First Traverse City Food & Wine event wows locals, travelers, and visiting chefs

• Inaugural event, set against an idyllic coastal backdrop, drew attendees from 34 states
• Plans already underway for the event's return in August 2026
• Initial success builds on Michigan's growing culinary reputation

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Foodies and aficionados can look forward to the return of Traverse City Food & Wine in 2026. The successful five-day event featuring over 80 mostly sold-out events, concluded Sunday, August 24. Its pinnacle was the Grand Tasting at the Traverse City Open Space Park, where a stellar lineup of chefs, including Food Network's Tyler Florence, showcased the bounty of Michigan's farms and waters.

Details of next year's event are still in the planning stages, including dates, chefs, and activities. But organizers say the glowing feedback from this year's Traverse City Food & Wine will ensure that another event will be held next year.

"Featuring an abundance of fresh local ingredients, this amazing group of chefs showcased flavors and dishes that wowed the crowds," said Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism. "And when you combine those flavors with perfectly paired wines and other locally-made beverages, it truly sets the culinary scene in the region."

For Florence, a return to Traverse City was somewhat of a homecoming. Before his 29 years as a television culinary personality, he worked as an intern at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

"I have fond memories of walking a mile to work in the snow," said Florence. "To come back to the region, share some of my favorite grilling techniques, and enjoy the flavorful abundance was more than a walk down memory lane; it was a real joy."

"The inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine is the perfect stage to showcase Michigan's agricultural diversity and talented wine and craft beverage makers," said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. "On the heels of the first-year success, we're inviting people to plan their next trip to discover Michigan's fresh and flavorful culinary scene."

Earlier this year, Traverse City's The Cook's House restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award adding to the more than 150 Michigan chefs that have earned James Beard Award nominations over the last 35 years.

Drawing on its unique geography and freshwater access, which promotes its agriculturally rich landscape, Michigan hosts numerous food-centric celebrations throughout the year, such as city-based Restaurant Weeks, Under The Radar's Farm-to-Ferry Taste of Michigan Dinner on Mackinac Island, the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Romeo Peach Festival, Michigan Honey Festival in Corunna, and the Romulus Pumpkin Festival—plus a variety of beer, wine, cider, spirits, and other craft beverage events featuring local flavors.

For travelers looking to get inspired by Michigan's rich flavors and experiences, visit michigan.org.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Follow along or join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

About Traverse City Tourism
Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination organization that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details of the region's lodging, attractions and area events are available at www.TraverseCity.com.

Media Contact:
Sierra Powers
FINN Partners on behalf of Pure Michigan
[email protected]

SOURCE Pure Michigan