Whitefish, Montana, is a picturesque town nestled in the Rocky Mountains’ northern reaches, offering a blend of outdoor adventures, small-town charm, and cultural experiences. It serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In the Winter,  Whitefish Mountain Resort is a major attraction during the winter months, providing excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, it caters to all skill levels.

In the warmer months, Whitefish transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. . Many places offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, enhancing the overall experience. Whitefish, Montana, is a destination that provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment, making it a must-visit for those seeking a getaway in the great outdoors.

This Summer,  the inaugural Whitefish Food & Wine Festival was held at Haskill Creek Farm in Whitefish, Montana and  marked a significant celebration of the region’s culinary and wine excellence. With over 1,000 tickets sold, attendees experienced a weekend filled with exquisite flavors and unique culinary adventures set against the stunning backdrop of the Flathead region.

The festival offered a range of intimate events, featuring high-end culinary creations by renowned local chefs such as Jacob Hausauer from Wasabi, Jeremy Grossman from Abruzzo, Andy Blanton from the Culinary Institute of Montana, and Tom Maney from Hucks, among others. These chefs crafted carefully curated menus paired with wines from 112 top-tier wineries, offering more than 200 wine varietals. This diversity allowed attendees to savor a harmonious blend of locally sourced ingredients and global culinary trends.

A major highlight was the festival’s Grand Tasting sessions, which brought together top wineries, craft breweries, and local food purveyors. These sessions offered guests the chance to sample a wide array of artisanal flavors and watch live demonstrations by local chefs, providing a closer look at their culinary techniques.

The Grand Tasting also included the Sommsation Lounge, enhancing the exclusive experience. Participating food purveyors included Whitefish Westside Market, Huck’s Place, Trovare, Veritas Chef, Wasabi, Hellroaring Saloon, Culinary Institute of Montana, The Spot Donuts, Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Abruzzo, and Blackstar Brewing Company.

The event also featured partnerships with distributors like George’s Distributing, Summit Beverage, and others, with Bank of America Private Bank as the premier sponsor. Co-founder Joe Hess expressed immense satisfaction with the festival’s success, noting the strong community spirit and collaboration among vendors, restaurants, and attendees.

The festival was impressive and highlighted the burgeoning culinary scene in Whitefish and poised to become a signature annual event, drawing food and wine enthusiasts nationwide. The festival also supported local causes, with charity beneficiaries including the Whitefish Ski Heritage Center & Museum, Stave Farmland, and Dream Adaptive Recreation. As the event continues to grow, it remains dedicated to celebrating the area’s vibrant food culture and supporting local chefs, farmers, and artisans. See you in 2025 for the 2nd Annual Event!