Rochester NY Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Rochester is a city that ignites your taste experience, presenting a diverse range of food and drink festivals. From delightful chocolate treats, food and wine pairings or enjoying some of the finest craft brews, these festivals promise an unforgettable journey through Rochester's diverse culinary landscape.

 

Rochester Wine & Chocolate Festival: February

 

One of New York's premier tasting events pairs delectable chocolates with an array of local and regional wines at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The festival features 45 craft vendors offering unique treats, including specialty chocolates from Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Sweet Times Chocolates, alongside wineries such as Ashley Lynn, Ferreira Carpenter Estates, Lakeland, and Merritt Estate serving their finest selections. Live music from local favorite bands  fills the spacious venue while attendees sample their way through gourmet chocolate fountains, wine-infused desserts, and artisanal cheese pairings.

 

The one-day festival is split into two sessions to ensure a comfortable experience for the 2,000 attendees who enjoy demonstrations from master chocolatiers and local wine experts sharing their craft. A special VIP lounge provides an exclusive tasting experience with premium wines and chocolate truffles not available in the main festival area, while a convenient wine check service allows guests to store their purchases while enjoying the festivities. Interactive chocolate-making workshops and blind wine tasting competitions add hands-on elements to this sophisticated yet approachable gathering.

 

Rochester Real Beer Expo: June

 

Thousands of craft beer enthusiasts gather annually at the concourse of Innovative Field for an afternoon of exceptional brews and local fare. The Rochester Real Beer Expo welcomes over 25 breweries, including regional favorites like Other Half Brewing, Mortalis Brewing Company, and Fifth Frame Brewing Co, alongside nationally recognized craft producers. Festival-goers sample unique and limited-release beers while enjoying concession offerings from Altobelli's Deli, Batter Up, Home Plate, and Red Ozier.

 

Typically hosting around 2,000 attendees, the open-air celebration features live music performances from local bands on the main stage. The festival showcases special barrel-aged releases, cask-conditioned ales, and collaboration brews created specifically for the event. A designated VIP hour allows early access and exclusive tastings of rare beers not available during general admission hours.

 

Rochester Cocktail Revival: June

 

Western New York's premier cocktail festival brings together mixologists, bartenders, and spirit enthusiasts for a week of tastings and educational seminars. The Rochester Cocktail Revival welcomes over 15,000 attendees annually to explore offerings from 45 local and regional vendors including Black Button Distilling, Fee Brothers, and Living Roots Wine & Co. Guests can sample crafted cocktails ranging from classic manhattans to innovative gin-based creations, paired with local food offerings such as charcuterie from McCann's Local Meats and small plates from Good Luck Restaurant.

 

The main tasting hall features live music from local jazz ensembles, while separate spaces host hands-on workshops teaching cocktail techniques and spirit education. Participating mixologists compete in the festival's signature competition to create the most innovative cocktail using locally-sourced ingredients. Special features include the Spirit Passport program where attendees collect stamps from different vendors to win prizes, and the popular "Battle of the Bars" competition where local establishments face off in themed challenges.

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Whether you consider yourself a seasoned foodie or a casual enthusiast, Rochester's food, wine, and beer festivals present an irresistible opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's diverse culinary offerings.