, Laura turned her passion for travel into her career as a blogger and social media manager for BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors. In her free time, she enjoys running and yoga, and she also runs the website FitCancun.com. You can follow her on Twitter @FitCancun