Bern’s Winefest returns in April for 27th year; tickets on sale this weekend
In partnership with its sister properties Haven and the Epicurean Hotel, Bern’s Steak House announces the return of Bern’s Winefest presented by Laxer Family Foundation and benefitting the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship. The event offers wine aficionados and food enthusiasts a lineup of exclusive tasting, seminars, and dinners.
The festival honors all of the Bern’s family brands: Bern’s Steak House, Haven, and Bern’s Fine Wine & Spirits. 2024’s schedule is as follows:
April 13 – Heitz Cellar Blending Seminar & Picnic Lunch, 11 a.m.: Begin with the distinguished Heitz Cellar Blending Seminar & Picnic Lunch at the Epicurean Hotel. Guests can immerse themselves in a wine-blending seminar in the theater, ending with a wine-country picnic on the terrace. Special guest Brittany Sherwood, Heitz Cellar’s winemaker, will be in attendance at the event. Bern’s Steak House sommeliers lead guests through the creation of a special bottling for next year, exploring winemaking’s intricate art. Post-seminar, guests can enjoy a gourmet picnic by Chef Jonathan Atanacio and his culinary team at Élevage SOHO Kitchen & Bar, including a complimentary bottle of the special Lot-C91 Cabernet blend for later enjoyment. $250 per person.
April 14 – Haven Art Brunch with Cass Contemporary, 11 a.m.: Celebrate the art of fine dining at the Haven Art Brunch, a four-course brunch by Executive Chef Chad Johnson with Código 1530 Tequila and Perrier-Jouët Champagne. In collaboration with CASS Contemporary, enjoy unveilings of commissioned artworks amongst a culinary feast with drinks from Pernod Ricard and Perrier Jouët. $300 per person.
April 15 – Bern’s Steak House Dinner Featuring Florida Steakhouses, 6 p.m.: Make sure you bring your appetite for a collaboration dinner at Bern’s Steak House. The event showcases Florida’s premier steakhouses, offering a fusion of fine wine and gourmet dishes in the Rhone Room. A gathering of celebrated Florida chefs, including Ian Lynch of Cowford Chophouse (Jacksonville); Irv Miller of Jackson’s Steakhouse (Pensacola); Malyna Si of Capa (Lake Buena Vista) and Tyler Kineman of Knife & Spoon (Orlando), will deliver an exclusive dining experience that spotlights the culinary prowess of the Sunshine State. $450 per person.
April 16 – Bern’s Steak House Bordeaux Dinner, 6 p.m.: Experience the Bordeaux Dinner at Bern’s Steak House, featuring Clarence Dillon Wines‘ selections, including Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. Join Executive Chef Chad Johnson and Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt for a five-course culinary event, complete with a lavish dessert by Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas. In the Bordeaux room, enjoy guided tastings with Gerard Blanloeil, alongside Bern’s expert sommeliers, for a night of sheer indulgence. $700 per person.
April 17 – Laurent-Perrier Champagne Dinner and Seminar, 6 p.m.: The Epicurean Hotel invites guests to prepare for a bubbly evening ahead at the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Dinner and Seminar. Executive Chef Jonathan Atanacio delights guests with a four-course dinner, perfectly paired with Laurent-Perrier Champagnes. This celebration of bubbles and pairings is a must-attend for fine dining and champagne enthusiasts . $275 per person.
April 18 – Bern’s Steak House Legacy Dinner, Private Cellar Collection, 6 p.m.: The ultimate Winefest experience, this exclusive dinner in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room features a five-course meal paired with rare vintage wines from the Bern’s cellar, curated by David Laxer, Chris Belk, and Brad Dixon. This event promises a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, supporting the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship Fund. $1,500 per person.
April 19 – Haven Winemaker Dinner Featuring Darioush, 6 p.m.: Haven hosts an exciting celebration of Darioush Khaledi’s exceptional wines. Enjoy a five-course dinner by Executive Chef Chad Johnson and Chef de Cuisine Gerry Sizemore, with each dish complementing the featured wines. Khaledi’s journey from immigrant to winery founder is a testament to the American dream, offering guests an inspiring narrative alongside exquisite dining. $450 per person.
April 21 – Grand Tasting Experience, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: The Festival concludes under the big tent and expands into Haven with the Grand Tasting Experience hosted by Bern’s Steak House, Haven, and the Epicurean Hotel. This event invites guests to explore a world of flavors, featuring global wines and regional delicacies. Enjoy live music by favorite returning band,Electric Avenue; Haven’s exceptional cheese display, and Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits pop-up shop, curated by Bern’s Company Wine Director, Chris Belk. The Grand Tasting Experience ensures a memorable finale to the festival. $500 per person.
Guests are encouraged to extend their Bern’s Winefest experience by booking a room at The Epicurean Hotel for a special rate as low as $289/night. FYI, the rate doesn’t include tickets and guests must purchase tickets online in order to enjoy the special rate.
Also, Haven will be closed for service April 19-23 during Bern’s Winefest. The restaurant reopens April 24.
Ticket sales go live on Sat., March 2 at 10 a.m. EST, and are available on the Laxer Family Foundation website.
